Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of Finland's finest museums, Siida, a comprehensive overview of the Sámi and their
environment, should not be missed. The main exhibition hall consists of a fabulous nature
exhibition around the edge, detailing northern Lapland's ecology by season, with wonder-
ful photos and information panels. In the centre of the room is detailed information on the
Sámi, from their former seminomadic existence to modern times.
In an adjacent hall is a timeline framing Sámi prehistory and history alongside other
world events. Other halls have excellent temporary exhibitions.
Outside is what was the first Siida museum, a complex of mostly original buildings in-
cluding farmhouses, storage huts and a courthouse, where miscreants scratched their
names on the wooden walls while awaiting a likely flogging.
Back inside, a theatrette shows pretty visuals of the aurora and Inarijärvi a few times
daily; there's also a fine craft shop and a good lunch cafe.
Siida's website is itself worth a mention: via the 'web exhibitions' page you can access
a series of excellent pages on the Inari and Skolt Sámi cultures.
Sajos
CULTURAL CENTRE
(
www.sajos.fi
;Siljotie; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
The spectacular wood-and-glass Sámi cultural centre stands proud in the middle of town.
It holds the Sámi parliament as well as a library and music archive, restaurant, exhibitions
and craft shop. In summer there are tours of the building, and Sámi handicraft workshops.
Pielpajärven Kirkko
CHURCH
( 24hr)
This
erämaakirkko
(wilderness church) is accessible by a marked walking track (7.5km
one way) from the parking area at Siida. If you have a vehicle there's another trailhead
beyond here from where it's 4.3km. In winter you'll need snowshoes. The area has for cen-
turies been an important marketplace for the Sámi; the first church was erected in 1646.
The present church was built in 1760, and restored in the 1970s. Open the shutters to get
the full benefit, but close them again after your visit.
Activities
