Saariselkä: GUIDED FOREST SNOWSHOE WALK

If you’re dreaming of stepping into a winter wonderland, this guided forest snowshoe walk in Saariselkä, Lapland, promises a gentle, unhurried adventure into the snowy silence of northern Finland. While I haven’t personally done this experience, the reviews and details paint a clear picture of a calm, scenic trek that’s perfect for those wanting to connect with nature away from the hustle.

What really makes this tour stand out are the stunning, untouched winter views and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who help make the experience accessible for everyone. A quiet walk through snow-cloaked trees is exactly what many travelers crave to unwind and breathe deeply. The only potential downside? It’s not suitable for children under 10, so if you’re traveling with young kids, you might need to look elsewhere.

This experience feels tailored for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a peaceful, scenic escape into Lapland’s forests. It’s especially ideal for those new to snowshoeing or winter outdoor activities, as no experience or high fitness level is required. Just bring curiosity and a love for the outdoors—you’ll be in good hands.

Key Points

• Accessible for all fitness levels with easy-to-attach snowshoes and no prior experience needed
• Perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying the scenic serenity of Lapland’s winter landscape
• Knowledgeable guides share stories about local life, wildlife, and flora
• Flexible and convenient with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Small group size (limit of 6), making the experience intimate and personalized
• Includes a cozy stop with coffee and cookies halfway through, adding a warm touch

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Guided Forest Snowshoe Walk?

This is a 2-hour guided trek where you strap on snowshoes—easily attached to your winter boots—and explore the snowy woods around Saariselkä. The focus here is on relaxation, scenery, and connection with nature rather than strenuous activity. The small-group setting ensures you get personalized attention from your guide, which makes the whole experience feel more like a walk with friends than a tour.

You’ll be walking through forests blanketed in snow, following trails that take you next to, underneath, and even over small trees. The pace is slow and unhurried, giving you plenty of chance to pause, take photos, or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. This is the kind of experience where you’ll probably find yourself lingering, breathing in the crisp Arctic air, and listening to the comforting crunch of snow beneath your feet.

What You Can Expect Along the Way

Your guide will lead you through the landscape, sharing insights into the region’s wildlife, winter flora, and local traditions. These stories add depth to the scenery, connecting you to the land on a more meaningful level. When you’re not walking, you might find yourself stopping to admire the view or snap some pictures of the snow-laden trees—a perfect opportunity for photography buffs.

One of the highlights, according to reviewers like Marcella from the US, is the personalized experience. She praised her guide, Remi, for his kindness, patience, and great personality, which made the walk even more memorable. Marcella said, “He was very kind, had a great personality, and made sure we had an easy path to follow by keeping it clear after every snow,” which speaks to the quality of guiding you can expect.

Halfway through, there’s a planned stop with coffee and cookies, adding a warm and social touch to the walk. It’s a chance to chat, relax, and appreciate the tranquil surroundings.

The Snowshoes and Accessibility

One of the biggest draws of this tour is its accessibility. Snowshoes are provided and attach effortlessly to your boots, making this activity suitable for anyone regardless of fitness level. You don’t need previous experience, and the equipment is designed to be user-friendly, catering to beginners and seasoned outdoor lovers alike.

Since the trek is slow-paced, it’s ideal if you’re looking for a stress-free, restorative outdoor activity. Plus, with a maximum group size of six, you won’t feel rushed or crowded, which is perfect for those seeking a more intimate experience.

Meeting Point and Practical Details

The meeting point is right outside Restaurant Kuksa, at the coordinates 68.39382934570312, 27.400075912475586. It’s straightforward to find, and most travelers find it convenient to meet there before heading into the forest.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, which is a good length to enjoy the scenery without feeling exhausted. You should plan to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, thermal layers, outdoor gear, and a camera to capture the magnificent views. The tour is available in multiple languages, including English, French, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Since the experience isn’t suitable for children under 10, it’s best for families or groups with older children, or just adults looking for a peaceful escape.

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Assessing the Value

Compared to other outdoor activities in Saariselkä, this snowshoe walk offers a relaxing, scenic alternative to more adrenaline-fueled adventures like snowmobiling or husky safaris. It’s priced reasonably for the quality of guidance and the intimate small-group setting. You get the benefit of a local guide’s storytelling and expertise, making it feel like a personalized tour rather than a generic experience.

The free cancellation policy (up to 24 hours in advance) adds flexibility, especially if weather conditions change or plans shift. Overall, if you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic introduction to winter in Lapland, this tour offers genuine value, especially considering the inclusive nature and small group size.

Authentic Traveler Insights

From the review we have, it’s clear that this tour leaves a lasting impression. Marcella mentioned that it was “probably my favorite Lapland activity,” highlighting how special the quiet, natural setting can be. She appreciated the care and patience of her guide, which made the experience feel personal and stress-free. The opportunity to stop, take photos, and enjoy the landscape without feeling rushed was especially valued.

Another key factor is the stunning scenery—the snow-covered trees, the peaceful forest setting, and the quiet of the Arctic winter. The ability to hear “the silence” and feel the crisp air is what makes this tour stand out from more structured or hurried activities.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This snowshoe walk is ideal for anyone craving a calm, scenic experience in Lapland. It’s perfect if you love nature but aren’t necessarily looking for high-adrenaline activities. Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers wanting a peaceful outdoor activity will find this a wonderful way to experience winter’s quiet beauty.

If you’re an avid photographer, the scenic stops and manageable pace offer plenty of opportunities to capture the landscape’s quiet grandeur. However, if you’re after an adrenaline rush or a more energetic activity, you might want to consider other options like snowmobiling or husky safaris.

This guided forest snowshoe walk in Saariselkä offers a gentle, authentic taste of Lapland’s winter paradise. The combination of beautiful scenery, expert guides, and a relaxed pace makes it a standout activity for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. It’s a perfect way to slow down and truly enjoy the quiet majesty of the Arctic landscape, especially if you’re new to snowshoeing or outdoor winter activities.

The experience’s emphasis on storytelling, scenic stops, and the peaceful environment means you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired, with plenty of photos and memories to cherish. While it may not be suited for very young children, older kids or adults looking for a mindful, scenic adventure will find this tour especially rewarding.

If you’re visiting Saariselkä and craving a peaceful walk through winter’s untouched beauty, this tour is a genuine treasure worth considering.

Is prior experience needed for this snowshoe walk?
No, previous experience isn’t required. The snowshoes are easy to attach, and the pace is slow, making it accessible for beginners and those of all fitness levels.

How long does the tour last?
The walk lasts about 2 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

What should I bring?
Make sure to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, thermal layers, outdoor gear, and a camera to capture the views.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, so consider that when planning your trip.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is offered in multiple languages including English, French, Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Spanish.

How many people are in a group?
The group is limited to 6 participants, ensuring plenty of personal attention and a cozy atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if weather or other circumstances shift.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is outside Restaurant Kuksa, at the provided coordinates, which is easy to find.

Is this activity suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the walk is slow and accessible, the terrain can be uneven, so if you have mobility concerns, it’s best to check with the provider directly.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and genuinely enchanting way to experience Lapland’s winter landscape, this guided snowshoe walk offers just that—a calming journey into the Arctic forest that stays with you long after.

You can check availability for your dates here: