Kemi-Tornio: Evening campfire on the island

Discover the Charm of the Kemi-Tornio Evening Campfire on the Island

If you’re seeking a genuine taste of Arctic life during your Lapland trip, this evening campfire experience in Kemi-Tornio offers an authentic, cozy, and visually stunning adventure. Although we haven’t personally taken it, reviews highlight a memorable blend of snow-covered landscapes, traditional Sami hospitality, and the chance to see the Northern Lights—if luck’s on your side.

What truly sets this tour apart? For us, it’s the sleigh ride over the frozen sea, the warmth and intimacy of a Lappish hut campfire, and the opportunity to walk through snow-laden forests. The only possible downside is that sometimes the Northern Lights are a no-show, which is no reflection on the effort—it’s just part of the unpredictability of Arctic skies.

This experience is perfect for travelers craving an authentic Arctic evening, those who love gentle adventure, and anyone eager to combine scenic beauty with cultural highlights. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate comfort, small group intimacy, and a touch of magic in their winter outings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Authentic Arctic Night Experience: Enjoy the darkness of the snow-covered archipelago, away from city lights.
• Traditional Lappish Hospitality: Warm drinks and grilled sausages inside a cozy hut.
• Scenic Snow Activities: Snowmobile sleigh rides and forest walks.
• Potential to See the Northern Lights: With clear skies, a starlight night sky and auroras may appear.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Warm clothing, hot drinks, and dinner included.
• Flexible Booking Options: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the ability to reserve without immediate payment.

The Itinerary and What Makes It Special

Starting Point and Preparation

The tour kicks off at the Sea Lapland Safaris safari house in Kemi (Lumilinnankatu 15c). Here, you’ll be greeted by professional guides who will help you gear up in warm winter clothing: overall, shoes, wool socks, gloves, and helmets. This detail is important—dressing warmly makes all the difference in the Arctic cold, especially for an outdoor experience that involves walking and riding in open sleighs.

Reviewers mention that the clothing provided is sufficient to keep you comfortable, even as temperatures dip below freezing. Being properly dressed means you can focus on the scenery and experience rather than shivering.

Snowmobile Sleigh Ride Over the Frozen Sea

The highlight for many is the sled ride over the ice-covered Baltic Sea. Your guide will lead you on a snowmobile-drawn sleigh, which is both smooth and surprisingly quiet—allowing for good conversation and sightseeing. The frozen expanse offers a surreal landscape, with endless white stretching to the horizon, where the sky often blends into a soft, twilight hue.

Several reviews note that the ride is accessible and comfortable, even for those new to snowmobiling. The guides are experienced and attentive, making sure everyone is safe and enjoying the glide across the ice.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Campfire in a Lappish Hut

Upon arrival at the island, your guide will build a campfire inside a traditional Lappish hut, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere amid the winter wonderland. Guests report that the warm drinks and grilled sausages are simple but tasty, adding to the cozy feeling. The fire’s glow contrasts beautifully against the snowy surroundings, offering a perfect spot to relax and chat.

The hut’s authenticity enhances the experience—it’s a chance to connect with Sami culture in a natural setting. Reviewers often mention that this part of the tour feels intimate and genuine, far from the touristy fringes.

Exploring the Snow-Covered Forest

After your meal and chat around the fire, you’ll have the opportunity to take a walk around the island and explore its snow-blanketed forest. The quiet, pristine environment is perfect for appreciating the Arctic silence and perhaps even catching glimpses of local wildlife.

Guests highlight that walking through the snow-covered trees feels like stepping into a Christmas card—quiet, peaceful, and breathtaking. Some reviewers suggest bringing a camera for the beautiful winter vistas and wildlife spotting.

The Chance to See the Northern Lights

Perhaps the most exciting part of this experience is the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights. With clear night skies and minimal light pollution, the chances are decent—though, as with all aurora sightings, it’s never guaranteed. Many guests mention that even if the lights don’t appear, the starry sky and peaceful surroundings make it a worthwhile venture.

A reviewer shared that “the night sky was so clear, and we could see stars and the faint glow of the auroras—just magical.” Keep in mind that weather conditions and solar activity influence the likelihood, so patience and luck are part of the adventure.

Returning to Base

After about two hours, the tour concludes back at the safari house, where you can change out of your warm gear. Some travelers choose to extend their Arctic night with additional activities or simply relax afterward, savoring the memories.

What’s Included and Practical Details

This tour offers excellent value considering what’s included: warm clothing, hot drink, and grilled sausage. The clothing provided is comprehensive, including overall suits, shoes, wool socks, gloves, and helmets—so you won’t need to bring your own bulky winter gear unless you prefer to.

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, with flexible start times depending on availability—so you can pick a slot that suits your schedule. The tour is offered in small groups, which adds to the intimate and relaxed atmosphere, and guides communicate in English and Finnish.

Meeting Point and Logistics

The meeting point is the Sea Lapland Safaris safari house in Kemi. For those staying in Tornio or Haparanda, pickup from selected hotels is available, making the experience easier and more comfortable to fit into your day.

Booking Flexibility and Cancellation

Booking is flexible—reserve now and pay later—and you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, providing peace of mind in case plans change.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Guests frequently mention the professionalism of the guides, who are knowledgeable about local culture and the environment. Many describe the experience as peaceful and authentic, emphasizing the quiet beauty of the Arctic night.

One reviewer appreciated that “the guides explained everything clearly and made us feel safe during the sleigh ride,” and another loved that “the fire was warm, and the sausages tasted great after the cold ride.” The small group setting fosters a cozy, friendly atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer intimate experiences over large tours.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Absolutely, especially if you’re after a relaxed and culturally rich Arctic outing. The combination of snowmobile riding, a traditional Sami-style campfire, and the stunning landscape makes for a memorable evening. The added bonus of possibly seeing the Northern Lights adds a touch of magic, though it’s not guaranteed.

The inclusive pricing—covering gear, food, and guiding—offers good value for an authentic experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want a gentle adventure that combines scenic beauty, cultural flavor, and a cozy atmosphere.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour appeals most to those seeking a peaceful, scenic, and cultural evening in Lapland. It’s perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or families with older children who enjoy outdoor winter activities and atmospheric settings.

If you love the idea of sleigh rides, campfires, and forest walks under starlit skies, this experience delivers in spades. It’s less about adrenaline and more about enjoying the quiet, stunning beauty of the Arctic night with a touch of Sami tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own winter clothing? No, all necessary gear—overall, shoes, wool socks, gloves, and helmet—is provided, making it easy to pack light.

How long does the tour last? The activity runs for roughly two hours, including transfers, riding, and enjoying the campfire.

Is this experience suitable for children? The tour is designed for those comfortable in winter conditions; check with the operator for specific age restrictions, but generally, older children who can handle cold outdoor environments will enjoy it.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour? There’s a chance, as the tour takes place in dark, clear skies far from city lights, but sightings depend on weather and solar activity.

Is transportation included? Pickup from selected hotels in Tornio-Haparanda is available, but otherwise, you’ll meet at the safari house in Kemi.

What if I want to cancel? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, giving you flexibility in planning.

This Arctic campfire experience in Kemi-Tornio offers a perfectly balanced mix of scenic adventure, culture, and cozy relaxation. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or simply looking to enjoy the quiet magic of Lapland’s winter nights, it promises a genuine taste of the North in a setting you’ll remember long after the snow melts.

You can check if your dates are available here: