Rovaniemi: Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

If you’ve ever dreamed of trying your hand at ice fishing amidst the breathtaking winter landscape of Lapland, this tour promises a genuine and well-rounded experience. With a friendly local guide and all the gear included, you’ll spend about 3.5 hours learning techniques, catching fish, and enjoying classic Arctic scenery. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a curious first-timer, the mix of hands-on activity, beautiful views, and cozy moments makes this a memorable outing.

What we’re really drawn to is the chance to learn from knowledgeable guides—the kind who make the activity accessible and fun while sharing insights into local traditions. Plus, the landscape photography opportunities are plentiful, giving you lots of chances for striking photos. One thing to keep in mind is that the fishing itself can be hit or miss depending on the day, so patience is key. This experience suits those who love a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural curiosity, and stunning natural beauty.

Key Points

• Authentic learning experience: Guides teach the basics of ice fishing, making it accessible for all skill levels.
• Stunning scenery: Expect pristine winter landscapes perfect for photography and wildlife spotting.
• Inclusion of thoughtful amenities: Hot drinks, snacks, and a campfire create a cozy atmosphere.
• Small group setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience.
• Photo package: Edited photos are available for download, adding a lasting souvenir.
• Family-friendly: With attentive guides and manageable activities, it’s suitable for families, especially those with kids passionate about fishing.

The Experience: A Detailed Breakdown

How the Tour Starts and Transportation

The adventure begins with hotel pickup if you’re staying within about 10 kilometers of Rovaniemi’s center. The tour provider, Beyond Arctic, arranges this seamlessly, so there’s no need to hunt for transportation. If you’re staying outside the immediate area, a quick contact with the team is recommended to confirm pickup details. Once everyone is gathered, you’ll hop into a cozy minivan and enjoy a quick 20-minute drive through snowy scenery toward the lake.

This short trip is a highlight in itself, as the landscapes of Lapland in winter are utterly captivating—think snow-covered trees, frozen ponds, and the crisp, clear air. The ride sets the tone for the tranquility and natural beauty that awaits.

Reaching the Frozen Lake

After the drive, it’s just a few minutes of walking to reach the main activity site. The lake is a perfect setting—wide, flat, and covered with a solid sheet of ice that’s at least a meter thick, making it safe for activities. Here, you’ll notice the quiet serenity of the Arctic winter, with the landscape offering fantastic photographic angles.

The calmness of the surroundings makes even the simple act of sitting by a hole in the ice feel special. As one reviewer mentioned, “We were in a small group and our guide took us to a part of the lake where we were alone,” emphasizing the sense of peace and exclusivity.

Learning the Basics of Ice Fishing

Once settled, your guide (often a local with deep knowledge of the area and fishing techniques) will demonstrate the essentials: how to drill a hole through the ice, bait your hook, and patiently wait for a bite. The guides are attentive; as one reviewer pointed out, “Our guide Oren was excellent—knowledgeable and flexible,” and he took extra care to involve even the shyest participants, making sure everyone felt included.

You don’t need prior experience—the goal is to enjoy the process and learn. Expect a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Many visitors find themselves captivated by the challenge of catching fish beneath the ice, which can be surprisingly tricky depending on the weather and season.

The Landscape and Photography Opportunities

While fishing is the main activity, the landscape plays a starring role. The frozen lake, with snow-dusted trees and the distant silhouette of the Arctic wilderness, offers incredible photo ops. Many visitors, like Jessica, appreciated the scenery: “In a beautiful setting, we enjoyed the time around the fire in a pretty teepee, tasting sausages, marshmallows, and glogi.” The guide’s ability to point out interesting sights and facilitate great photo moments is a real plus.

Campfire and Snacks

After some fishing, your guide will set up a campfire (often in a cozy teepee or sheltered spot) where you can warm up. Hot drinks and snacks are provided, making the experience even more comfortable. This pause allows you to chat, take photos, and soak in the winter serenity. The warmth of the fire and the traditional snacks add a lovely contrast to the chilly outdoors.

Catch and Cook

The highlight for many is the chance to fry your ‘catch of the day.’ If you’ve caught a fish, you’ll get to prepare and enjoy it fresh. This hands-on moment provides a sense of achievement and a delicious conclusion to your Arctic adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Pickup in Rovaniemi: Early morning or afternoon, depending on your chosen time.
• Drive to the Lake: About 20 minutes, taking in the scenic winter landscape.
• Walk to the fishing site: A short, flat walk to reach the ice lake.
• Ice fishing instruction: Guided demonstration on drilling, baiting, and patience.
• Fishing time: About 1 to 2 hours of hands-on fishing, with plenty of opportunities for photos.
• Campfire and snacks: Cozy up with hot drinks, sausages, marshmallows, and traditional drinks like glogi.
• Frying your catch: Prepare and taste your freshly caught fish.
• Return to Rovaniemi: The trip concludes with drop-off at your hotel or designated location.

What’s Included and Practical Details

The tour offers excellent value, with all necessary equipment provided—including ice fishing gear, warm clothing, and sturdy winter boots if needed. The small group size (up to 8 participants) ensures personal attention, and the English-speaking guide makes communication easy.

You’ll also receive a collection of professionally edited photos after the trip, accessible via a secure link—an especially appreciated perk, as capturing the moment is easy in such photogenic scenery. Hot drinks and snacks are included, making the experience more comfortable during the cold hours.

The tour lasts about 3.5 hours, ideal for fitting into your Arctic itinerary without feeling rushed. Flexibility is built into the booking process, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later—perfect for travelers with flexible plans.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

The reviews highlight some notable points. One guest praised “Oren, the guide, for his knowledge and flexibility,” noting he went out of his way to involve everyone, including a shy teenager. Such personal touches make a big difference in creating a memorable experience.

Another reviewer appreciated the privacy of the fishing spot, “being in a part of the lake where they were alone,” which added to the feeling of adventure and exclusivity. The cozy fire and the chance to taste traditional Finnish snacks like sausages and glogi around the campfire were also memorable moments.

However, some guests expressed a desire for deeper cultural insights—such as more information about Lappish fishing techniques or local history—something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a highly educational experience.

Is This Tour Worth It?

At $119 per person, this experience offers a genuine taste of Arctic winter life without the hefty price tag of more luxury tours. You get a hands-on activity, stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and professional guidance. The inclusion of photos and the opportunity to fry your own fish make it feel like a well-rounded adventure.

While the fishing results can vary—sometimes you catch fish, sometimes you don’t—the overall value is in the journey, scenery, and learning. It’s especially perfect for travelers who love outdoor activities, photography, or want a unique story to tell from their trip.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour suits adventurous travelers eager to try a traditional Arctic pastime in a small, friendly group. Nature lovers and photographers will appreciate the landscape views and wildlife opportunities. Families with children passionate about fishing will find it engaging, especially with attentive guides ensuring safety and fun.

Those seeking cultural insights into local traditions will find some aspects, like the fire and traditional snacks, enjoyable, though the focus is mainly on the activity itself. If you prefer a more in-depth cultural or historical experience, you might find this tour somewhat limited. However, for authentic outdoor fun combined with beautiful scenery, it hits the mark.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, if you’re staying within about 10 km of Rovaniemi city center, pickup is included. Otherwise, you should contact the provider to arrange details.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 3.5 hours, offering a good balance of activity and relaxation.

What should I wear?
Warm clothing and winter boots are provided if needed, but dressing in layers is recommended for comfort during outdoor activities.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, especially for children who love fishing or winter scenery. The guide’s attentiveness makes it family-friendly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I be able to take photos?
Absolutely. The guide will provide a password for access to professionally edited photos after the tour.

What if I don’t catch any fish?
Fishing can be unpredictable, but the experience is about enjoying the scenery and learning new skills. The campfire and snacks make the time worthwhile regardless.

Final Thoughts

This ice fishing tour is a wonderful way to step into authentic Lapland winter life, especially if you value scenic beauty, engaging guides, and a relaxed pace. It offers a genuine taste of a local tradition, combined with the chance to capture stunning photographs and enjoy cozy moments by the fire. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious traveler, you'll come away with stories, photos, and perhaps a new hobby.

Ideal for those who cherish outdoor adventures with a cultural twist, this experience balances activity and comfort beautifully. It’s a memorable, authentic addition to any Arctic itinerary—one that captures the quiet magic of Lapland’s winter landscape.