From Helsinki: Bodom Lake Ice Fishing with Food & Drinks

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines Finnish tradition, stunning winter scenery, and a bit of patience, the Bodom Lake Ice Fishing tour offers just that. While we haven’t personally taken this trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a vivid picture of an authentic experience just a short drive from Helsinki.

What we love about this tour is its focus on local Finnish culture—from the use of the classic pilkki fishing rod to the warm campfire with traditional sausages. The small group setting ensures a more personal experience, and the inclusion of food and drinks adds a cozy, communal vibe. However, a potential consideration is that the tour is quite weather-dependent, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with winter conditions and chilly outdoor activities.

This experience is perfect for adventurers eager to try fishing, culture seekers wanting a taste of Finnish traditions, or families looking for a unique, memorable outing. If you love outdoor activities with a cultural twist and are okay with cold weather, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your visit to Helsinki.

Good To Know

• Authentic Finnish tradition with ice fishing and campfire food
• Short, convenient drive from Helsinki—just 25 minutes away
• Small group sizes ensure personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere
• Includes transportation, traditional foods, and fishing gear for seamless experience
• Learn new skills like how to drill a hole in the ice and use the pilkki
• Ideal for winter enthusiasts and curious travelers keen on local customs

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Bodom Lake Ice Fishing Experience

The Location and Accessibility

The tour takes place at Bodom Lake, the largest of the nearby lakes, offering a genuinely scenic winter landscape. Located about 25 minutes from Helsinki city center, the trip provides a quick escape into nature without the long travel times often associated with more remote Finnish adventures. The meeting point is conveniently located out front of the jazz club, Storyville, making it easy to find and access.

What the Tour Entails

Once you arrive, the focus shifts to experiencing traditional Finnish ice fishing. Your guide will walk you to where the fish are likely to be and demonstrate how to make a hole in the ice, a skill that makes the activity accessible even for first-timers. You’ll use the Pilkki, a Nordic fishing rod, which is simple yet effective for catching fish through the ice.

Guides like David and others receive high praise for their knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive approach. As one reviewer described, David was “organizational, lively, humorous, attentive, and caring,” making the whole process enjoyable and educational. Expect to spend time walking on the frozen lake, looking for the best spots, and trying your luck at catching fish.

The Food and Cultural Touches

After some time fishing, you’ll gather around a Laavu, a traditional Finnish refuge, where a fire is built to cook Makara, the traditional sausages. There’s also an option for vegetarians, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal. Alongside the grilled sausages, guests are served glögi, the Finnish mulled wine, and piparri, traditional cookies.

The reviews highlight that the food and drinks are more than just an add-on—they are a warm, tasty way to soak in Finnish hospitality and culture after a chilly day on the ice. One guest mentioned, “drilling the hole, fishing, and the walk on the frozen lake were all very enjoyable,” and the food added a comforting end to the adventure.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes transportation to and from Helsinki, which is a significant advantage, removing the hassle of logistics. The group is limited to eight participants, ensuring a more intimate experience, personalized attention, and a chance to interact with fellow travelers.

Duration and Pricing

With a duration of about 5 hours, it’s a well-paced outing that balances outdoor activity with relaxed social time. At $112 per person, the price offers good value when considering the included transport, food, drinks, and fishing gear. It’s especially attractive for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable Finnish experience without the need for additional purchases.

What Could Be Better?

One potential drawback is that the experience is weather-dependent. Cold temperatures and ice conditions are crucial for safety and enjoyment, so travelers should prepare for wintery conditions—warm clothing, sturdy footwear, and layered winter gear are essential. While most reviews mention the overall positive experience, it’s important to note that no fish were caught during some trips, which might be disappointing for those hoping for a successful catch. Nevertheless, many guests found the overall atmosphere, scenery, and culture to make up for it.

Authenticity and Cultural Value

What makes this tour stand out is its commitment to preserving Finnish winter traditions. From the guided instruction on ice fishing to the campfire feast, participants get an immersive experience that goes beyond just sightseeing. Reviewers repeatedly mention the friendly guides like David, who create a relaxed, engaging environment that makes even beginners feel at ease.

The small group size (up to 8 people) further enhances the feeling of camaraderie and personalized attention, which can be difficult to find in larger tours. Many visitors appreciated the informative and humorous guide interactions, making the experience both fun and educational.

Additional Insights from Reviews

One guest noted, “Everything was amazing! David was very friendly and knowledgeable,” emphasizing the quality of guiding. Another shared, “We really enjoyed this Finnish adventure,” despite some small mishaps like slipping on the ice, which guides like David handled well, offering reassurance and assistance.

It’s clear that the tour prioritizes safety, comfort, and authenticity, making it a highly recommended option for those curious about Finnish winter life.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ice fishing trip is ideal for adventure lovers eager to try something different. Families and groups will enjoy the combination of outdoor activity and cozy food in a beautiful setting. It’s also perfect for culture enthusiasts interested in learning about Finnish traditions firsthand.

However, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable in cold weather and willing to dress appropriately. If you’re not a fan of winter outdoor activities or are looking solely for a sightseeing experience, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re open to snow, ice, and a bit of patience, it’s likely to be a memorable highlight.

Final Thoughts

The Bodom Lake Ice Fishing with Food & Drinks tour offers a genuine slice of Finnish culture wrapped in a scenic winter adventure. It combines learning a new skill with the comfort of traditional food, all within a friendly, small group setting. While success in catching fish varies, the overall experience of walking on a frozen lake, making a hole in the ice, and sharing sausages around a campfire makes it worthwhile.

At $112, you’re paying for an authentic cultural activity, guided by knowledgeable and caring hosts. The included transportation and food make it a convenient package that maximizes value. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this tour promises a fun, educational, and cozy encounter with Finnish winter life.

FAQs about Bodom Lake Ice Fishing Tour

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation to and from Helsinki is included, making it easy to reach Bodom Lake without extra hassle.

Do I need to bring my own winter gear?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring your own winter sports gear to stay warm and comfortable on the ice. The tour provides fishing gear.

Can I participate if I’ve never fished before?
Absolutely. The guide will demonstrate how to drill a hole and use the pilkki, making it accessible for beginners.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, from meeting at the designated point to returning to Helsinki.

What food and drinks are included?
You’ll enjoy grilled Makara sausages (or vegetarian options), glögi (Finnish mulled wine), and traditional cookies around the campfire.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the small group size and outdoor nature suggest it could suit families, provided children are prepared for cold conditions and outdoor activities.

This ice fishing trip is a fantastic way to experience Finnish culture in a relaxed, scenic setting. If you’re up for some winter fun, learning new skills, and enjoying traditional Finnish food, it’s an experience worth considering.

You can check if your dates are available here: