Real gold and other treasures in the Santa Claus Village
The mysterious Santamus hides real gold within its walls, but also other treasures: once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all senses and a breakaway from the modern busy lifestyle.
SANTAMUS – restaurant with a heart of gold
A nugget of gold called Isommus*-shaped restaurant Santamus hides treasures: experiences for all the senses, a peaceful moment in the middle of busy everyday life – and real Lapland gold.
Lapland gold rush
Finland’s first gold rush started in the 1870s, when gold deposits were discovered in Lapland. One of the most successful gold diggers of that time was Matti Korva from Rovaniemi, whose descendant founded the restaurant Santamus in the Arctic Circle 130 years later. Lapland gold rush is still reality for many. For them, gold panning is a way of life, and they return to their claims spring after spring.
Santamus – the glitter of real gold
In the middle of Restaurant Santamus, a small pond glistens, with a stream of gold flowing along its edge. The bottom sand of the stream comes from Ivalojoki, and it contains real gold nuggets. As our guest, you don’t need your own claim, to try panning for gold from our own stream all year round. So grab a gold pan and find your own piece!
Santamus courtyard
A little break from everyday life starts here. Santamus’ courtyard is a peaceful time travel to the traditional Lapland way of life. Stop for a moment to listen and have a look around. The surrounding buildings have their own story to tell. *One of the largest nuggets of gold found in Lapland.
You can book Santamus gold panning experience or the Santamus Sauna experience for your group as part of the Santamus dinner experience.