Lannavaara: Gold Panning, Trails and Church History

Lannavaara brings together gold prospecting, local history and trails through a changing landscape. At the Kristallen Knowledge Centre, gemmology and stoneworking are complemented by a hands-on gold-panning activity; Lannavaara minneskyrka and the history of the settlement reveal other aspects of the place. There are also different ways to enjoy the outdoors: a 3.4-kilometre floodlit trail and the Laestadiusleden pilgrimage trail. You can plan your stay around your interests, focusing on culture, a pre-arranged activity or time outdoors.

Gold Panning and Trails

Kristallen in Lannavaara is a knowledge centre for gemmology and stoneworking and is considered unique in Sweden. During the gold-panning activity, visitors can learn the basics of gold panning under guidance by appointment, then search for gold outdoors themselves. If you plan to go gold panning, arrange your visit in advance and check Kristallen’s seasonal visitor information.

Lannavaara also has a 3.4-kilometre floodlit trail. Laestadiusleden is a pilgrimage trail between Lannavaara and Lainio. When choosing between the trails, their different characteristics matter: the floodlit trail is clearly defined by its length, while Laestadiusleden is distinguished by its role as a pilgrimage trail and its connection between the two places.

Church and Local History

Lannavaara minneskyrka was built at the initiative of August Lundberg by the Lapska missionens vänner association in memory of Princess Eugénie. It was consecrated in 1934 and extensively renovated in 1973. Directly beside the church, a memorial stone to August Lundberg stands on the site of his former homestead. Here, you encounter two distinct commemorations: the church commemorates Princess Eugénie, while the stone honours Lundberg.

Lannavaara was established in 1873, after farmers from the villages of Soppero had conducted barley-growing trials there. The southern slope of Lannavaaraberget proved to be the only place in the area where barley ripened. The settlement’s history also includes the mission school that Lapska missionens vänner ran in Lannavaara for Sámi children from 1883 to 1916.

Landscape and Trip Planning

On the way to Lannavaara, the landscape changes from dense spruce and pine forests to more sparsely vegetated areas with low, gnarled mountain birches; white mountains rise in the background. The changing vegetation shapes the journey to the settlement and offers a landscape contrast to Lannavaara’s historical themes and activities.

If you are planning for a family with varied interests, you can weigh these priorities when looking for a holiday rental: a pre-arranged gold-panning session, local history or time on one of the trails. This lets you shape the rest of your trip around what your group wants to discover.

Discover more destinations: Karesuando, Abisko, Vittangi, Björkliden, Riksgränsen, Kiruna.

Go to the main travel overview: Kiruna.