Saariselkä: Ice Fishing Safari by Snowmobile

If you’re dreaming of a winter adventure in Lapland, the Ice Fishing Safari by Snowmobile in Saariselkä offers an exciting blend of adrenaline, tranquility, and authentic Finnish culture. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, the detailed reviews and consistent high ratings suggest it’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore Lapland’s wilderness in a fun, safe, and meaningful way.

What we love about this experience is the chance to drive through snow-laden forests, learn traditional ice fishing techniques, and enjoy a peaceful moment on a frozen lake. Plus, the guides are praised not only for their expertise but also for their warmth and storytelling, making the trip both educational and entertaining. The delicious campfire lunch makes the experience feel complete, turning a day of activity into a cozy, memorable outing.

One potential consideration is the price of $182 per person, which includes all gear, instruction, and a meal. While this might seem steep for some, the combination of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and the chance to catch your own fish makes it a worthwhile investment. This tour is perfect for travelers craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience that balances thrill and serenity.

This experience suits those who: want to enjoy Lapland’s natural beauty, are open to a bit of physical activity, and appreciate stories from knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal for adventure-seekers, nature lovers, and anyone interested in discovering local traditions in a genuine setting.

Good To Know

• Snowmobile adventure: Drive through scenic forests and open fells, experiencing the Arctic landscape.
• Ice fishing skills: Learn techniques for drilling a hole in the ice and attracting fish from expert guides.
• Peaceful solitude: Enjoy the quiet of a frozen lake, perfect for reflection or a unique photo opportunity.
• Cultural Insights: Guides share local traditions and storytelling, adding depth to the experience.
• Gourmet campfire lunch: Warm up by the fire with a picnic, and possibly cook your catch if luck is on your side.
• Flexible options: Choose to ride on your own snowmobile or take a sleigh pulled by guides, offering different levels of adventure and comfort.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Meeting Point and Preparation

The tour begins at the Lapponia Tours Safari House, where you’ll be fitted with thermal gear—an essential for staying warm in the Arctic cold. This gear is provided and ensures comfort as you venture into the snow. The group sizes tend to be manageable, fostering a friendly atmosphere where guides can give personalized attention.

Snowmobiling through Lapland’s Wilderness

Once suited up, you’ll hop on a snowmobile—a highlight for many travelers. Guides like Andrei and Erik are frequently praised for their friendly demeanor and wealth of knowledge. Expect the ride to last around 45 minutes, during which you’ll pass through snow-covered forests and open fells, with stunning views that seem to stretch forever.

One of the reviews describes the drive as “enchanting,” with the scenery creating the perfect backdrop for photos or just soaking in the silence of nature. If you’re comfortable, you can drive on your own; alternatively, a sleigh ride pulled behind a snowmobile adds a cozy touch, especially if you want to relax and enjoy the ride without the steering.

Reaching the Frozen Lake and Ice Fishing

The journey culminates at a serene, wilderness lake—a quintessential Arctic scene. Here, your guide will demonstrate how to drill a hole in the thick ice, a skill that many find satisfying and surprisingly straightforward. The process is explained patiently, often with tips on how to attract fish, which adds a sense of purpose to the activity.

While some guests might not catch anything, the emphasis is on the experience and learning. A review notes, “We drilled holes for ice fishing but didn’t catch anything,” which reminds us that patience and luck are part of the game. For those lucky enough to hook a fish, there’s the fun of possibly cooking it over the campfire.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Campfire and Picnic Lunch

After the fishing session, everyone gathers around a campfire for a picnic lunch prepared by the guide. Guests have spoken highly of the delicious food—simple, hearty, and perfect for the Arctic chill. The guide’s storytelling often enhances the meal, sharing local customs or tales from Lapland.

According to reviews, the overall experience is made even better by the warmth of the fire and the camaraderie. If you’re lucky, you might even cook your own catch, turning the activity into a true taste of wilderness living.

End of the Tour and Return

The tour concludes back at the meeting point, with plenty of time to swap stories or ask questions. The entire outing runs for about four hours, striking a good balance between activity and relaxation.

Value for Money

At $182, the tour covers all necessary equipment, expert guidance, transportation to and from the meeting point, and a satisfying meal. When you consider the effort, natural beauty, and cultural learning involved, many see this as a worthwhile investment. Guides like Erik and Andrei are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, turning a physical activity into an immersive experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This safari is well-suited for adventure lovers eager to explore Lapland’s winter landscape in a hands-on way. It appeals to those who appreciate cultural insights and enjoy quiet moments of reflection in nature. Because of the physical aspect and the cold environment, it might not be perfect for young children under 7 years or pregnant women.

It’s also a great option for individual travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a personalized experience that combines activity with education. If you’re looking for a more relaxed or luxury experience, this tour offers genuine authenticity without the fluff.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Four hours, with check-in at the Lapponia Tours Safari House.
• Price: $182 per person, inclusive of gear, instruction, and lunch.
• Availability: Varies by season; check for specific start times.
• What to bring: Dress warmly in layered clothing. Think thermal underwear, insulated jackets, hats, gloves, and sturdy boots.
• Who can’t participate: Children under 7, pregnant women, or anyone unwilling to handle physical activity.
• Insurance and safety: The tour includes third-party motor insurance with a max liability of 1200. You can reduce your self-risk to 600 by purchasing an additional liability waiver for 50 per person.

FAQs

Is transportation from Kakslauttanen or Kiilopää included? No, transportation is not included from these areas. Rates are available separately if you need transfer options.

Do I need prior snowmobiling experience? Not necessarily. Guides provide instructions, and the ride is suitable for beginners, especially if you opt for a guided ride rather than driving yourself.

What is the weather like? Expect cold temperatures typical of Lapland winter, so dressing warmly is essential. The tour usually runs in all but the stormiest weather.

Can I choose to ride on my own? Yes, you can drive your own snowmobile if you hold a valid driving license and are comfortable with the activity.

How physically demanding is the tour? It involves some physical activity like snowmobiling and drilling ice, so be prepared for a moderate level of exertion.

What is included in the price? Snowmobile driving, ice fishing equipment and instruction, a picnic lunch by the fire, thermal gear, guidance in English, and insurance.

Is this suitable for children? It’s not suitable for children under 7 years old, and participation requires a certain level of physical activity.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to plan your adventure.

Final Thoughts

The Saariselkä Ice Fishing Safari on snowmobiles offers a balanced mix of adventure, tranquility, and local culture. You’ll love the stunning winter scenery, the chance to learn traditional fishing techniques, and the cozy campfire meal. Guides like Andrei and Erik make the outing engaging and informative, turning a simple activity into a memorable experience.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who are eager to get off the beaten path and experience Lapland’s wilderness authentically. If you’re craving a day of scenic rides combined with cultural insights and a touch of Arctic magic, this safari will meet and exceed expectations.

While the price is reasonable considering everything included, it’s essential to be prepared for the cold and some physical activity. This experience offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s winter life—something you’ll remember long after the snow melts.

You can check if your dates are available here: