More commonly known as the home of Santa Claus and for its landscapes reminiscent of the magical world of Narnia, Lapland in Finland is inviting tourists to swap reindeer rides for a summer-long hunt for hidden gold.

Participants will explore the trails and landmarks of Levi, a resort in northern Finland, known for winter ski slopes and views of the Northern Lights, where fortune hunters will be in search of a gold bar worth 20,000 euros ($23,300).

The Midnight Sun Hunt begins on June 18 at the Levi Visitor Centre, according to a statement from Visit Levi on Tuesday.

Participants can collect their first clue and register for the hunt at the center. After, further clues will be shared, leading hikers through local trails, attractions and landmarks, each bringing them closer to the hidden prize.

The gold bar could be found after any clue, organizers said, with additional hints being released throughout the summer, gradually making the location of the gold easier to identify.

The final clue is set to be revealed on August 22.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, Levi is best known as one of Finland’s premier ski destinations and a popular winter hotspot.

During the summer months, the region experiences the midnight sun, giving Lapland 24-hour sunlight during certain periods.

Visit Levi described the summer period as a hidden gem waiting to be explored. 

The Levi ski resort is one of many winter season hotspots across Europe that has diversified, offering snow-free ventures like paragliding, hiking, river rafting and mountain biking.

The Midnight Sun Hunt is organized in cooperation with Agnico Eagle Finland, a gold mining company based in Kittilä, and Levi Ski Resort.

Participants keen to join are instructed to move responsibly, stay within permitted areas and respect the natural environment. The hunt does not require digging or disturbing the terrain in any way, organizers said. (CNN)

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The three-day excavation effort in the Wanduramba area in Veyangoda, initiated in search of rumoured buried treasure, concluded at 04.00 PM yesterday as per a court order issued by the Attanagalle Magistrate’s Court. 

Despite high expectations and the significant involvement of various government agencies, the operation did not uncover any treasure or items of archaeological value.  

The excavation which began on 21 November, was overseen by the Department of Archaeology, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, the Veyangoda Police, the Road Development Authority, and the Mirigama Divisional Secretariat. The search was launched after the Police Special Task Force (STF) reportedly found evidence suggesting the presence of buried items at the site, a location that has been a hotspot for treasure hunters over the years.  

During the operation, workers encountered a massive rock that required drilling after attempts to lift it using a crane were unsuccessful. This development prolonged the search, fueling speculation about what lay beneath. However, after exhaustive efforts, officials confirmed that no significant findings were made.  

The site, situated near the Central Expressway construction project, has a history of being targeted by treasure hunters, with multiple previous excavations and arrests of individuals caught with treasure-hunting equipment. Earlier inspections by the Department of Archaeology had similarly concluded that the site held no hidden treasure.  

Despite the absence of discoveries, the operation highlighted the importance of preserving archaeological sites and ensuring that investigations are conducted under legal and professional oversight.  

Officials have now closed the site, and any further excavation will require new evidence and approval from the relevant authorities. (Newswire)

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