FAM-Trip Sompio

Sompio - A Living Backwoods:

We warmly invite you to get to know the Finnish destination Sompio on a FAM trip from June 9 to 12, 2023. You will meet representatives of the region and the local suppliers and they will present you what to expect in the forests of Finnish Lapland.

Far from crowdy tourist destinations in Finnish Lapland

Sompio is the perfect place for everyone who longs to go back to nature. It's a place, where the connection our forefathers had with nature, can be discovered - in the forests and fells of Finnish Lapland, far away from big tourist centres. You will notice a sense of wellness in the peace and perfect silence of Lapland’s wilderness. Above the Arctic Circle in northern Sodankylä in Finnish Lapland, there is always the chance of spotting reindeer anywhere at anytime. And from autumn onwards, it is of course possible to experience the magic of northern lights in the middle of the Arctic wilderness.

Originally, Sompio was a village where local reindeer herders settled in the snowy midwinter to take care of their herds. During the rest of the year they lived a nomadic life hunting and fishing. The villages of Vuotso and Purnumukka in the Sompio region are the southernmost Sami villages in Finland.

Authentic and regional experiences in a small format

In Sompio, with its quiet location and friendly locals, travellers can expect a relaxed time, far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. At the same time, a wide variety of activities and experiences are offered all year round. Since Sompio and especially Tankavaara looks back on an exciting history of gold prospecting, travellers can also follow in the footsteps of old gold miners by visiting the gold museum, panning for gold outdoors or searching for gold in a real gold mine.

The nature reserve Sompio, the fell Pyhä-Nattanen and the Urho-Kekkonen National Park offer many kilometres of hiking trails in summer, which can either be explored by yourself or as part of a guided hike. Canoe trips are offered on the local lakes, and you can pick mushrooms and berries or go fishing - surrounded by real wilderness. Winter offers a variety of guided activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, husky tours and reindeer safaris, in addition to individual cross-country skiing on the trails.

The local partners are small or family-owned companies that offer small-scale tourist activities in a cozy atmosphere.

Accessibility

Sompio is situated 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, about 2.5 hours from Rovaniemi and Kittilä and 45 minutes from Ivalo. The destination is easily accessible by bus from Rovaniemi. Transfers are also organised from accommodation partners in the area.

Day 1: Friday, 09.06.2023

Arrival day

Arrival at Rovaniemi Airport
Transport to Tankavaara
Check-In Hotel Tankavaara Gold Village and dinner in restaurant Old Gold Prospector
German-speaking geologist presents his company Kelo Koru Tankavaara (Gold and Gemstone Excursions)
Overnight stay at Hotel Tankavaara Gold Village

Day 2: Saturday, 10.06.2023

Breakfast at Hotel Tankavaara Gold Village
Introduction to Urho Kekkonen National Park, guided hiking possibilities and walk through the war historical trail.
Visit at the Exhibition House Sompio and introducing companies and possibilities
Visit Gold Museum
Lunch
Walk to the gold panning site and visiting gold claim AuRum
Introducing Ivalojoki Travel Services - Ivalojoen matkailupalvelut (Activities such as rafting, canoeing and trekking tours)
Dinner
Overnight stay at Hotel Tankavaara Gold Village

Day 3: Sunday, 11.06.2023

Breakfast at Hotel Tankavaara Gold Village
Transport to Savukoski
Stop at Sodankylä
Check-In at Hotel Samperin Savotta
Lunch
Hiking on nature trail Kivitunturi (ca. 5,9 km) and introducing of Savukoski area and its culture
Sauna
Dinner
Overnight at Hotel Samperin Savotta

Day 4: Monday, 12.06.2023

Departure day

Breakfast, Check-out
Possible daily programme depending on departure
Lunch depending on departure
Transport to Rovaniemi Airport

Tankavaara Gold Village

Tankavaara gold village offers different gold panning experiences and various accommodation options: Overnight stay in the hotel, in apartments or in wilderness cabins - built to reflect the simple living of the gold prospectors.

Restaurant Old Gold Prospector

The restaurant offers flavours from around the world with seasonal ingredients from the region. The atmosphere with an open fireplace takes visitors back to the history of the gold rush.

Kelo Koru Tankavaara

The supplier offers different excursions to search for gold and gemstones under expert guidance - including instructions in gold washing and a visit to the museum.

Urho Kekkonen National Park

In Urho Kekkonen National Park, the wilderness areas of the fells are protected for the current and future generations to enjoy. It is the second oldest national park in Finland.

Exhibition House Sompio

The Exhibition House Sompio is a conference and exhibition centre build of materials from the north. The wilderness exhibition combines the nature of Lapland, animals and art. ©Exhibition House Sompio

The Gold Museum

The museum has several exhibitions in two buildings connected by a passageway. The main exhibition informs about the Lappish Gold History. ©Kultamuseo

Gold claim AuRum

The company presents the lifestyle of the only authentic European gold mining community. Their mission is to familiarise the new generations with the gold prospecting, raise awareness and create general interest in the green and ethical gold. ©Team Deadwood

Ivalojoen matkailupalvelut

The company offers year-round wilderness accommodation in the middle of the Hammastunturi wilderness and activities such as rafting, canoeing and - in wintertime - husky tours and reindeer safaris.

Samperin Savotta

The cosy and service-oriented hotel and holiday centre in Savukoski is located on the banks of the Kemijoki River and offers a wide range of activities and equipment rental.

FAM-Trip in cooperation with Visit Sompio

This FAM trip is being realised together with our partner, the Sompio region in Finnish Lapland, and is aimed exclusively at selected tour operators from the DACH & Benelux markets. As with all NordicMarketing FAM trips, the number of participants is limited and deliberately kept small for quality reasons. The FAM trip will be hosted by Kaija Ryytty from Destination Sompio and Pia Manninen from the NordicMarketing team.

Your benefits:

Get to know destinations and products on-site
Establish or deepen personal contact with contacts in Finland

Flights, accommodation and meals included

During this FAM trip, the costs of the trip are completely covered by the destination. In addition to the plane tickets, this also includes local transfers, accommodation, meals, activities, and sightseeing. For this reason, certain requirements and criteria apply to the selection of potential participants for FAM trips in terms of position or activity within the company as well as specialisation or product portfolio of the organiser.

FAM Trip Sompio

Finnish Lappland

9.-12. June 2023