From Rovaniemi: Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and craving an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter magic, a Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour might just be what you’re looking for. This experience promises a taste of Arctic adventure, combining the quiet beauty of snow-laden forests with the stillness of a frozen lake. While you won’t necessarily head home with a catch, the journey itself is packed with memorable moments, stunning scenery, and expert guidance.

What really draws people in are the knowledgeable guides who bring the landscape to life, and the chance to learn practical survival skills like fire-building. Plus, the small group setting means you’ll get plenty of personal attention, making it a cozy, engaging experience. That said, if you’re worried about cold weather or are traveling with very young children or those with mobility issues, this might require some planning. Overall, it’s suited best for travelers who enjoy being outdoors and want a genuine, active taste of Lapland.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic experience combining snowshoeing and ice fishing
• Small group size limits to 8 participants, ensuring personalized guidance
• Learn survival skills like fire-making in the snow
• Stunning scenery along a frozen lake and through Lapland’s forests
• Expert guides who are knowledgeable and friendly
• Weather conditions operate in all weather, so dress warmly and appropriately

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a well-rounded peek into Lapland’s natural environment. The adventure starts with a drive approximately 20 kilometers north from Rovaniemi into the Arctic Circle. This scenic ride alone is a treat, giving you a taste of the Arctic landscape before you even step out of the vehicle. Once there, the real fun begins.

Snowshoeing through the Taiga Forest

The tour takes you on a 2-kilometer walk across snow-covered terrain. Snowshoeing here isn’t physically demanding but offers a unique way to move through the deep snow, giving you an immersive experience of Lapland’s quiet forests. The guides typically share insights about Arctic animals and trees, making this part educational as well as scenic. Many reviews highlight how this walk is a highlight — “really fun, not hard,” and “easy and not very long,” as some guests noted.

Ice Fishing on the Frozen Lake

Following the snowshoe trek, you’ll reach a frozen lake where the true Arctic magic unfolds. Here, you’ll drill your own holes in the ice, set up your individual fishing spots, and try your luck catching fish. Even if your catch isn’t successful—since fish tend to be less active in winter—most find the process calming and beautiful. Several guests appreciated the peacefulness of the lake and the chance to connect with nature.

Making Fire and Warm Up

One of the most memorable parts is learning how to start a fire without matches. Your guide will demonstrate how to chop wood and ignite a fire using traditional methods, adding a survival skill to your outdoor repertoire. This skill is especially useful in cold climates and makes the experience feel more authentic.

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Warmth and Comfort

After fishing, you’ll head into a Kota or tipi-style shelter, where you can warm up with sausages, hot drinks, and Finnish chocolates. Many reviews mention the warmth of the campfire and the friendly guides who make everyone feel at home. For those interested in photography, the scenery offers plenty of opportunities, especially with the snow-dusted trees and icy lakes.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who love outdoor activities and learning new skills. It’s ideal if you want to get away from the more touristy spots and really feel like you’re exploring Lapland’s natural side. Because the tour operates in all weather conditions, be prepared for cold, snow, or even windy days — proper clothing is essential. Participants who enjoy peaceful, slow-paced nature experiences will find this especially rewarding.

If you’re traveling with children, keep in mind the physical nature of the walk and cold weather, which might require extra preparation or consideration. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, given the terrain and activity level.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The Itinerary and Route

The tour begins with a 20 km drive out of Rovaniemi, a scenic journey that sets the tone for what’s to come. Once at the starting point, you’ll gear up with provided thermal and weather-appropriate clothing—something many reviewers appreciate, as it helps keep out the cold and makes the outdoor experience more comfortable.

Starting with snowshoeing, your guide will lead you through forested trails, pointing out trees, animal tracks, and sharing stories about Arctic wildlife. This part is relaxed, giving everyone a chance to adjust to the snowshoes and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Next comes the walk across the frozen lake—an iconic Lapland activity. The lake is vast, and walking across it feels like stepping into a winter wonderland. The ice surface is smooth and solid, and drilling holes in the ice becomes an engaging activity, especially when everyone gets involved in trying to catch fish. While catching fish isn’t guaranteed, the process is enjoyable, and many guests say it’s about the tranquility more than the catch.

The Fire and Warming Up

After fishing, you’ll join your guides inside a traditional Kota, where the warmth and aroma of grilled sausages welcome you. Making your own fire with their guidance is a highlight, especially since you learn a skill that’s practical and rooted in Lapland’s culture. Guests often mention how cozy and authentic this part feels.

Photography Opportunities

Throughout the tour, the scenery offers excellent photo ops—snow-laden trees, sparkling ice, and the wide, silent lake. Many reviews highlight the value of bringing a camera along to capture the stunning landscape. The guides are often helpful in pointing out the best spots for photos.

Weather and Clothing Considerations

Since the tour takes place in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately is crucial. Thermal layers, weatherproof outerwear, and waterproof boots are recommended. Some guests mentioned that the waterproof boots provided aren’t insulated enough to prevent toes from getting cold, so layering with warm socks might be wise. The cold can be intense, but many find that the experience of being outside in such pristine winter scenery outweighs minor discomforts.

Group Size and Personal Attention

With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a more intimate experience. Guests consistently praise the guides for their friendliness, knowledge, and patience. Several reviewers mentioned guides by name, emphasizing how well they explained everything and made the day special—”Archie is an excellent guide,” or “Klara and Fran were really good guides.”

Duration and Cost

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, which balances a good amount of outdoor activity without feeling rushed or overly tiring. Considering the small group size, personalized guidance, and unique activities, many see this as a solid value for the price.

Potential Drawbacks

The main considerations involve the cold weather — dress properly or be prepared for chilly toes and fingers. Also, since ice fishing is an unpredictable activity, don’t expect to catch fish every time. Some guests noted that fish are less active in winter, which is normal, and the process is about enjoying the experience rather than the catch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a genuine Arctic adventure that combines activity, learning, and stunning scenery, this tour ticks all those boxes. You’ll get to snowshoe through beautiful forests, try your hand at ice fishing, and learn a bit about survival skills from friendly, knowledgeable guides. It’s a well-organized, small-group experience that many guests find memorable and unique.

This is best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are ready for cold weather. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful escapade into Lapland’s wilderness, this tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

While it isn’t a high-adrenaline excursion, it’s a slow-paced, immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re truly connecting with Lapland’s natural environment. It’s not just about the activity — it’s about the atmosphere, the scenery, and the stories shared along the way.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is suitable for those comfortable in cold, outdoor environments, it’s not specifically designed for children and involves walking over snow and ice, which might be challenging for very young kids.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, weather-appropriate clothing including thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and insulated boots. Some guests recommend bringing extra socks and gloves for added warmth.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs in all weather conditions. Be prepared for cold, snow, or wind, and dress accordingly.

How long is the snowshoeing walk?
The snowshoeing part covers roughly 2 kilometers and is generally easy and not physically demanding.

Can I catch fish during the ice fishing?
Catching fish isn’t guaranteed, especially in winter when fish tend to be less active. The process, however, is peaceful and enjoyable regardless.

What is included in the experience?
Guides, transportation from Rovaniemi, snowshoes, thermal clothing, and warm drinks and snacks after the activity are typically provided. You’ll also learn fire-making and survival skills.

Is the group small?
Yes, limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Can I book and pay later?
Absolutely, you can reserve now and pay up to 24 hours in advance for flexibility.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes about 4 hours from start to finish.

Final Words

If you’re curious about how Lapland’s winter landscape looks and feels up close, this tour offers a genuine, hands-on experience. It’s perfect if you want to slow down, enjoy the silence of snow-covered forests, and learn a few survival skills along the way. The guides’ warmth and knowledge shine through, making this more than just an outdoor activity — it’s a memorable slice of Lapland life.

While the cold can be tough, with proper gear, you’ll find the experience refreshing and truly immersive. This is the kind of adventure that stays with you long after the snow melts, especially if you’re eager to see Lapland from an authentic, local perspective.

You can check availability for your dates here: