Kemi-Tornio: Nature tour with snowshoes

Few things beat the feeling of stepping into a winter landscape blanketed in snow, especially when it’s in a region as breathtaking as Lapland. The Kemi-Tornio Snowshoe Nature Tour offers a peaceful escape into this snowy wilderness, guided by knowledgeable local experts. While I haven’t been on this exact tour, the detailed reviews and descriptions paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect, making it a compelling option for anyone looking to connect with Lapland’s natural beauty.

What makes this experience particularly appealing are three things: the opportunity to explore untouched snow-covered terrain away from crowds, the chance to learn about local wildlife from guides, and the cozy comfort of warming up in a Lappish hut with hot drinks. That said, some might find the activity a tad intense if they’re not used to winter trekking, and it’s not suitable for children under 12. This tour seems best suited for those who love nature, enjoy gentle outdoor activity, and appreciate authentic experiences in the Arctic.

Good To Know

• Authentic snowshoeing in Lapland’s wilderness offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path adventure.
• Guides are knowledgeable about the local flora and fauna, adding educational value.
• Warm clothing and gear are provided, making it accessible even for first-timers.
• The campfire stop with hot drinks offers a perfect pause to enjoy the scenery and warm up.
• Tour duration is 2.5 hours, ideal for a half-day activity without feeling rushed.
• The price of $119 per person is reasonable considering gear, guidance, and included snacks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Snowshoe Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure kicks off at the Sea Lapland Safaris safari house in Kemi, located at Lumilinnankatu 15c. After gathering here, you’ll be fitted with warm winter clothing, including overall, shoes, wool socks, and gloves—an essential for staying comfortable in the icy air. This provision means you don’t need to worry about lugging bulky gear from home, which is a real plus.

Once dressed, you’ll transfer to the starting point, a short ride into the Arctic wilderness. The transfer helps keep the focus on the experience, rather than logistics, and ensures you’re well-prepared for the snowshoe trek ahead.

The Snowshoe Trek — Into the Arctic Wilderness

This part of the tour is designed to take you off the beaten path, into the silent beauty of snow-covered forests and open landscapes. Snowshoeing is accessible for most, but it does require a bit of physical effort and balance, making it a gentle workout surrounded by scenery that’s almost otherworldly.

Guides, typically bilingual in English and Finnish, lead the way, sharing insights about local wildlife and the natural environment. One reviewer noted that the guide was “great,” although another mentioned that the guide’s knowledge about the country and its people was somewhat limited. Still, their enthusiasm and ability to navigate the terrain make the journey both safe and engaging.

Spotting Wildlife and Nature

While the main aim is to enjoy the snow-covered landscape, there’s always the chance of seeing forest critters along the way—if you’re lucky. The guides teach you about the local flora and fauna, making the walk as educational as it is scenic. Observant travelers might catch glimpses of animals adapted to the extreme climate, adding a layer of excitement to the calm surroundings.

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Warming Up in a Lappish Hut

After about an hour of trekking, you’ll reach a traditional Lappish hut—a cozy, inviting place to pause. Here, you’ll enjoy hot drinks and snacks around a campfire. The reviews highlight how this moment acts as a highlight, offering warmth both physically and in the shared experience. One traveler said, “campfire was a plus, as the walk is kinda intense,” which underscores how important this warm-up break can be.

Return and Flexibility

The tour ends back at the starting point after approximately 2.5 hours. The timing is flexible, with different start times available—perfect for fitting into any travel schedule. Optional hotel pickup from selected Tornio-Haparanda hotels adds convenience, especially if you’re short on time or prefer to relax after the activity.

Practical Considerations and Value

Price and Included Gear

At $119 per person, this experience offers good value considering all gear is provided—warm clothing, snowshoes, and gloves. The inclusion of guidance in English makes it accessible for international travelers. Plus, the hot drinks and snacks are a thoughtful touch that keeps everyone cozy during the break.

Suitability and Limitations

This tour is not suitable for children under 12, which makes sense given the physical nature and cold environment. For those concerned about the cold or physical exertion, it’s worth noting that the gear helps, but a basic level of fitness is recommended. The duration is just enough to enjoy the wilderness without feeling exhausted, perfect for a half-day adventure.

Cancellation and Booking Flexibility

The booking process is flexible—free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—and you can reserve now and pay later, offering peace of mind in case your plans change. This flexibility is particularly valuable in unpredictable winter conditions or if you’re balancing multiple activities.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Two reviews provide useful perspectives. One traveler, Silvia, mentioned that the guide “didn’t know much about the country and its people,” which suggests that while guides are knowledgeable about the environment, their cultural insights might be limited. However, her overall enjoyment indicates that the natural experience outweighs this aspect.

Another reviewer appreciated that their guide made the activity engaging and interesting, especially during the more intense walk, and loved the campfire as a relaxing highlight. This feedback underlines the importance of a personable guide and the value of the warm stop in making the tour memorable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This snowshoeing experience is ideal for nature lovers who want to explore Lapland’s wilderness without strenuous activities. It’s suitable for travelers seeking a gentle, educational outdoor adventure in a stunning winter setting. Families with children over 12 who enjoy light physical activity would find this a perfect half-day outing.

However, if you’re after adrenaline-pumping activities like snowmobiling or husky sledding, this tour might feel too slow-paced. Conversely, those wanting a focused nature experience with cultural insights might find this tour somewhat limited on the cultural side but excellent for pure Arctic scenery.

The Sum Up

The Kemi-Tornio Snowshoe Nature Tour offers a peaceful yet engaging way to discover Lapland’s winter landscape. With the inclusion of warm clothing, guidance, and a cozy stop, it provides excellent value for a half-day outdoor experience. It’s perfect for those who want to connect with nature at their own pace, enjoy wildlife spotting, and relax around a campfire in a traditional hut.

While the guides may have room to expand their local knowledge, their enthusiasm and expertise in snowshoeing make the journey smooth and enjoyable. The tour’s modest price, combined with its scenic beauty and educational value, makes it a solid choice for travelers seeking an authentic Arctic adventure.

In summary, if you’re after a gentle, scenic, and genuinely Arctic experience with the chance to learn and relax, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for nature enthusiasts, solo travelers, or couples wanting a peaceful escape into Lapland’s winter wonderland.

Is the snowshoe tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, snowshoeing is generally accessible for most, and guides assist with equipment and safety. The walk is designed to be manageable for those new to the activity.

What should I wear for the tour?
Warm winter clothing is provided, including overall, shoes, wool socks, and gloves, so you only need to dress warmly in layers underneath if you wish.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including travel, snowshoeing, and the stop at the cozy Lappish hut.

Can I book this tour with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 12 years due to the physical nature and cold environment.

Are there pickup options?
Yes, selected hotels in Tornio-Haparanda include pickup, just be ready 10 minutes before your scheduled time.

What wildlife might I see?
While sightings depend on luck, guides share insights about local animals, and you might spot forest critters along the way.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if done at least 24 hours in advance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Finnish, making the tour accessible for international travelers.

Is the experience worth the price?
Considering gear, guidance, hot drinks, and the scenic setting, $119 offers good value for a unique Arctic adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: