Event: Finland

Siida Centre

When:	Daily
Where:	Siida Centre
Costs:	€8; concessions €6.50; 7-17 yrs €4; under 7s free
Opening Hours:	Various, according to season - please check with the museum

A fantastic introduction to all things to do with Lapland, the multicultural Silda Centre houses a museum, puts on exhibitions and acts as a service centre for those stepping out to explore the northern wilderness.

This modern museum is devoted to the indigenous Sámi people and the contrasting seasons of the region are explored through words and images. The charming lakeside settlement of Inari is a unique place for its preservation of the precious Sámi culture, and is probably one of the most interesting towns in northern Lapland.

Through photographs, videos, dioramas, soundscapes and original artefacts, visitors are guided between the seasons and through history. The main exhibition is always complemented by temporary cultural history, nature and art exhibits.

For those keen to commune with nature rather than culture, the "Bureau" at the centre provides information about mountain biking, paddling and snowmobile routes, natural sights, fishing and hunting areas, as well as general information about the nature of Northern Lapland. It is also possible to hire cabins and to buy fishing and hunting permits.