Saariselkä: Snowshoeing Tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Exploring the Arctic on Snowshoes in Urho Kekkonen National Park

If you’re dreaming of winter adventures in Lapland, a snowshoeing tour through Urho Kekkonen National Park might just be the experience you crave. While we haven’t personally strapped on snowshoes in this pristine wilderness, reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of an authentic, leisurely journey into the snowy silence of Finland’s wild heart.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the chance to explore unknown trails outside the usual crowds, guided by skilled English-speaking leaders. Second, the opportunity to see snowy trees and animal footprints up close, offering a glimpse into arctic wildlife behavior. And third, the flexibility of options—choose between a 2-hour, 4-hour, or even an evening trek, depending on your energy and schedule.

That said, keep in mind that snow conditions and group pace influence the route, so it’s not a high-speed adventure but more of a contemplative nature walk. This experience best suits nature enthusiasts, beginners, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor activity with a knowledgeable guide.

Good To Know

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Explore lesser-trodden trails of Urho Kekkonen National Park.
• Flexible Tour Lengths: Options from 2 to 4 hours, including an evening session.
• Guided by Experts: Local guides provide insight into wildlife footprints and scenic spots.
• All Equipment Included: Snowshoes and gear are provided, making it accessible for everyone.
• Cost-Effective: At $85 per person, it offers good value for a guided outdoor adventure.
• Small Group Sizes: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction to the Snowshoeing Tour in Saariselkä

If you’re looking for a way to step into the snowy wilderness of Lapland without the need for any prior experience, this snowshoeing tour offers a gentle yet immersive way to do so. The experience is designed to be accessible, even for beginners, but also interesting enough for those who have tried snowshoeing before.

One of the biggest perks? You’ll be guided by friendly, knowledgeable professionals—such as the guides from Outdoor Expert Saariselkä Oy—who know the terrain and can point out signs of arctic wildlife that you might miss on your own. Plus, the gear is included, so there’s no need to fuss over renting equipment beforehand.

The tour’s overall vibe is relaxed, making it perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the tranquility of winter forests, rather than intense physical activity. The option for an evening trip adds a magical touch, as you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if luck is on your side.

Exploring the Trails of Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park is a vast expanse of wilderness packed with snow-covered trees, quiet lakes, and signs of arctic life. The fact that the trails are outside the marked routes means you’ll genuinely feel like an explorer, wandering through untouched snow, marveling at the shapes of frost-laden branches.

The guides do a fantastic job of adjusting the pace and route based on snow conditions and group abilities. This means you’ll never feel rushed or left behind, but instead enjoy the journey at a comfortable speed. According to reviews, “the tour pace and route will be adjusted according to the group’s pace and snow conditions,” which helps ensure everyone has a good time.

What makes this especially appealing are the small details—such as observing the fingerprints of arctic wildlife, which could include fox or reindeer tracks—adding a layer of excitement and discovery. After all, spotting animal footprints in the snow is like finding nature’s secret messages.

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do

Your adventure starts at the Outdoor Expert Saariselkä office, just a short walk from the park border. Once there, you’ll receive your snowshoes and gear, then meet your guide, who will provide a quick briefing on safety and technique.

The tour itself involves walking along undiscovered trails, away from tourist crowds, with the guide pointing out interesting sights. For example, you might stop to admire the snow-laden trees, whose unique shapes are caused by the weight of snow and ice, creating a surreal winter landscape.

The guides are known for their enthusiasm and knowledge—one reviewer, Ralf, mentions a “superb guide” and “fantastic scenery” that made the experience truly memorable. They may also share insights into local wildlife habits, making the footprints and tracks you see more meaningful.

During the longer tour options, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for breaks, enjoying hot drinks to warm up in the crisp air. The evening session often concludes with a cozy drink around a campfire, adding to the authentic outdoor adventure feel.

What’s Included and Practical Details

For $85, the tour covers guidance in English or Finnish, all necessary equipment, and a warm drink afterward. This inclusive approach means you can focus on the experience without worrying about extra costs or logistics.

The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures a personable experience where your guide can tailor the pace and share interesting facts. The flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind, especially if your plans change unexpectedly.

What should you bring? Pack outdoor clothing suitable for winter—think layers, waterproof gear, gloves, and a hat. This is essential since part of the joy is being comfortable while out in the snow for a couple of hours.

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Why We Think This Tour Is a Great Value

At $85 per person, this snowshoeing tour offers a well-rounded experience in a stunning setting. Compared to other Arctic activities, walking quietly through snow-covered forests with a guide is a relatively affordable way to connect with nature. The inclusion of equipment and hot drinks adds extra value, removing typical barriers like gear rental costs.

The fact that the tour is suitable for both beginners and more experienced snowshoers makes it versatile. Plus, the small group size enhances the feeling of intimacy, making it easier to ask questions and learn about the local environment.

Reviewers consistently highlight the knowledgeable guides as a key highlight, emphasizing their ability to make the experience both informative and fun. One reviewer raved about the “superb guide” and “fantastic scenery,” which hints at a memorable, personalized adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This snowshoeing outing is perfect for nature lovers looking to experience Finland’s winter landscape away from busy tourist spots. It’s an ideal choice for beginners, thanks to the gentle pace and guided support, but also appealing to those wanting a peaceful walk in snow-laden woods.

If you’re someone eager to spot signs of wildlife or simply enjoy the quiet beauty of snowy forests, you will find this tour rewarding. The evening option also makes it suitable for travelers who want a bit of magic while possibly catching the Northern Lights.

People looking for a relaxed, educational outdoor activity that combines physical activity with scenic beauty will find this tour hits the mark.

FAQs

Do I need to be an experienced snowshoer for this tour? No, the tour is suitable for beginners, and guides will help you with the basic technique.

What should I wear? Pack outdoor clothing appropriate for winter—think waterproof jackets, layered clothing, gloves, and a hat to stay warm.

How long does the tour last? The options range from 2 to 4 hours, including the possibility of an evening session, so you can choose based on your schedule and energy level.

Is equipment provided? Yes, all necessary snowshoeing gear is included in the price.

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

What are the group sizes? The tour is limited to small groups of up to 10 participants, providing an intimate experience.

Where do I meet for the tour? The meeting point is at Outdoor Expert Saariselkä, just a few steps from the national park border.

To sum it up, the Saariselkä Snowshoeing Tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park offers a gentle yet immersive way to experience Lapland’s winter wilderness. Its small group setting, knowledgeable guides, and inclusive pricing make it stand out as a fantastic choice for outdoor lovers—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snowshoer.

You’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of snow-blanketed trees, the thrill of spotting animal tracks, and the peaceful solitude that only the Arctic can provide. Perfect for those seeking a memorable, authentic Arctic experience that doesn’t break the bank, this tour balances adventure, education, and relaxation in equal measure.

If you’re after a serene outdoor activity that combines scenic vistas with local wildlife insights, this snowshoe tour could be your highlight in Lapland. Just remember to dress warmly, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a memorable walk into the icy silence of Finland’s wild north.

You can check if your dates are available here: