Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour

Travelers seeking a genuine taste of Lapland’s winter wilderness will find this Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour offers a well-rounded, memorable experience. With a duration of around four hours, it combines two classic Arctic activities—snowshoeing over pristine frozen landscapes and ice fishing on a peaceful lake—plus some traditional Finnish fun like fire-making and sausage grilling. The tour is hosted by Wild About Lapland, a reputable local operator, and earns a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars from dozens of reviews.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the door-to-door transport, which takes the hassle out of navigating snowy roads and allows you to relax and focus on the experience. We love that it’s suitable for most travelers, including those with minimal prior experience, thanks to clear instruction and professional gear. On the flip side, some might find the ice fishing a bit slow if the fish aren’t biting, but that’s part of the charm of the Arctic’s unpredictable nature.

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families eager to spend quality outdoor time in the Arctic. It offers a balanced mix of physical activity, learning survival tips, and enjoying local treats—all in a small-group setting, which adds a personal touch.

Key Points

• Combines two classic winter activities: Snowshoeing and ice fishing make for a well-rounded Arctic experience.
• Includes local Finnish snacks and hot drinks: Perfect for cozying up after outdoor activities.
• Door-to-door transport provided: Hassle-free from your accommodation outside Rovaniemi’s city center.
• Guides are knowledgeable and friendly: They provide clear instructions and share local insights.
• Focus on safety and skill-building: Fire-making lessons and survival tips add educational value.
• Small-group experience: Limited to 8 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

Exploring Rovaniemi’s Winter Wilderness

This tour offers a fantastic way to see the Lapland landscape beyond the usual tourist spots. Starting with pickup from your hotel (or meeting point in the city), you’ll head out to a peaceful outdoor location, away from crowds and bright city lights. The journey itself is part of the adventure, as you leave behind the urban environment and enter a tranquil world of snow-laden trees and silent lakes.

Once you arrive, your guide will demonstrate how to walk with snowshoes, especially if it’s your first time. They’ll give tips on maintaining balance and walking efficiently, which makes the activity accessible even for beginners. As you stride across the silent snowy forests and over a frozen lake, you’ll feel a real connection to the Arctic environment—and perhaps even catch a glimpse of reindeer or Arctic birds.

Snowshoeing through the Arctic Forests

Snowshoeing in Lapland isn’t just about getting from point A to B; it’s about experiencing the quiet majesty of winter. The snowshoes distribute your weight, allowing you to walk on snow that would be impassable otherwise. Reviewers mention that the forest trails can be challenging but rewarding, especially if you enjoy a bit of physical activity amid stunning scenery.

One guest noted that the forest trail was “challenging but much more fun than just walking on a path.” The natural silence, broken only by your footsteps, is a highlight. Many travelers find this activity relaxing and meditative—an ideal way to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and tune into nature’s rhythm.

Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

The core of the experience is fishing on a frozen lake. After snowshoeing to a promising spot, you’ll learn how to drill a hole in the ice and set up your fishing line. Your guide will demonstrate the basic techniques and help you get started. While catching fish isn’t guaranteed—some reviewers mentioned it was slow or no fish were caught—the process itself is authentic and educational.

One reviewer mentioned that “none of us caught a fish,” but equally appreciated the experience of trying. The highlight is often the patience and the serenity of fishing in this pristine environment, with the added thrill of possibly catching your own lunch.

Fire-Making and Sausage Grilling

While waiting for bites, your guide will build a fire on the lake shore, teaching you how to make fire without matches—a useful survival skill. You’ll gather around the crackling flames, sipping hot drinks and enjoying Finnish snacks, which many reviewers found to be a cozy, authentic touch. If you’re lucky enough to catch a fish of size, the guide will prepare it, cooking it right over the fire. Even if the fish are undersized, the fire and snacks keep the atmosphere warm and convivial.

This part of the tour adds a hands-on survival element and a chance to learn about traditional Finnish outdoor customs. Several reviews praised the guides for their professionalism and friendliness, highlighting that their explanations made the experience accessible and enjoyable.

Returning to Rovaniemi

After a few hours of outdoor adventure, snowshoeing back to the starting point completes the circuit, and your guide will ensure you’re comfortably returned to your accommodation. The small-group size keeps the experience intimate, often feeling more like a gathering of friends than a tour.

Practical Details and Value

At $131.84 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the included equipment, professional guidance, warm clothing, snacks, and round-trip transport. The price reflects the quality of experience and the small-group setting, which enhances personalization and safety.

The tour lasts approximately four hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that complements other Arctic adventures in Rovaniemi. It’s designed to be accessible, with most travelers able to participate, and service animals are allowed—adding flexibility for travelers with pets.

The maximum group size of 8 ensures plenty of attention from guides, who are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. Reviews consistently mention the guides’ pedagogical approach and ability to make everyone feel comfortable, even those new to snow activities.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

Included are all necessary equipment for snowshoeing and ice fishing, hot drinks and snacks, and professional winter clothing and boots—a significant convenience, especially for travelers who don’t want to pack bulky gear. Hotel pick-up and drop-off outside Rovaniemi’s city center make logistics simple.

Not included are lunch and alcoholic drinks, so plan to enjoy a hearty meal afterward elsewhere in the city. The tour operates on a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if weather conditions turn poor.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendliness and clarity—one even called the guide “perfect”. The small-group setting creates an intimate environment, with many guests feeling like they’ve shared a special moment with a local expert.

Some mention that the ice fishing can sometimes be uneventful—“no fish bites”—but emphasize that the experience is still rewarding for the peacefulness and the chance to learn new skills. Others enjoyed the challenge of snowshoeing, especially on forest trails that felt “challenging but fun”.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers who want a hands-on day in nature, rather than a passive sightseeing tour. It’s perfect for those interested in learning outdoor survival skills and experiencing Finland’s winter landscape in an authentic way.

Families with kids who enjoy outdoor activities will also find this engaging—especially since the gear and instruction are professional and friendly. Couples and small groups looking for a memorable, small-group outing will appreciate the intimate vibe.

Final Thoughts

This Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour offers a genuine taste of Arctic life, with a combination of physical activity, cultural insight, and cozy moments around a fire. The inclusion of professional guides, quality gear, and local snacks makes it an excellent value. While the fishing may not always produce a catch, the overall experience of learning skills, enjoying the scenery, and sharing stories around the fire makes it a worthwhile addition to your Rovaniemi itinerary.

If you’re craving a hands-on outdoor activity, appreciate small-group experiences, and want to connect with Lapland’s winter wilderness, this tour will meet—and likely exceed—your expectations.

FAQs

• Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides round-trip transport from accommodations outside Rovaniemi city center.
• What should I wear? The tour includes professional winter clothing and boots, so you mainly need to dress warmly in layers suitable for Arctic winter temperatures.
• Can I participate if I’ve never snowshoed before? Absolutely. The guides will give instructions on how to walk with snowshoes, making it accessible for beginners.
• What if the weather turns bad? The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
• Is it suitable for children? Most travelers can participate, and the experience can be enjoyable for families, especially with children who like outdoor adventures.
• How long does the tour last? Approximately four hours, including travel, activities, and breaks.
• What’s included in the price? Equipment for snowshoeing and ice fishing, snacks, hot drinks, professional guidance, and winter clothing.
• What if I don’t catch a fish? That’s common; you’ll still enjoy the peaceful environment and the chance to learn the process.
• Are alcoholic drinks included? No, the tour includes non-alcoholic hot drinks, but alcohol is not part of the experience.

This tour strikes a fabulous balance between adventure and comfort, making it an ideal way to spend a day exploring Lapland’s winter wonders.