Amethyst Mine in Luosto: Dig your own purple gem

You ride a heated wagon pulled by a snow machine to dig gemstones that have waited two billion years to be found.

This tour takes you to the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine in Luosto, where you travel by heated snow train to the top of a fell overlooking the national park. You dig your own purple amethyst from the mine, hear the geology and cultural beliefs connected to the stone, and take your find home as a souvenir. The mine operates without heavy machinery and follows environmentally friendly practices.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Amethyst Mine and Dig Stone

• Travel to Lampivaara mine by snow train
• Enjoy views from Lampivaara fell
• Drink warm berry juice
• Listen to stories about amethyst
• Dig your own amethyst stone

The experience

The Pendolino (a heated wagon towed by a snow machine) carries you up Lampivaara fell to the mine entrance. On the way up, you sip warm berry juice and take in views across the landscape and national park. The mine sits on top of a small mountain in the immediate vicinity of the Luosto recreation centre, in the middle of Lapland's terrain.

At the mine, a guide walks you through the geology of amethyst and the history of the site. You'll hear how different cultures have believed in the properties of this purple gemstone for millennia. Then you dig into the rock face yourself, extracting your own amethyst to keep. The mining is done by hand without big machinery, making it an environmentally friendly operation. The stone you find has been waiting 2,000 million years to be discovered.

Winter clothes are provided for the journey, and the heated wagon means you stay warm during the ride. A live English-speaking guide leads the experience. Public transportation options are available near the site, and the tour suits all fitness levels. Specialized infant seats are on hand if you're traveling with small children.

What’s included

• Entrance to the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine.
• the Pendolino snow train ride to the top of the fell.
• warm berry juice during the journey.
• winter clothes for the outing.
• and a live English-speaking guide who shares the geology, history and cultural significance of amethyst.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday and ThursdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 16 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park

Is this one for you?This tour works well for families and small groups who want a hands-on experience that doesn't demand hiking or strenuous physical effort. The heated wagon and provided winter gear mean you stay comfortable in the Lapland landscape, and the digging itself is gentle enough for children and older travelers alike.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine and why is it special?

Lampivaara is a working amethyst mine on top of a fell in Luosto, operated without heavy machinery and recognized as a national treasure. The amethyst here has formed over 2,000 million years, and mining is done in an environmentally friendly way that preserves the landscape.

How do I get to the mine from the base?

You travel by Pendolino, a heated wagon pulled by a snow machine, which takes you up the fell to the mine entrance. The ride itself is part of the experience, and you can enjoy warm berry juice and views of the national park on the way up.

Do I actually dig for amethyst myself, or is it a demonstration?

You dig your own amethyst from the rock face during the tour. The stone you extract is yours to take home as a memento of the experience.

What will I learn about amethyst on this tour?

The guide explains the geology of amethyst, the history of the Lampivaara site, and the beliefs different cultures hold about the properties and uses of this purple gemstone.

What should I wear, and will I be warm enough?

Winter clothes are provided as part of the tour. The Pendolino wagon is heated, so you stay comfortable during the ride up the fell and while you're at the mine.