Arktikum
Rovaniemi, Finland
A museum and science centre on Arctic nature and people, under a long glass corridor pointing north towards the Ounasjoki river.
Arktikum is a museum and science centre in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, right on the bank of the Ounasjoki river. It opened on 6 December 1992 and houses the Arctic Centre's science centre and the Regional Museum of Lapland.
Its most striking feature is a 172-metre glass corridor that crosses the road towards Kittilä. The building was designed by the Danish firm Birch-Bonderup & Thorup-Waade; inside, regional materials such as Lapland granite and pine were used.
The permanent exhibition “Arctic Opposites” leads from dark, blizzard-filled winter to bright, colourful, noisy summer. There are also several temporary exhibitions each year. Opening hours, tickets and access are listed on arktikum.fi and should be checked beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Rovaniemi, Finland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 66.5075, 25.7302
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Ounaskoski CampingMotorhome stopover1 km from Arktikum · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Napapiirin SaarituvatCampsite5 km from ArktikumTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · NapapiiriMotorhome stopover7 km from ArktikumMotorhomesElectricity
- BestPark Arctic CircleMotorhome stopover7 km from Arktikum · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Apukka Resort - Glass Igloos HotelCampsite15 km from Arktikum
- SonkaMökitMotorhome stopover25 km from Arktikum · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesDrinking water
All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Arktikum?
Arktikum is in Rovaniemi, Finland, at GPS 66.5075, 25.7302. It is about 7 km from Napapiiri.
Can you camp near Arktikum?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ounaskoski Camping, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Arktikum?
Arktikum is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Finnish Lapland: Rovaniemi to Inari.
What is there to see near Arktikum?
Places worth a stop nearby: Santa Claus Village (7 km), Oulanka National Park (160 km) and Pallastunturi (187 km).
When is the best time to visit Arktikum?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)