Ivalo: Lake Inari Northern Lights Tour w/ Reindeer & Dinner

If you’re dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights in a setting that feels genuinely Finnish, the Lake Inari Northern Lights Tour offered by Ivalo Safaris is worth considering. While we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, the details available paint a clear picture of what you can expect: a mix of wilderness rides, cultural encounters, and cozy dining in a remote part of Lapland.

What really draws us to this experience are the intimate size—limited to just 12 participants—and the chance to get away from the usual tourist crowds. Plus, the opportunity to meet and feed reindeer, combined with a traditional homemade dinner, nails that authentic Lapland vibe. On the flip side, if your main goal is to guarantee spotting the Aurora Borealis, keep in mind that nature’s light show isn’t guaranteed; some reviews mention wishing for longer stays in the camp to chase that elusive glow.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded, culturally immersive experience, rather than just a quick, checklist-style outing. It’s a good pick for those comfortable with winter adventure, appreciating small-group intimacy, and eager to enjoy local traditions in a quiet, scenic setting.

This experience made our article of We Rank The 15 Best Tours In Ivalo.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Small group, local guides, off the beaten path.
• Cultural Touch: Reindeer feeding, traditional dinner, genuine Lapland hospitality.
• Scenic Ride: Snowmobile-sleigh through frozen wilderness to the lake.
• Flexible & Relaxed: Dinner and Aurora viewing in a cozy teepee or wooden cottage.
• Price & Value: $187 per person, includes gear, transportation, dinner, and guide.
• Unpredictable Aurora: Nature’s light show is never guaranteed, but the overall experience is memorable regardless.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What’s It All About?

This tour packs a lot into just 4 hours, starting with a hotel pickup in Ivalo. From there, you’re whisked away in a minibus to the tour’s base, where you’re provided with thermal clothes and sturdy shoes—crucial for staying warm in the Arctic winter.

Once dressed comfortably, the real adventure begins with a snowmobile-drawn sleigh ride. Traveling in a covered sled, lined with reindeer hide, you’ll glide across the icy landscape, heading toward a small village called Koppelo. The ride itself is a highlight, offering a peaceful, immersive experience of the Arctic wilderness. Many travelers find this part magical, especially with the silence broken only by the sound of the snowmobile and the crunching snow beneath.

The Journey to the Frozen Lake

Your journey takes you further into the snowy wilderness, away from city lights, to the famous Lake Inari. The deep silence and vastness of the frozen lake create a perfect backdrop for Aurora hunting—if luck is on your side. As the tour description notes, you might see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, but it’s not guaranteed. Still, the scenic ride and the anticipation make it worthwhile even without a sighting.

One review mentions, “Overall I really enjoyed the activity, it’s a shame I didn’t see the aurora,” but also highlights how much they appreciated the experience. The calm, untouched beauty of the place is a reward enough for many.

Reindeer Encounters

Meeting reindeer is a genuine highlight. These friendly animals are part of Lapland culture, and the opportunity to feed and interact with them offers a tangible connection to local traditions. The hosts, Tina and Tapio, are a family-run operation, adding an authentic, personal touch to the experience.

Dinner in the Wilderness

After your outdoor adventures, you’ll settle into a cozy wooden cottage or a traditional Lappish teepee. Here, the hosts prepare a homemade three-course dinner over an open fire, featuring local fish or reindeer, with vegetarian options available on request. Many reviews mention how tasty and hearty the meal is, complementing the outdoor adventure perfectly.

Dinner is accompanied by hot drinks, which are especially appreciated after a chilly outdoor experience. It’s a chance to relax, share stories, and hope for a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the clear night sky outside.

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Practical Aspects & Logistics

The tour is priced at $187 per person, which includes transportation, thermal clothing, a guided experience, reindeer feeding, and dinner. For the Arctic environment, this is a reasonable price considering the inclusion of gear and personalized small group service.

The small group size (limited to 12) means you’ll get more personalized attention and fewer crowds—something many travelers value highly. The tour lasts about 4 hours, and you can check availability for various departure times, making it flexible for different itineraries.

What Do Reviewers Say?

From the 45 reviews, the average rating sits around 4.3 out of 5. Travelers generally praise the authenticity and personal touch of the experience. One reviewer shared, “Overall I really enjoyed the activity, it’s a shame I didn’t see the aurora,” emphasizing that the outdoor experience and cultural elements made a positive impression despite the elusive nature of the lights.

Another reviewer appreciated the small-group atmosphere and the chance to visit a private island, adding to the feeling of being part of something special. The dinner, made of local ingredients, seems to be a highlight, providing a warm, hearty end to the outdoor adventure.

Some also mentioned wanting a little more time in the camp to enjoy hot tea or to increase their chances of seeing the Aurora, but these are minor quibbles. For many, the overall experience was memorable and worth the price.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to travelers who are interested in more than just chasing the Northern Lights. If you enjoy local traditions, wildlife encounters, and outdoor winter activities, you’ll find a lot to love here. It’s also suitable for those comfortable with cold weather and outdoor conditions—thermal gear is provided, but layering and warm clothing are essential.

While the tour isn’t specifically designed for families with very young children, it’s suitable for anyone who enjoys gentle outdoor adventures and culture. It’s a good choice for those seeking a deeper, more authentic connection to Lapland than the typical tourist experience.

This tour offers a balanced blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. The small group setting provides a personal touch that larger tours often lack, and the chance to feed reindeer or enjoy a traditional meal adds authenticity that many travelers are after.

If you’re looking for a wilderness experience with a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, this tour fits the bill. However, if your primary goal is to guarantee a sighting of the Aurora Borealis, remember that nature doesn’t always cooperate. Still, the overall experience—traveling in a snowmobile sleigh, tasting local food, and soaking in the quiet of the Arctic night—is likely to be memorable regardless.

This is best suited for travelers who appreciate cultural authenticity, enjoy outdoor winter activities, and value small-group intimacy. If you’re after a genuine, heartfelt glimpse of Lapland away from crowded spots, this tour delivers on that promise.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed during this tour?
No, seeing the Aurora Borealis depends on weather and solar activity. The tour takes you to a good viewing area, but sightings can’t be promised.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation, thermal clothing and shoes, the snowmobile sleigh ride, a chance to meet and feed reindeers, a homemade dinner, hot drinks, and a local guide.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, with the start times available based on availability.

Is the experience suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those comfortable with outdoor winter conditions. Specific age recommendations aren’t mentioned, but it’s not explicitly aimed at children.

What kind of dinner is served?
A three-course homemade meal made with local fish or reindeer, with vegetarian options available if requested.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more personalized and quieter experience.

In the end, if you’re after an authentic Arctic adventure that combines outdoor fun, local culture, and cozy dining, this tour offers a well-rounded option. Just keep your expectations realistic about the Aurora, but enjoy everything else the Lapland wilderness has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: