What's included in the price?

Snowshoe rental, guided tour with storytelling, amethyst mining, berry juice, and any amethysts you find. Pickup from Luosto or Pyhätunturi locations is included; check your confirmation for your start point.

Can I really keep the gemstones I find?

Yes. Amethysts you mine during the tour are yours to take home. Size varies, but specimens are typically hand-sized pieces suitable for display.

Is this suitable for beginners or people who don't snowshoe regularly?

Yes. The 2.5 km snowshoe distance is graded as easy, and no prior experience is needed. Snowshoes are provided and the pace is leisurely, with stops for storytelling and views.

Thermal underlayers, insulated waterproof jacket and trousers, warm hat, gloves, and insulated winter boots. Temperatures in Lapland regularly drop to –10°C or below; avoid cotton and bring hand/foot warmers.

How old do children need to be?

Suitable for ages 10+. Younger children may struggle with the 2.5 km snowshoe walk and cold exposure; contact the operator to discuss your child's fitness and experience.

What is the Shaman jewel?

A legendary and particularly rare amethyst specimen found in Lapland, known locally as the most famous gemstone from the region. Sightings are uncommon, but your guide will share its folklore during the tour.

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Amethyst Mine Visit with Snowshoes

Lapland, Finland

Walking ToursNature ToursHiking Tours

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About this activity

Combine winter adventure with geological discovery on this 4-hour snowshoe trek through Finnish Lapland's pristine forests to an active amethyst mine. Dig for your own purple gemstones (some up to 2 billion years old), learn the folklore of the famous Shaman jewel, and enjoy panoramic views from Lampivaara hilltop.

Tour starts with easy 2,5 km snowshoeing through the snow-covered forest to Amethyst mine. Pendolino will pick us up and take us into The Amethyst Mine what hides many jewels. Some of them can be up to 2000 million years old. If you are lucky, you can find the most famous jewel in Lapland – the Shaman jewel. Dig your own gemstone of Lapland, purple amethyst, during your visit to Amethyst Mine.

On the top of Lampivaara hill, you can admire maybe the most beautiful landscape of the area and you will have refreshing berry juice. During the storytelling moment, you will learn about this fascinating stone. After digging your own stone we will head back true small luosto fell area where you can take wonderful photos of the magnificent landscapes and wilderness.

If you want to start the tour in Luosto and you don´t need pick up: Choose pick up place Call of the Wilderness Storage-office Luosto. Adress Luostontie. 99555 Luosto. You will find it on google map. =)

If you want to start the tour in Pyhätunturi and you don´t need pick up: Choose pick up place Kairankutsu Office Pyhätunturi, Kultakeronkatu 4 ,98530 Pyhätunturi

Highlights

✓Snowshoe 2.5 km through snow-blanketed boreal forest
✓Mine your own amethyst gemstone to take home
✓Hunt for the legendary Shaman jewel of Lapland
✓Summit Lampivaara hill with expansive wilderness views
✓Local storytelling about Lapland's geological heritage
✓Refreshing wild berry juice at the mine site

Insider tips

★Wear insulated, waterproof layers and bring hand warmers—temperatures drop significantly at higher elevations
★The Shaman jewel sightings are rare; focus on enjoying the mining experience itself rather than expecting to find it
★Arrive early to maximise daylight during winter months when daylight hours are severely limited
★Request the Luosto or Pyhätunturi meeting point if you have your own transport to avoid pickup fees

Good to know

•Duration includes travel time; active walking/mining is approximately 3 hours
•Snowshoes provided; suitable for ages 10+, though very young children may find the 2.5 km walk challenging
•Pickup available from Call of the Wilderness Storage-office in Luosto or Kairankutsu Office in Pyhätunturi; confirm location when booking
•Amethyst specimens are yours to keep—typically fist-sized pieces
•Winter-appropriate clothing essential; layering recommended over bulky jackets for snowshoeing comfort

Who it's for

Winter adventure seekers wanting active outdoor experiencesGeology enthusiasts and gemstone collectorsFamilies with children aged 10+ comfortable hiking in snowPhotography lovers drawn to Arctic landscapes and golden-hour wilderness shots

Best time to visit

Visit between December and March for reliable snow and authentic winter experience. Aim for morning departures to maximise daylight; midwinter (late December–mid-January) has only 4–5 hours of daylight, while February–March offers longer visibility and slightly milder conditions.