Siida

Top choice


One of Finland's most absorbing museums, state-of-the-art Siida offers a comprehensive overview of the Sámi and their environment. The main exhibition hall consists of a fabulous nature exhibition around the edge, detailing northern Lapland’s ecology by season, with wonderful photos and information panels. The centre of the room has 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, and a theatrette shows pretty visuals of the aurora borealis and Inarijärvi a few times daily. There’s also a fine craft shop and a good lunch cafe.

Outside, the original Siida museum is a complex of mostly original buildings, including farmhouses, storage huts and a courthouse, where miscreants scratched their names on the wooden walls while awaiting a likely flogging.

The museum's excellent website has comprehensive information on the Inari and Skolt Sámi cultures, accessed via the ‘web exhibitions’ page.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Sajos

0.21 MILES

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…

2. Pielpajärven Kirkko

3.79 MILES

This erämaakirkko (wilderness church) is accessible by a marked walking track (7.5km one way) from the parking area at Siida. If you're driving, there’s…

3. Bears' Nest

9.94 MILES

At the edge of Myössäjärvi, 16km south of Inari, look out for the Karhunpesäkivi rest stop. From here, a 300m timber boardwalk (mainly comprising steps)…

4. Kaapin Jouni

22.94 MILES

This historic farm on the other side of the river from Njurgulahti was once the home of the ‘reindeer king’ Jouni Aikio. You can visit by organising boat…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "finland/lapland/inari/attractions/siida/a/poi-sig/1028959/359177",
      "position": "superzone"
    }