Naturum Laponia
Naturum at Stora Sjöfallet and gateway to the Laponia World Heritage Site, with an exhibition on nature, reindeer herding and Sámi culture, and free admission.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Naturum Laponia opened in autumn 2014 and serves as the visitor centre and gateway to the Laponia World Heritage Site. From naturum you reach four national parks, two nature reserves and nine Sámi villages in an area of about 9,400 square kilometres.
The building lies on the promontory Viedásnjárgga by the lake Láŋas, in Stuor Muorkke/Stora Sjöfallet National Park. The exhibition tells what Laponia is and why the area is a World Heritage Site, and it follows the changes of the seasons. A common thread is why the reindeer stands at the centre of Sámi culture. In the exhibition visitors can listen to joik, swans and natural sounds throughout an entire year.
Naturum also has activities for children, a craft room and a café, and it is the starting point for discovering the World Heritage Site on your own.
Highlights
- Exhibition on Laponia, the changing seasons and the reindeer's role in Sámi culture
- Joik, birdsong and natural sounds throughout an entire year
- Nature trail with a boardwalk to a barbecue spot with a view of Juobmotjåhkkå
- Activities for children such as track bingo, lasso in the snowdrift and storytime
- Café with gáhkko (Sámi flatbread), smoked char and waffles
Permanent exhibition
- Naturum Laponias utställning – The exhibition tells about the Laponia World Heritage Site, the changing seasons and the reindeer's role in Sámi culture, with joik and natural sounds.
- Founded
- 2014
- Operated by
- Laponiatjuottjudus
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Free admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building is on one level without stairs, and it is easy to get around with a wheelchair or rollator. The exhibitions are adapted for people with reduced mobility. There is an accessible toilet with a changing table, places to rest and handrails at the entrance. There is no induction loop. The nature trail is an accessible information walk on a boardwalk and packed gravel.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
Track bingo, following Ristin Ripa's tracks through the exhibition, lasso in the snowdrift, storytime with Plupp and a craft room. Changing tables are in several toilets.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Stora Sjöfallet Mountain Center · 600 m
The line bus stops at Stora Sjöfallet Mountain Center, about 600 metres from naturum's car park.
By car
Parking available · 300 m to the entrance
The car park is by Vägen västerut (road 827). Those who have difficulty walking can drive right up to the building.
Naturum is about 92 km after the turn-off westwards from the E45 onto road 827. The starting points are Gällivare and Jokkmokk; by train you arrive at Gällivare or Murjek.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café with, among other things, gáhkko with reindeer sausage, smoked char, waffles and home-baked fika bread; the range varies with the season. Coffee can be taken out or brought into the tent hut (tältkåtan).
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The guides offer, among other things, child-friendly tours of the exhibition. School classes and groups have their own pages on the website. Binoculars can be borrowed. |
