If you’re heading to Rovaniemi, Finland’s Arctic capital, you’re in the perfect place for outdoor adventures in some of Europe’s most pristine national parks. This region offers a stunning mix of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and the chance to see the Northern Lights. You might find yourself riding a snowmobile through the wilds or snowshoeing under the stars — and each experience offers a unique way to connect with Lapland’s natural beauty.
One of our favorites is the guided wilderness snowmobile ride, which combines speed, scenery, and expert guidance for a memorable Arctic dash. Or, if you’re after a slower, more immersive experience, try the wilderness tour — perfect for wildlife lovers and those interested in survival skills. And for a real highlight, the Northern Lights wilderness small-group tour offers a cozy, intimate chance to see the Aurora borealis away from city lights.
In this guide, we’ll cover a variety of tours, from snowmobile safaris and hiking adventures to photography excursions and cultural evenings. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline, tranquility, or a chance to capture perfect photos, there’s a national park tour in Rovaniemi that fits your style.
Types of Tours Covered
This list is built around different adventure styles and interests. You’ll find speedy snowmobile rides like the snowmobile safari, perfect for thrill-seekers. For those who prefer trekking and wildlife spotting, the wilderness tour offers a deep dive into Lapland’s forests. Photography enthusiasts will love the Riisitunturi National Park and full-day Riisitunturi adventures.
Other options include nighttime Northern Lights excursions, snowshoeing, and cultural evenings in traditional Lappish cabins. Whatever your interests, these tours provide a window into the raw beauty and quiet of Finnish Lapland.
1. Rovaniemi: Guided Wilderness Snowmobile Ride
Starting with the Guided Wilderness Snowmobile Ride, this two-hour adventure is a lively way to explore Lapland’s snowy terrain. You’ll learn how to operate a snowmobile safely, then set off with your guide into the wild. The ride covers snow-covered forests, frozen marshlands, and scenic countryside, all while feeling the brisk Arctic air on your face.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of thrill and education. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and go out of their way to ensure you feel confident on your machine. Reviews highlight the scenery, safety gear, and the fun of drifting past snow-laden trees. Hot drinks afterward help warm you up after the cold ride.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice if you want a fast-paced adventure with great scenery and professional guidance. Suitable for beginners and seasoned snowmobilers alike, it offers a cost-effective way to experience Lapland’s winter wilderness.
2. Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
Next up is the Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness, which is similar in duration but emphasizes the tranquil beauty of Lapland’s untouched nature. This tour takes you through pine forests and icy marshlands, with frequent stops to soak in the silence of the Arctic. It’s ideal for travelers who want to combine adventure with serenity.
The tour allows two adults per snowmobile, which offers a bit more comfort for sharing the experience. Many reviews mention the peaceful stops and the chance to witness frozen landscapes that seem straight out of a postcard.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those who want to experience Lapland’s quiet beauty from the seat of a snowmobile, with enough time to enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.
3. Rovaniemi: Wilderness Tour
For a more immersive, hands-on experience, the Wilderness Tour is a standout. With a focus on nature exploration and survival skills, you’ll be introduced to the Finnish forest and learn how to move silently, light a fire without matches, and recognize animal footprints in the snow.
This 3.5-hour tour is highly rated for its personalized approach and informative guides. Guests mention how Eneko, their guide, made the experience both fun and educational, often stopping to take photos and share wildlife insights. It’s ideal if you’re curious about Finnish wildlife or want a less touristy experience.
Bottom line: A great choice for nature lovers and those interested in survival skills in a small-group setting, offering an authentic feel of Lapland’s wilderness.
4. Rovaniemi: Riisitunturi National Park Day Trip with Lunch
For an all-day experience, the Riisitunturi National Park day trip delivers the full Arctic adventure. During this 9-hour guided tour, you’ll hike through snow-laden forests, marvel at snowy trees resembling giant marshmallows, and enjoy a Finnish campfire lunch.
The highlight is exploring the spectacular winter scenery of Riisitunturi, one of Finland’s most breathtaking parks. Reviewers rave about the beautiful sunset, the knowledgeable guide, and the chance to chop wood and make fire using traditional methods.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for nature and photography enthusiasts wanting to spend a full day immersed in Lapland’s majestic landscapes, with a balance of activity and relaxation.
5. Northern Lights Wilderness Small-Group Tour from Rovaniemi
If catching the Northern Lights is your goal, the Small-Group Northern Lights tour offers a cozy, personalized experience. Traveling in a small group, you’ll be driven to remote locations with minimal light pollution, increasing your odds of seeing the Aurora.
Your guide provides insights about the science behind the Lights and keeps the atmosphere relaxed around a fire with hot drinks and snacks. Reviewers highlight the small group intimacy and the passionate guide—many mention how lucky they felt to witness the natural wonder.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a personalized and comfortable Northern Lights experience, with excellent chances of a sighting thanks to expert local guidance.
6. Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park with Photographer
For photographers and nature lovers, this hiking tour with a professional photographer is a rare opportunity. It combines a scenic hike with expert advice on capturing stunning images of snow-capped landscapes, frozen lakes, and trees.
The 8-hour adventure offers personalized tips from a guide who is also a skilled photographer. Guests rave about how they took hundreds of pictures and appreciated the insights into landscape photography. The tour is well-paced, with stops for photos, a lunch in the wild, and plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
Bottom line: Best suited for those eager to improve their photography skills while immersed in Lapland’s breathtaking scenery — a truly educational and scenic experience.
7. Full Day Snowmobile Safari into the Lappish Wilderness in Rovaniemi
For a longer, more adventurous snowmobile experience, the full-day safari delivers about six hours of riding through frozen rivers, lakes, and dense forests. The tour includes lunch cooked over a campfire and all necessary gear, making it a comfortable but authentic experience.
Guests mention how the guide Patrick made the day special, combining safety, fun, and knowledge. The longer duration means you can go off the beaten path and explore the wilderness more thoroughly than shorter rides.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventure seekers wanting a comprehensive snowmobiling day with a mix of scenery, skills, and local culture.
8. Rovaniemi: Winter Wilderness Snowshoeing Trip
If you prefer a slower, more contemplative tour, the snowshoeing trip provides a peaceful walk across frozen lakes and through old forests. Over three hours, you’ll explore the white silence of Lapland and learn about the surrounding ecosystem.
Many reviews point out the expert guidance and the beautiful scenery. The inclusion of hot drinks and a barbecue makes it a cozy outdoor experience, perfect for those who want a gentle but immersive Arctic adventure.
Bottom line: Best for nature lovers who seek tranquility and learning opportunities in a manageable time frame.
9. From Rovaniemi: Snowmobile Safari into Arctic Wilderness
This 2.5-hour snowmobile safari focuses on crisp Arctic air and stunning scenery, with safety gear and instructions included. It’s designed to give a quick but exhilarating taste of Lapland’s wilderness.
The tour covers frozen plains, with stops for photos and hot drinks. It’s a flexible option if you’re short on time but want to experience speed and snow in one go.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers who want a shorter, energetic snowmobiling experience that still provides authentic Arctic scenery.
10. Explore the Wilderness
For a personalized, photography-focused exploration, the Explore the Wilderness tour offers a private guide and the chance to capture stunning Arctic landscapes. With customizable routes and a campfire lunch, it’s perfect for serious photographers or those wanting tailored insights.
Guests emphasize the flexibility and professional guidance that make this trip stand out, along with its focus on high-quality photos. It’s best suited for visitors with a specific interest in wildlife or landscape photography.
Bottom line: For those wanting a bespoke tour with expert advice while exploring remote scenery, this is a top choice.
11. Rovaniemi: Korouoma National Park Canyon & Frozen Waterfalls
This 6-hour tour takes you into Korouoma National Park, known for its spectacular canyon and frozen waterfalls. It’s ideal for hiking enthusiasts who want to experience a true winter wonderland with stunning ice formations.
The trek is manageable for most fitness levels, and winter access makes the waterfalls especially impressive from December to April. Reviews highlight the beauty of the canyon and the quality of the guide.
Bottom line: Perfect for adventure hikers eager to see a frozen waterfall and explore one of Finland’s most scenic parks.
12. Traditional Lappish Evening in the Wilderness with Dinner
For a cultural experience, this evening trip offers dinner in a cozy wooden cabin with ice swimming, a sauna, and fire-side drinks. Round-trip transport from Rovaniemi makes it hassle-free. If you’re lucky, you might see the Northern Lights while relaxing outdoors.
Reviews praise the authenticity and warmth of the experience, as well as the chance to try Finnish delicacies in a traditional setting. It’s well-suited for travelers interested in local culture and gastronomy.
Bottom line: An excellent way to combine culture and Arctic relaxation, especially for those interested in Finnish traditions.
13. From Rovaniemi: Riisitunturi Full-Day Wilderness Adventure
This full-day hiking trip is focused on spectacular scenery and wildlife observation. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll hike through snow-covered forests, take photos of frosted trees, and enjoy a campfire lunch. The trip emphasizes natural beauty and photography.
Guests describe it as worth every penny, praising the enthusiasm of the guide and the stunning landscapes. It’s suitable for active travelers eager to spend a full day in Lapland’s wilderness.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventure hikers and nature photographers wanting an immersive all-day experience.
14. Riisitunturi Wilderness Adventure
This private tour is tailored around photography, with a professional guide showing you the best spots and giving tips on how to capture the beauty of Riisitunturi. It lasts about 8-9 hours, including lunch and hot drinks.
Reviewers highlight the personalized attention and stunning scenery, making it perfect for serious photographers or those wanting a customized experience.
Bottom line: For photographers and adventure seekers wanting a flexible, private tour focused on spectacular landscapes, this is a top pick.
15. Snowshoe Trip in the Wilderness
Finally, the Snowshoe Trip offers a peaceful, guided hike into snow-covered forests. With snowshoes, you’ll explore trails inaccessible to vehicles, learn tracking skills, and warm up by a fire with hot drinks and snacks.
Guests mention the friendly guides and stunning scenery, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a relaxed pace. The trip provides a wonderful balance of activity, scenery, and authentic wilderness.
Bottom line: Perfect for nature lovers wanting a comfortable, guided walk into Lapland’s serene landscape.
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Rovaniemi
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and time available. Want speed and excitement? The snowmobile safaris are hard to beat. For a more contemplative experience, try snowshoeing or exploring Korouoma’s waterfalls. If capturing spectacular photographs is your goal, the Riisitunturi hikes led by professional photographers are unbeatable.
Think about your budget. Tours range from about $96 for a snowshoe trip to over $290 for private photography adventures. Booking early helps, especially for Northern Lights outings or full-day excursions in peak winter months.
Final Thoughts
Rovaniemi’s national park tours open a window into Lapland’s winter wilderness, whether you’re chasing adrenaline, serenity, or photo opportunities. The snowmobile safaris appeal to those craving speed and scenery, while guided hikes and photography tours suit travelers looking for a more personalized or quiet experience. For culture, the evening in a cozy cabin with dinner and sauna is hard to beat.
No matter your choice, these tours promise a true Arctic experience. Book early, dress warmly, and get ready to make some lasting memories in the Finnish wilderness.