Goldpanning as a hobby

Tankavaara was one of the first places where gold panning was developed into an ideal product for any tourist. In 1970 the panning site was opened by the auriferous Hopiaoja creek. For a small fee the tourists were supplied with all necessary gold panning equipment as well as instructed how to use them. Each summer thousands of motorists will get a souvenir they will never forget; a chip of genuine gold of Lapland. Nowadays it is possible to test one's gold panning skills even in the winter in a small pool inside the Museum.

International co-operation of gold panners also originated in Tankavaara. The first goldpanning competitions with modern rules were arranged in Tankavaara in 1974. The championships gained a good deal of public attention not only in Finland but abroad as well. The year of the first world championships was 1977, when the President of Finland, Mr. Urho Kekkonen honoured the occasion with his presence.

RESULTS - GOLD PANNING FINNISH OPEN 2005

Goldpanning Finnish Open in Tankavaara.

Goldpanning competitions

The competitions were later held in various other parts of the world. Currently 20 member states form an international body, World Goldpanning Association. The number of members in national associations counts in tens of thousands of gold enthusiasts, both hobbyists and professionals. Finnish goldpanning championships are held every summer on the first whole weekend of August.

Nowadays, hundreds of amateurs pan for gold in Lapland every summer, but it is only a lucky few who can earn a livelihood from their efforts. Lapland is the only place in Europe, where it is possible to pan for gold under circumstances similar to a hundred years ago. Here you can experience the true wilderness and feel the thrills of gold fever.