A gold bar valued at 20 thousand euros hidden somewhere in the landscapes of Finnish Lapland. And the best part? Whoever finds it, keeps it!

It sounds like the plot of an adventure film, but it's real. The ski resort of Levi, one of the best known in Finland, launched a treasure hunt that promised to attract adventurers from all over the world — and it delivered. The initiative was called Midnight Sun Hunt and ran between 18 June and 22 August 2026, although it ended earlier than expected.

Here at Lusijoia, we love gold. But we confess this story left us just a little bit jealous. Let us tell you everything.

How the gold hunt worked

The concept was simple — but it required a spirit of adventure. Those interested had to register at the Levi Visitor Centre, where they received the first clue. From then on, each new clue released throughout the summer led hunters along trails, local points of interest and services in the region.

The gold bar could be found after any clue, although subsequent clues made the hiding place progressively easier to locate. The final clue was scheduled for 22 August, but the organisers made it clear that the hunt could end before that.

Essential rules of the hunt

  • No digging — the prize was hidden in such a way that no intervention on the ground was required
  • Respect for nature — participants could only move around in authorised areas
  • Safety first — the rules and recommendations were available on the event's official website

Why did a ski resort hide gold in the summer?

The answer lies in tourism strategy. Levi is world-famous for its ski slopes and for watching the northern lights in winter. But the region has a summer secret: the midnight sun, a natural phenomenon in which the sun stays above the horizon for weeks, allowing outdoor activities 24 hours a day.

"Levi is known above all for its winter, but the northern summer is still a secret to many. We want to give travellers a new reason to visit Levi when the sun never sets and the landscape of the fells reveals a completely different face."

— Satu Pesonen, CEO of Visit Levi

The hunt was organised by Visit Levi, in partnership with Agnico Eagle Finland (a gold mining company based in Kittilä) and Levi Ski Resort. The aim was to position the region as a sustainable and active tourism destination all year round.

The outcome: 33 days later, the gold was found

The hunt ended earlier than expected. After 33 days of searching, a 28-year-old Finnish traveller from Espoo found the gold bar. He was on holiday in Levi, alone, and had received a hotel voucher as a Christmas present from a relative — he decided to use it when he heard about the hunt.

The moment of discovery happened at Kätkätunturi, a high fell in the Levi area. The prize was hidden north of the hiking trail, among a field of large rocks. The hunter had already collected three clues before finding the treasure.

As for the future of the bar? The winner plans to sell it soon, put most of the money into savings and use a small part for a future trip. "Maybe on that trip I won't have to sleep in a tent", he joked.

Gold Bar in Lapland

A global communications phenomenon

The Midnight Sun Hunt did not go unnoticed. The hunt was reported in more than 60 countries, with coverage from outlets such as CNN and The Independent.

Visit Levi considered that the initiative exceeded all expectations, both in terms of international visibility and participation. "We hoped the Midnight Sun Hunt would inspire people to discover Levi during the summer, but the global response surpassed everything we imagined", said Satu Pesonen.

And in 2027? There's more gold to find

The good news for anyone who felt like taking part: the organisers have already confirmed that the Midnight Sun Hunt will return in summer 2027. Preparations are already under way.

If you've always dreamed of hunting for treasure, maybe 2027 is your year. And here at Lusijoia, we'll be waiting to find out who the next person to find the gold hidden in Lapland will be.

Team note: At Lusijoia, we are truly passionate about gold and about all metals — but we prefer the kind that shines in daylight (or midnight light). If you're looking for a certified piece handmade in Portugal, come and visit us. We have pieces worth far more than any hidden treasure.

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