From Rovaniemi: Riisitunturi Full-Day Wilderness Adventure

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Riisitunturi on a Full-Day Wilderness Tour

This Rovaniemi-based tour offers an immersive journey into the breathtaking landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park. It’s perfect for those who crave authentic Arctic scenery, love photography, or simply want a day away from the more commercialized tourist spots. The experience combines scenic hikes, professional photography, and cozy campfire meals—all in the company of small, intimate groups.

What makes this adventure stand out is the chance to walk through snow-laden forests and climb high fells, offering viewpoints that reveal wild, untouched wilderness. While the cost is $278 per person, many reviewers feel the value justifies the price thanks to personalized guidance and high-quality photos. One thing to keep in mind is that this tour involves quite a bit of walking—about 4 km in total—so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate outdoor activity.

If you’re after a genuine, less-touristy experience with a focus on nature photography and Arctic scenery, this tour could be just what you’re looking for. It may not be ideal if you’re seeking a very relaxed, sit-back kind of day or if you prefer shorter, less physically demanding activities.

Key Points

• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience
• Professional guide/photographer helps capture stunning Arctic images
• Scenic hikes through snow-covered forests and high fells provide breathtaking views
• Authentic Arctic meals like grilled sausages and specialty sandwiches enhance the experience
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• High-quality photos sent after the trip add lasting memories

Why You’ll Love the Riisitunturi Wilderness Adventure

This is a well-rounded experience that balances adventure, photography, and cultural authenticity. The highlight for many travelers is the chance to explore Riisitunturi’s dramatic winter scenery—a landscape so photogenic that many visitors come away with stunning images captured by their professional guide. As Valerie pointed out, “the views are breathtaking,” and having a guide like Soizic who’s skilled in photography makes a real difference.

Beyond the scenery, the tour’s focus on small groups (limited to 8 participants) means you won’t feel lost in a crowd. Instead, you get a more tailored experience, with guides like Emilia and Oren sharing their knowledge about Arctic nature and taking the time for photo stops that truly enhance your trip photos.

The transportation is comfortable, with hotel pickup included within 10 km of Rovaniemi’s Beyond Arctic office, which is convenient for most travelers staying in town. The 2-hour drive to Riisitunturi allows you to relax before the hiking begins. The 4 km hike may seem modest, but it’s enough to get you immersed in the snow-blanketed forests and to reach the high viewpoints.

What to Expect During the Day

Pickup and Journey to Riisitunturi

Your adventure starts early with a pickup from your Rovaniemi accommodation. The minivan ride to Riisitunturi National Park is about 2 hours long—comfortable, with a chance to chat with your guide and learn a bit about the region. The small group size ensures plenty of room for everyone to relax and enjoy the scenic drive through Arctic landscapes.

Exploring Riisitunturi National Park

Once at the park, you’ll embark on a guided hike through snowy forests. Your guide, who’s also a professional photographer, will help you capture the best moments—whether that’s a cluster of snow-blanketed trees or a panoramic view from the high fells. Reviewers like Ravish mentioned how their guides, such as Oren, made the day memorable through their hospitality, knowledge, and photography skills.

Photography and Scenic Stops

Multiple stops are scheduled to photograph the most stunning Arctic vistas. These pauses aren’t just about snapping photos—they’re about truly appreciating the silence and majesty of the snow-blanketed wilderness. The guide’s expertise in photography ensures you’ll come away with high-quality, edited images of yourself and the landscape, a valued perk for many visitors.

Lunch and Campfire Experience

Midway through the day, you’ll take a relaxing break to enjoy a lunch of Lappish specialties—sandwiches and grilled sausages cooked over an open fire. This part of the tour offers a chance to breathe in the crisp Arctic air, enjoy the scenery, and connect with fellow travelers. The warm drinks and snacks provided keep everyone cozy, making the outdoor meal a memorable highlight.

Return to Rovaniemi

After about 3.5 hours of exploration and relaxation, you’ll head back to your accommodation, feeling rejuvenated and with a camera full of images. Many reviews mention the guides’ friendly, helpful attitude, and the satisfaction of a day spent in authentic wilderness.

The Value of the Experience

At $278 per person, this tour offers a lot—especially considering the expertly guided photography, transportation, meals, and personalized service. The inclusion of high-quality photos, sent after the trip, adds value that many other Arctic excursions don’t offer.

Reviewers consistently mention that the experience is worth the money, with some saying Emilia’s guiding and Oren’s hospitality made all the difference. The exclusivity of small groups ensures a tailored, less rushed visit, which is especially appealing for photographers or explorers seeking meaningful Arctic encounters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers wanting an authentic Arctic adventure with a focus on nature, photography, and local culture. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with walking moderate distances and eager to explore snow-covered landscapes with expert guidance.

If you’re traveling solo, in a small group, or as a couple, you’ll appreciate the intimacy and personal attention. On the other hand, if you prefer shorter, less active excursions or are traveling with very young children, this might be a bit demanding.

Overall, it’s perfect for adventure seekers, shutterbugs, and anyone looking to experience Lapland’s wilderness beyond the usual tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 kilometers of the Beyond Arctic office in Rovaniemi, making it easy to join without extra logistics.

How long is the drive to Riisitunturi?
The transportation takes approximately 2 hours each way, allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery before the hike begins.

What’s included in the price?
The package covers transportation, a wilderness and photography guide, warm clothing, winter boots, BBQ gear, a light lunch, hot drinks, snacks, and 10-15 professionally edited photos sent afterward.

How physically demanding is the hike?
The hike is about 4 km, which is moderate. It involves walking through snowy terrain and climbing to viewpoints, so good footwear and basic fitness are recommended.

What kind of meals are served?
You’ll enjoy a simple but hearty lunch of Lappish sandwiches and grilled sausages cooked over a campfire, with hot drinks to keep warm.

Can I expect good weather?
The weather is variable, but many reviews mention clear, sunny days like the one Valerie experienced. The guides are prepared for different conditions, so dress appropriately and enjoy the scenery.

Final Thoughts

This full-day Riisitunturi Wilderness Adventure offers an authentic Arctic experience with a mix of stunning landscapes, expert guidance, and memorable photo opportunities. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want to see Lapland’s snow-covered forests and high fells away from crowded tourist spots. The personalized service, cozy outdoor meals, and professional photography make it a well-rounded, value-for-money experience.

While the physical aspect is moderate, the payoff is high—breathtaking views, exclusive access, and lasting memories captured in beautiful images. If you’re looking for a true adventure into Lapland’s wild heart, this tour will likely leave you longing to return.

To sum it up, whether you’re an avid photographer, nature lover, or curious explorer, this trip provides a genuine taste of the Arctic’s raw beauty. It’s best suited for those seeking an immersive, small-group experience with knowledgeable guides who really care about showcasing Finland’s untouched wilderness. Pack your warmest gear, ready your camera, and prepare to be wowed by the snow-laden forests and high fells of Riisitunturi.