From Rovaniemi: Riisitunturi Snowy Hike with Photographer

Discover the Arctic Beauty of Riisitunturi on a Snowy Hike with Photography

If you’re dreaming of walking through a snowy landscape straight out of a fairytale, a guided hike in Riisitunturi National Park might just be the highlight of your winter trip to Lapland. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but from everything we’ve seen and read, it looks like a fantastic mix of natural beauty, cultural insights, and memorable photos. It’s perfect for those who want to see Finland’s winter wonderland with a little extra touch of magic—thanks to a professional photographer capturing the moments.

What really appeals to us about this experience is how it combines multiple elements: the stunning scenery, the chance to learn Finnish survival skills, and the opportunity to leave with beautiful high-quality photos—something you definitely don’t get on every hike. Plus, it’s a small-group tour, so you get a more personal experience. The only thing to consider is that the tour is about 8 hours long including transport, so it’s a good idea if you’re prepared for a full day outdoors and aren’t worried about the cold.

This tour feels like a great fit if you’re into outdoor adventures, photography, or simply want to experience the Arctic wilderness in a relaxed, guided setting. It’s not necessarily tailored for families with very young children or those with mobility issues, but if you’re traveling with older kids or friends who love nature, you’ll likely find this trip rewarding.

Key Points

• Stunning Arctic Scenery: Walk among snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and dramatic ridges that look like a winter landscape painting.
• Photo Opportunities: A professional photographer captures natural and portrait shots, giving you high-quality images to remember your trip.
• Cultural and Practical Skills: Learn Finnish survival tips like fire-making and firewood chopping, adding a cultural twist.
• Comfort and Warmth: Hot chocolate and Lappish sausages around the campfire keep you cozy amid the cold.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Flexible Cancellation & Payment: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and book now with pay later options for peace of mind.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation
After being picked up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi, you’ll head towards the heart of Riisitunturi National Park. The drive itself is part of the adventure—an opportunity to get excited about the snowy landscapes awaiting you. Since the tour includes pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Rovaniemi’s center, it’s quite convenient, though longer distances can be arranged for an additional fee.

The Hike Itself
The hike covers approximately 4 km along peaceful, well-maintained winter trails. It’s described as moderate, which is good news for most hikers with a basic level of fitness. You’ll traverse among snow-laden spruce trees and frozen lakes, with the scenery often described as fairy-tale-like. The landscape is dramatic, with ridges and snow sculptures that look like they belong in a storybook, providing fantastic photo backdrops.

Photographer and Photo Quality
One of the standout features here is the presence of a professional photographer. “A photographer follows your journey, capturing natural moments and portraits framed by the Arctic landscape,” as one review notes. The photos are high-quality, suitable for framing or sharing. The photos serve as a tangible memory of your Arctic adventure, especially for photography enthusiasts or those wanting professional images without having to hire a separate photographer.

Campfire and Food
Midway through the walk, you’ll gather around a cozy campfire. Here, you’ll warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy a BBQ of Lappish sausages and bread. The experience of eating warm food in the snow, surrounded by silence and snow-covered trees, is genuinely special. It’s a chance to relax, chat, and soak in the peaceful winter atmosphere.

Finnish Survival Skills
Your guide will share practical Finnish survival tips, like chopping firewood and making fire in the wild. This adds a cultural dimension and makes the experience more interactive. It’s also useful knowledge if you’re interested in outdoor skills, or at least adds a fun, hands-on element to the day.

Duration and Pace
Including transportation, the entire experience lasts around 8 hours. Reviewers point out that the timing is well-managed, allowing enough time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and relax around the fire without feeling rushed. The small group size means you get plenty of attention from your guide, who can tailor details or answer questions.

What We Like (and What to Consider)

What We Love:
– The stunning winter scenery makes every step feel like walking through a natural winter painting. Many reviews mention the “fairytale-like” landscape, which is exactly how it feels.
– The professional photographer is a real plus—no need to worry about your phone or camera quality, as you’ll leave with images that genuinely do justice to the landscape.
– The cultural element of Finnish survival skills adds depth to the experience, making it more than just a walk in the woods.

Possible Drawbacks:
– The tour duration of 8 hours might be long for some, especially if you’re not used to winter outdoor activities or if you’re traveling with very young children (not recommended for under 7).
– The physical demands are moderate, so if you have mobility issues or prefer very leisurely walks, this might not be ideal.
– Weather can affect the experience—adverse conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so always check the forecast beforehand.

Is It Worth the Price?

While the exact cost isn’t shared here, considering the inclusion of transportation, a guided hike, a professional photography session, and a memorable outdoor meal, it offers good value for those wanting a comprehensive Arctic experience. The high rating (4.9) suggests many travelers find it worthwhile.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• Wear warm, layered clothing and sturdy hiking shoes—Finnish winters are cold, and staying comfortable depends on good gear.
• Bring snacks and water if you want to supplement what’s provided, especially if you’re a fast eater or want to stay fueled during the hike.
• Remember, the tour is not suitable for children under 7, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast; if conditions are too severe, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Sum Up

This Riisitunturi Snowy Hike with Photographer offers a well-rounded Arctic adventure. It’s perfect for those who crave jaw-dropping scenery, enjoy photography, or want a taste of Finnish winter culture. The combination of a moderate hike, a cozy campfire, hands-on survival tips, and professional photos makes it a memorable day out—one that hits all the right notes for a winter trip in Lapland.

If you’re after a peaceful, scenic, and well-organized guided experience, this tour will likely tick your boxes. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see the Arctic in its winter glory without sacrificing comfort or quality photos.

FAQ

How long is the hike?
The hike itself is about 4 km and is considered moderate, lasting roughly half the day, with the rest spent in transportation and enjoying the campfire.

What should I bring?
Bring warm, layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, water, and snacks if desired. The tour provides hot chocolate and BBQ, but extra snacks are optional.

Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 7 years old, as the activity involves outdoor walking and cold conditions. It’s best suited for older children and adults.

What’s included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off from Rovaniemi within 10 km, a guided hike, professional photography, a campfire with hot chocolate and sausages, and Finnish survival tips.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your plans.

Is there a minimum group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 8 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Will I get good photos?
Absolutely. A professional photographer will capture your journey, providing high-quality images that you’ll cherish.

Is this activity weather-dependent?
Yes, adverse weather conditions might cause cancellations or rescheduling, so it’s wise to check the forecast before booking.

This guided snowy hike in Riisitunturi provides a balanced mix of adventure, culture, and stunning visuals—ideal for travelers eager to capture the true essence of Arctic Lapland.

You can check availability for your dates here: