Kiruna: Snowshoe Hike & Ice fishing Tour

Exploring the Kiruna Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of stepping into a winter wonderland in Swedish Lappland, the Kiruna: Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour offers a genuine taste of Arctic life. While I haven’t done this tour myself, I’ve gone through plenty of reviews, details, and travel insights to help you decide if it’s a good fit.

Two things stand out immediately: the expert guidance and the chance to really connect with the landscape—both crucial if you’re after an authentic Arctic experience. On the practical side, the tour’s small group size ensures an intimate adventure, which I always appreciate.

One consideration to keep in mind is the tour duration of around 4 hours, which is perfect for a manageable day trip but might feel short if you’re craving a longer immersion. This experience is particularly ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy active adventures, love nature, and want to learn about local culture in a setting that’s both scenic and engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour suits travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, are curious about wildlife and survival skills, and want a chance to explore in a small, friendly group. It’s especially good if you’re after a day in the snow with educational and cultural insights. Keep in mind it’s not designed for those over 70, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Snowshoeing, ice fishing, and learning about local culture.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly, with a focus on safety and education.
• All-Inclusive Gear: Warm clothing, boots, and accessories provided—no need to pack heavy.
• Delicious Food: Warm soup, sandwiches, and traditional Swedish fika around a fire.
• Small Groups: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible Cancellation & Payment: Cancel up to 24 hours before, pay later, making planning easier.

Discovering the Magic of Swedish Lapland

The Kiruna Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour promises a route through some of the most stunning winter scenery you could imagine. From the moment you’re picked up in central Kiruna, the adventure begins with a short drive to the host’s home in Kalixforsbron, where you’ll gear up with winter clothing. This part is key because Swedish Lapland winters are serious, with deep snow and freezing temperatures. Thankfully, the tour includes all necessary gear—snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats, and socks—so you can focus on the experience rather than packing.

Once suited up, your guide will take you into the snowy wilderness on snowshoes. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to traverse the Arctic terrain without sinking into the snow—imagine spreading out your weight to glide effortlessly over a winter landscape. Throughout the hike, your guide shares insights about the flora, fauna, and local culture, making the journey both educational and visually captivating.

What the Snowshoeing Part Looks Like

Expect a manageable walk through pristine snow-covered forest and open tundra. As you go, keep an eye out for animal tracks—these are often the only signs of wildlife in the winter months. You might find tracks of reindeer, foxes, or other native species. The guide’s commentary adds depth, helping you understand how animals survive and thrive in this cold environment.

We loved the way guides focus on safety and skill-building, especially when it comes to finding dry firewood in the snow or making a warming fire. These activities aren’t just practical—they’re a glimpse into survival techniques that locals have perfected over generations. As some reviews mention, the guides are friendly and eager to share knowledge, which makes the experience all the richer.

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Ice Fishing — A Classic Arctic Pastime

After a scenic walk, you’ll try ice fishing on Sir Folkes frozen lake—an activity that’s both relaxing and exciting. Ice fishing is straightforward but offers a real sense of connection to the landscape. Your guide will teach you how to find the right spot, drill a hole in the ice, and try your luck catching fish through the hole. Even if you don’t catch anything, the thrill of trying in such a beautiful setting is typically the highlight.

Warming Up Around the Fire

Once you’ve had your fill of fishing, the group heads to a cozy Nordic tipi set up on the ice, where you can warm up. Here, a fire crackles invitingly as everyone shares a hot bowl of soup and sandwiches, plus a traditional Swedish fika—sweet treats, coffee, and lingonberry juice. Several reviews highlight how much they appreciated the food, describing it as delicious, comforting, and a perfect way to relax after the cold outdoors.

Practical Details

The entire experience lasts about four hours, starting with pickup in Kiruna’s town center, which is very convenient. The small group nature—limited to 8 participants—ensures you get personalized attention and meaningful interaction with your guide.

The tour is priced as a premium experience, but considering all included gear, activities, and food, it offers good value for an authentic Arctic adventure. Plus, the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning easy.

Why This Tour Really Shines

From the reviews, it’s clear that guides make a huge difference—friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love for the Arctic environment. Anthony’s review mentions how informative and engaging the guide was, which elevates the whole experience. Meanwhile, Giulia appreciated the chance to roast marshmallows over the fire and try ice fishing, describing the day as “great” and full of memorable moments.

Many travelers commented on the stunning scenery—frozen lakes, snow-laden forests, and open tundra—that make the effort worthwhile. The combination of physical activity, cultural insights, and warm food creates a well-rounded experience that appeals to those who want more than just sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an active, educational, and genuinely Arctic experience, this snowshoe and ice fishing tour hits the right notes. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy outdoor pursuits, are comfortable in cold weather, and want to learn about local survival techniques and wildlife. The small group setting enhances the experience, making it friendly and personalized.

While four hours might seem brief, the variety packed into this tour—hiking, fishing, fire-making, and sharing traditional fika—means you’ll leave with a solid sense of Swedish Lapland’s winter spirit. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the typical tourist spots and connect with the landscape in a hands-on way.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as part of a small group, this experience offers genuine value and memorable moments in one of Europe’s most captivating winter destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Kiruna town are included, making it easy to start and end the tour without worries.

What should I wear?
The tour provides winter gear, including snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats, and socks. Still, it’s advisable to bring a scarf for extra warmth.

Can I bring a camera?
Absolutely—many participants bring cameras to capture the stunning scenery. Just be mindful of the cold conditions.

Is it suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and is not recommended for those over 70 years old, mainly due to physical activity levels and cold exposure.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately four hours, which is perfect for a half-day outing.

What is included in the price?
All necessary winter gear, guided instruction, and a light lunch of soup, sandwiches, and fika are included.

Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. The activities are suitable for beginners, and guides are there to assist and teach throughout.

If you’re dreaming of a true Arctic adventure filled with snow, wildlife, and cozy moments by the fire, this tour could be just the right fit. It’s a wonderful way to experience the beauty and resilience of Swedish Lapland while enjoying some active outdoor fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: