Rovaniemi: winter ice fishing tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying ice fishing in the Arctic, this Rovaniemi tour offers a chance to see what that’s all about without needing previous experience or equipment. It’s a compact, three-hour adventure that places you right in the middle of Lapland’s snowy wilderness, with plenty of chances to enjoy the scenery and learn something new.

What makes this experience appealing? First, we love the stunning Scandinavian winter landscape, which really feels like stepping into a snow globe. Second, the personalized, hands-on approach—you’re helped to make your own fishing hole and get some practical tips.

The possible downside? It’s not a tour for everyone—if you’re after a longer, more elaborate experience, or if you’re traveling with very young children, this might feel a bit straightforward. Still, if you’re curious about ice fishing and want an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter, it’s a solid choice.

This tour works best for travelers who appreciate scenic outdoor activities, want to try something different, and enjoy a comfortable setup with some warm drinks afterward. It’s not a hardcore fishing expedition, but rather a charming, scenic introduction to a traditional Arctic pastime.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The tour lasts around 3 hours, making it perfect for fitting into a packed schedule.
• All-included: Equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, plus hot drinks and cookies, make it hassle-free.
• Scenic setting: Expect to enjoy beautiful snowy forests and hills, ideal for photography or just soaking in the winter wonderland.
• Hands-on experience: You’ll get to make your own fishing hole, which adds a personal touch.
• Guided but independent: With a guide providing instructions, you’re encouraged to try fishing on your own, which can be both fun and a bit challenging.
• Family friendly: Not suitable for kids under 5, but older children and adults can enjoy a relaxed, authentic Arctic activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The journey begins with a convenient hotel pickup in Rovaniemi. Once you’re in the warmth of the vehicle and heading toward the fishing village, you’ll start to feel the excitement building. The scenery is what makes this trip special—think snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and the vast silence of Lapland’s winter landscape.

At the fishing village, the real activity begins. After a brief tutorial from your guide, you’ll learn how to dig your own fishing hole—a task that might seem simple but actually requires some careful effort, especially on hard ice. With guidance, you’ll prepare your fishing rod with bait and try your luck at catching fish through a hole drilled into the ice.

Many travelers appreciate this part. As one reviewer put it: “It was very nice and Alexander the guide was excellent, we are very satisfied and enjoyed it.” This hands-on approach, combined with the stunning views, makes the experience feel more genuine and personalized than just sitting on a frozen lake.

While fishing, you’ll be surrounded by snowy forests and hills, which create a picturesque backdrop. Even if you don’t catch anything, the activity is relaxing and offers a chance to slow down and appreciate nature’s quiet beauty. After some time trying your luck, everyone gathers around a campfire to warm up. It’s here that you can sip hot drinks, nibble on cookies, and chat about the experience.

The return to Rovaniemi wraps up the tour with comfortable transportation, leaving you with memories of a peaceful winter landscape and a fun new skill — ice fishing.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Pickup and Transfer

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Rovaniemi, making it easy to access without worrying about transportation logistics. Expect your guide to be English-speaking, which helps if you’re not familiar with local languages. The vehicle transfers are comfortable, and the journey to the fishing village takes roughly the time needed to get you out into Lapland’s wilderness.

The Fishing Village

Once at the fishing village, you get about two hours of free time. This is plenty of time to try your hand at ice fishing, especially since the guide provides all necessary equipment—rods, bait, and other accessories. The village is set up to give visitors a taste of traditional ice fishing, with facilities that accommodate beginners and those with some experience alike.

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Making Your Own Hole

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to make your own fishing funnel. While it’s a simple task, it adds a sense of accomplishment and personal involvement. The guide offers instructions, ensuring that even novices can participate confidently. This step is more than just practical—it’s a memorable part of the process that makes the activity more meaningful.

Ice Fishing in Action

With your hole drilled, you’ll drop your line and wait. The scenery around you is part of the experience—snow-laden trees, the crisp winter air, and a stillness that’s hard to find elsewhere. Don’t expect to catch a fish immediately—patience is key, and even if you don’t catch anything, the fun is in the trying.

Warming Up with Hot Drinks

After some time fishing, everyone gathers around a campfire. It’s a cozy contrast to the cold outdoors and gives you a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy hot drinks and cookies that are included. The simple pleasure of warming up with hot chocolate or tea is often noted as one of the best parts of the tour.

Return to Rovaniemi

The final stop is the return trip to your hotel, closing out a compact but rewarding Arctic adventure. This seamless experience is ideal for travelers who want a taste of winter activities without committing to longer tours or complex arrangements.

What the Reviews Highlighted

One traveler shared: “It was very nice and Alexander the guide was excellent. We are very satisfied and enjoyed it.” The guide’s knowledge and friendliness clearly stand out, making the experience more engaging and comfortable.

Another reviewer appreciated the stunning views—the snow-covered hills and forests truly create a winter fairy tale setting. Even for those who didn’t catch fish, many found the activity relaxing and worth doing for the scenery alone.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $325 for a group of up to four, the price might seem high for just three hours. However, considering that all equipment, transportation, hot drinks, and cookies are included, it offers good value for an easy, guided experience in a remote, beautiful setting. It’s especially attractive for travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on winter activity that doesn’t require a lot of prep or equipment.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits those who are curious about local Arctic traditions and want a gentle, scenic activity. It’s perfect if you enjoy outdoor winter landscapes and are looking for a short but memorable adventure. It’s also a good pick for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience with all the basics covered.

However, it’s not ideal for very young children (under 5), or for travelers wanting a longer, more intensive fishing tour or a snow- or ice-related activity with a more adrenaline rush. If you’re after an authentic taste of Lapland’s winter magic, this is a lovely, straightforward option.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
While generally not designed for very young children under 5, older kids and teenagers can enjoy trying ice fishing and being outdoors in the snow. Keep in mind the activity involves some physical effort, like drilling holes.

What should I bring?
You’ll want to wear warm clothing and warm shoes. The tour provides all fishing equipment and gear, so just dress appropriately for cold weather.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including pickup, activity time, and return. Check with the supplier for specific starting times.

Is the tour refundable?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

What language is the guide speaking?
The guide speaks English, which makes communication straightforward for most travelers.

Can I book now and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the “Reserve & Pay Later” option, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a quiet, scenic winter activity into your Rovaniemi itinerary, this winter ice fishing tour offers a neat mix of nature, tradition, and relaxation. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the snowy landscape, and try something most people never get to experience—fishing through the ice of Lapland’s frozen lakes.

The experience, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff, makes it accessible whether you’re a novice or have some fishing experience. Though it’s a quick trip, the memories of making your own ice fishing hole, sitting by a campfire, and enjoying the icy silence of the Arctic will stick with you.

This tour is best suited for travelers craving a straightforward, authentic Arctic activity—something manageable in schedule but rich in atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, it’s a cozy, scenic snippet of Lapland’s winter charm that you shouldn’t miss.

You can check availability for your dates here: