Venturing into the snowy Finnish wilderness, this small-group tour offers a chance to uncover the secrets of an ancient amethyst mine. Participants will explore the site’s rich history, guided by knowledgeable experts, before getting the opportunity to dig for and claim their own stunning amethyst stones. Complemented by a hearty lunch around a cozy snow bonfire, this intimate experience promises to leave visitors with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the Nordic landscape.
Key Points
- Small-group tour from Rovaniemi to an ancient amethyst mine where participants can dig for and keep their own amethyst stones.
- Guided commentary on the history of amethyst mining in the area and a hearty lunch around a snow bonfire.
- Pickup and drop-off included for accommodations within 15 km of Rovaniemi city center, with snowcat transportation provided based on snow conditions.
- Minimum group size of 2 on weekdays/Saturdays and 4 on Sundays/public holidays, with a maximum of 24 travelers.
- Overall positive reviews highlighting the organization, helpful guides, and informative mine exploration, with some concerns regarding transportation conditions.
Tour Overview
This small-group tour from Rovaniemi takes visitors to an ancient amethyst mine, where they can dig for and keep their own amethyst stones.
A guide provides commentary on the history of amethyst mining in the area. The tour includes a hearty lunch around a snow bonfire, featuring salmon soup, campfire BBQ with reindeer sandwiches, and hot blueberry juice.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. Depending on snow conditions, snowcat transportation may be provided.
Participants can expect an immersive, hands-on experience exploring the scenic amethyst mine and enjoying a traditional Finnish lunch.
Looking for more options in Rovaniemi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Meeting Point and Transportation
The meeting point for the tour is at Maakuntakatu 29, 96200 Rovaniemi, Finland, next to the Subway restaurant.
Participants should be ready 10 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time.
The tour includes:
- Pickup and drop-off at accommodations within 15 km of Rovaniemi city center.
- Snowcat transportation based on snow conditions.
- Tour ends back at the meeting point.
With these transportation details, visitors can easily access the amethyst mine and return to their starting point after an engaging day of exploring and mining amethyst.
Group Size and Accessibility
At least 2 participants are required for weekday and Saturday tours, while Sunday and public holiday tours need a minimum of 4 participants.
This small-group experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, with a maximum group size of 24 travelers. However, infant seats are available, and dietary requirements can be accommodated if advised at the time of booking.
Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying the full tour price.
Pricing and Availability
The amethyst mine visit from Rovaniemi is priced from $194.62 per person. Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
However, the tour is non-refundable, and cancellation results in no refund.
Travelers should note the following:
- The tour requires a minimum of 2 participants on weekdays and Saturdays, and 4 on Sundays and public holidays.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying full price.
- Departure times may vary by season, so it’s essential to verify with the local partner.
What’s Included in the Tour
As part of the amethyst mine visit from Rovaniemi, participants can enjoy a small-group tour that provides an immersive experience.
The tour includes the opportunity to dig for amethyst and keep any stones that fit in a closed fist. Along the way, travelers will receive guided commentary on the history of amethyst mining.
During the excursion, everyone will enjoy a hearty lunch around a snow bonfire, featuring salmon soup, a reindeer sandwich, and hot blueberry juice. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available upon request.
Depending on snow conditions, the group may be transported by snowcat.
Highlights of the Experience
Participants on the amethyst mine visit from Rovaniemi can expect an immersive and memorable experience. The tour includes:
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Hands-on exploration at an ancient amethyst mine, where visitors can dig for and keep the precious stones.
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Engaging commentary from knowledgeable guides about the history and geology of the amethyst mining operation.
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A delightful lunch around a snow bonfire, featuring traditional Finnish delicacies like salmon soup, reindeer sandwiches, and hot blueberry juice.
The tour’s transportation, whether by snowcat or other means, ensures a comfortable and scenic journey to the mine site, allowing participants to fully enjoy the winter wonderland of Finnish Lapland.
Dietary Accommodations
According to the tour details, the organizers accommodate dietary requirements for participants.
The tour includes a lunch with salmon soup and campfire BBQ, such as a reindeer sandwich and hot blueberry juice. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are available upon request.
Travelers should advise their dietary needs when booking the tour. This ensures the local partner can properly prepare the lunch to meet everyone’s dietary preferences.
The inclusion of these accommodations allows all participants to fully enjoy the amethyst mining experience and the hearty meal around the snow bonfire.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Travelers have left 11 reviews for this amethyst mine tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
91% of reviewers recommend the experience to others. Positive feedback highlights the tour’s organization, helpful guides, and informative mine exploration.
However, some participants expressed concerns about transportation conditions and communication issues during pickup.
The majority of travelers enjoyed the scenic beauty, educational aspects, and the provided lunch menu.
The experience received praise for:
- Informative mine tour and commentary
- Enjoyable lunch around a snow bonfire
- Well-organized operation
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Gear Is Provided During the Amethyst Mining Activity?
The tour provides necessary safety gear for the amethyst mining activity, including gloves and protective eyewear. Participants are required to wear this gear during the digging and exploration of the ancient amethyst mine.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?
The tour has age restrictions – children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying full price. There are no other age limits specified, allowing participation by travelers of all ages.
Can We Purchase Additional Amethyst Stones Beyond the Limit?
Yes, participants can purchase additional amethyst stones beyond the limit of what can fit in a closed fist. However, there may be an extra charge for additional stones collected during the tour.
What Happens in Case of Extreme Weather Conditions During the Tour?
In case of extreme weather, the tour may be cancelled or postponed for safety reasons. The operator will notify participants as soon as possible and work to reschedule or provide a full refund if the tour can’t proceed.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for More Amethyst Mining?
The tour doesn’t offer the option to extend the duration for more amethyst mining. However, participants can keep any amethyst stones that fit in a closed fist during the allotted mining time.
The Sum Up
This small-group wintertime tour from Rovaniemi offers a unique opportunity to explore an ancient amethyst mine and dig for your own stunning stones. Along with a guided history of the site, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch by a cozy snow bonfire. With a maximum of 24 participants, this intimate experience in the Finnish wilderness is perfect for those seeking an educational and adventurous wintertime activity.
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