Unique attraction in the middle of Pyhä-Luosto National Park in Lapland, Finland.
Lampivaara Amethyst Mine is one of the few mines that welcomes visitors all year round.
The amethyst of Lampivaara was formed about 2 000 million years ago in the bowels of the ancient mountains. There is now a special gem mine on the top of the fell that will sustain for hundreds of years, as machines aren’t used to dig the amethysts and it’s not exported as raw material. This makes it possible for people to visit the Amethyst Mine and search their own lucky amethyst to keep as a memento.
During the tour you will hear about the geology and history in addition to the properties of the gems and the uses of amethyst. In many cultures, there are a plenty of different beliefs connected to amethyst.
During winter amethysts are searched in a beautiful winter wonderland
You can enjoy the journey to Lampivaara Amethyst Mine with a special “snow train” Amethyst Pendolino which is a warmed wagon pulled by a snow machine. You may choose your departure station: the center of Luosto, Ukkoluosto parking lot (2,5 km from center) or Lampivaara Café (5 km from Luosto).
You can arrive to Lampivaara by winter hiking, skiing, snowshoeing or fatbiking. Please note, that the closest parking lot is located in Ukko-Luosto and it is not possible to drive by car directly to Lampivaara café. From the café, the Amethyst pendolino will take you to the top of Lampivaara fell where you can enjoy the very top view of the area over the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. At the top, you will be seated in a wooden shelter and hear about fascinating facts and stories of this beautiful, purple gem stone.
After the small introduction, you will be heading to digging area. Our winter digging area is covered so amethyst searching is possible throughout the season. Each visitor will be able to dig for their own personal lucky amethyst. In the end of the visit there is also some time to drop by a small “Amethyst Shop” on site. The amethyst of the area is refined into jewellery and other productions.