Things to do at Arktikum

Arktikum is the glass-fronted museum and science centre stretched along the Kemijoki riverbank, its long tunnel corridor of glass and steel visible from across town and lit up through the dark winter months. Inside, permanent exhibitions cover the Arctic environment, polar climate and the history and culture of the Sami, alongside changing temporary shows on themes such as wildlife or Arctic research.

5 to 2 hours to get round both halls properly. 5 km from Rovaniemi city centre, an easy 20-minute walk or short taxi ride, and is open year-round, though hours are shorter outside the summer season. The exhibitions present Sami culture and history factually rather than as performance, which is worth knowing if you are coming from a more staged experience elsewhere.