Saariselkä isn’t just a winter wonderland for snow lovers and cross-country skiers; it also offers some fantastic lunch experiences that let you enjoy the Arctic landscape while satisfying your hunger. Whether you’re after a traditional Finnish meal, trying your hand at ice fishing, or enjoying a luxurious king crab feast, Saariselkä has options for every taste and curiosity. We particularly like the Ice Fishing Tour to Lake Inari, which combines stunning scenery, a hands-on activity, and a cozy campfire lunch—all wrapped into a 5-hour adventure that’s perfect for newcomers and seasoned Arctic explorers alike.
If you’re interested in a more comprehensive experience, the Full-Day King Crab Safari to Norway offers a rare chance to taste wild-caught king crab in a remote fjord setting, making it a true splurge for seafood lovers. For those wanting something shorter and more relaxed, the Forest Treasures Excursion with Outdoor Lunch lets you forage in the forest, then enjoy an open-fire meal made from your finds.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of these top lunch options, plus a couple of others, to help you decide which Arctic culinary adventure best suits your trip. For more ideas, explore all Saariselkä tour options, including ice fishing trips and king crab safaris.
1. From Saariselkä: Ice Fishing Tour to Lake Inari, reindeers & lunch
This 5-hour ice fishing trip from Saariselkä combines the thrill of Arctic fishing with a scenic adventure in Finnish Lapland. Led by a local professional, you’ll ride a snowmobile-pulled sleigh across the snow to a pristine, frozen lake near Lake Inari. The tour includes thermal clothing and shoes, so you can stay warm while trying your luck at ice fishing—handing you your own rod and instructions to try catching fish in the true Finnish style.
The highlight is waiting patiently at the hole in the ice, soaking in the silent beauty of the winter landscape. Once you’ve had enough of fishing—or if luck isn’t on your side—you’ll relax by a campfire, enjoy hot drinks, and share a hearty lunch outdoors. This experience stands out because it’s a relaxed, hands-on activity that offers both adventure and the chance to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Lake Inari.
Reviews praise the professionalism of guides and the fun of the outing even if the fish aren’t biting. One reviewer notes, “The whole trip was very fulfilling and fun,” highlighting the authentic experience. Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those who want an engaging, scenic activity with a cozy meal at the end, and it’s priced at approximately $205 per person.
2. From Kakslauttanen: Ice Fishing Safari to Lake Inari, inc. lunch
For a full-day experience, this Ice Fishing Safari to Lake Inari offers a deeper dive into Finnish winter traditions. Led by a professional fisherman, you’ll learn the tricks of ice fishing and try it yourself, all while taking in the stunning winter scenery around Lake Inari. The trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää, making it convenient for those staying at these resorts.
The tour emphasizes a personalized experience—small groups mean you get plenty of attention from your guide, who shares insights into local fishing techniques and Lapland’s natural beauty. After a few hours on the ice, you’ll gather around a campfire for a lunch —a warm, hearty meal that complements the outdoor adventure.
While slightly longer at about six hours, this tour’s value lies in the combination of culture, scenic tranquility, and local expertise. Reviewers appreciate the expert guidance and tasty lunch, making it an authentic taste of Finnish winter life. Priced at around $230, it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting a full immersion into Arctic fishing and scenery without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom line: If you’re after a combination of learning, scenic winter landscapes, and a traditional outdoor lunch, this safari fits the bill.
3. Full-Day Trip: King Crab Safari to Norway from Saariselkä Including Lunch
This 14-hour day trip takes seafood lovers on a truly exceptional journey. Starting from Saariselkä, you’ll hop on a snowmobile sledge for a long but fascinating ride through the Arctic wilderness all the way to Norway’s fjords. The highlight? Harvesting wild arctic king crabs directly from below the ice in a Norwegian fjord—a rare chance to see fishing at the source.
The tour includes all necessary gear, plus breakfast and a full lunch featuring the fresh king crab you helped catch. The experience is as much about the spectacular Arctic scenery as it is about the seafood, with guides sharing insights into the local environment and fishing techniques. Reviewers mention that the crab was “super fresh and delicious,” and the journey itself is praised as smooth and well-organized.
This tour is ideal for seafood aficionados or those craving a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventure. It’s a significant investment at about $695, but it covers all activities, meals, and transportation, providing a hassle-free, comprehensive experience.
Bottom line: For a full-day, immersive Arctic seafood adventure, this trip is hard to beat, especially for those with a keen interest in local food and remote landscapes.
4. Saariselkä: Forest Treasures Excursion with Outdoor Lunch
This shorter, 3-hour foraging trip combines outdoor exploration with a simple but satisfying open-fire lunch. Led by an expert guide, you’ll wander the Finnish wilderness in search of edible plants, berries, and mushrooms, learning about the local flora and fauna along the way.
What makes this trip special is the chance to connect with the land in a very hands-on way, picking ingredients that will later be cooked over an open fire. The lunch is prepared with your gathered treasures, offering a genuine taste of local ingredients and cooking techniques. It’s a relaxed, educational experience suited for those who want to combine light activity with culinary discovery.
Reviews are positive about the knowledgeable guide and the seasonal picking experience, making it an excellent choice for families or travelers interested in nature and food. The tour cost varies, but at about 3 hours, it offers good value for a casual but authentic outdoor meal.
Bottom line: If you’re curious about foraging and want a brief, hands-on outdoor meal, this adventure provides a relaxed introduction to Lapland’s edible treasures.
How to Choose Your Saariselkä Lunch Experience
When selecting the best lunch experience in Saariselkä, consider your interests and schedule. Want a shorter, active outdoor meal? The Forest Treasures excursion offers a taste of wilderness foraging with an outdoor fire. For those wanting a full-day seafood adventure, the king crab safari in Norway delivers a memorable Arctic feast and spectacular scenery.
If your priority is learning to ice fish with the scenery as your backdrop, the From Saariselkä ice fishing trip is perfect, especially if you prefer a more relaxed pace with a cozy campfire meal. For a more comprehensive fishing experience with hotel pickup and a longer duration, the Kakslauttanen safari fits well.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the full-day trips and popular activities, to lock in your preferred dates and ensure availability. Think about your budget, time constraints, and interests—whether it’s fishing, seafood, or forest foraging—and you’ll find a memorable Arctic lunch waiting in Saariselkä.
In sum, Saariselkä offers a great variety of lunch experiences ranging from hands-on outdoor activities to luxury seafood safaris—each with its own unique charm. For families, the foraging tour or ice fishing could be ideal, while seafood lovers will find the king crab safari irresistible. No matter which you choose, these experiences promise a delicious way to enjoy the Arctic landscape. Be sure to book in advance, and enjoy your culinary adventure in Finnish Lapland.