Saariselka: Snowshoe Tour for Ice Fishing

This guided snowshoe tour combines two authentic Arctic experiences into one unforgettable outing. Your journey begins in Saariselkä, where your professional local guide provides you with snowshoes and poles, along with a brief introduction to snowshoeing technique. Once ready, you’ll set off into the pristine winter wilderness, stepping away from the bustle of town and into the silence of deep snow-covered forests and open fells.

The snowshoe hike offers a moderate level of activity and is accessible for beginners. As you walk across the unspoiled terrain, your guide shares insights into the surrounding environment—pointing out animal tracks in the snow and telling stories of traditional Lappish life. The trek leads to a secluded frozen lake or river, far from light pollution and noise, where you’ll take part in the age-old tradition of ice fishing.

At the lake, you’ll learn how to drill a fishing hole through the thick ice using manual or motorized augers. Once the hole is ready, you’ll receive a fishing rod and bait, and try your luck catching local freshwater species like perch or arctic char. With the guidance of your host, you’ll gain an understanding of how ice fishing has played a role in Arctic survival and subsistence.

While waiting for a bite, you’ll warm up around a small campfire and enjoy hot drinks and perhaps a snack in a traditional wilderness setting. The peaceful stillness, broken only by the occasional tug on your line or the crackling of the fire, offers a deeply calming moment in the heart of Lapland.

Whether or not you catch a fish, this excursion is about enjoying nature, learning local traditions, and experiencing a way of life tied to both land and water.

Approximately 5 hours

• Guided snowshoe hike through untouched Arctic wilderness
• Learn traditional ice fishing techniques on a frozen lake
• Try catching perch or arctic char with professional equipment
• Warm up with hot drinks by a fire in a remote setting
• Experience true silence and serenity in Lapland’s snowy landscape

Prices start from 119 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• Return transfers from major hotels
• Winter adventure clothes and shoes
• Light lunch
• Equipment
• Guiding

• No prior experience in snowshoeing or fishing required
• Moderate physical activity level—suitable for most visitors
• Operates from December to April, depending on snow and ice conditions
• Minimum age: 10 years
• Not recommended for individuals with limited mobility