Lapland: 4-Day Snowshoe Trek Pallastunturi & Wilderness Huts

Summary

Snowshoe across Lapland’s wild fells with sauna nights and silent forests

You’ll cross snowy fells on foot with a small group, sleep in warm wilderness huts deep inside Lapland’s Pallastunturi region, share laughs (and silences) with your local guide, try Finnish sauna after long hikes, and maybe spot animal tracks winding through untouched snow. This is for travelers who want real winter adventure—and memories that linger longer than footprints.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect the silence to feel so thick out there in Pallastunturi. You think you know quiet until you’re halfway across a frozen lake outside Hetta, snow crunching under your boots and nothing else. Our guide, Jukka, met us in Rovaniemi (pickup was easy), and by lunchtime we were already swapping nervous jokes over reindeer stew before strapping on our snowshoes. The first steps felt clumsy—like learning to walk again—but after a while it got almost meditative. Sunlight slid sideways through the trees as we climbed the first hills; I kept stopping just to watch how blue the shadows looked on the snow.

By the second day, my legs were sore but my head felt clearer than it had in months. We hiked about 16 kilometers that day (I lost count at some point), stopping for coffee and these weirdly addictive rye pastries Jukka roasted over an open fire. There was this moment where we found wolf tracks winding off into the woods—no wolves in sight, but it made me shiver anyway. That night’s hut had a sauna out back. I’d never done Finnish sauna before; everyone just sat there sweating in silence except for Li from our group who tried to tell a joke in Finnish and made us all laugh. I swear my skin still remembers that heat after hours of cold air.

The third morning was colder—my eyelashes actually frosted together for a second—and we had to decide with Jukka whether to take the high route over the fells or stick to the valley trail. We went up, which was tough but worth it for those wide-open views over Lapland’s forests. It’s hard to describe how big everything feels out there; even now, I keep thinking about that endless white stretching out past the last trees.

The last stretch down toward Pallas ski resort felt like both an ending and something unfinished—maybe because I wasn’t ready for it to be over yet? We celebrated with hot soup at a roadside place before piling back into the van for Rovaniemi. My boots still smelled faintly of woodsmoke days later. If you want a real snowshoe trek in Lapland—with wilderness huts, sauna stops, and actual quiet—you’ll get it here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Start trek from Hetta

• Guide collects you from departure
• Briefing and travel to Hetta
• Lunch in Hetta restaurant
• Start snowshoe trek on frozen lake
• Hike through white forests spotting wildlife
• Climb first hills with sunset views
• Arrive at private wilderness hut
• Relax while guide prepares dinner

Day 2 — Hike to valley and sauna

• Enjoy hot breakfast in hut
• Hike 16-18 km to valley
• Break with Finnish snacks by fire
• Arrive at wilderness hut with sauna
• Relax in separate men and women sauna

Day 3 — Hike to Pallastunturi fells

• Choose route with guide: fells or valley
• Hike 13-15 km with winter scenery
• Overnight in warm wilderness hut

Day 4 — Final hike to Pallas resort

• Hike 10 km along fells to Pallas
• Enjoy viewpoints on the way
• Reach Pallas ski resort
• Drive back to arrival point
• Stop for well-deserved lunch

Top questions

How far is the snowshoe trek from Rovaniemi?

The tour includes pickup from Rovaniemi and starts near Hetta; total trekking distance is about 50-60 kilometers over four days.

Are meals included during the Lapland snowshoe trek?

Yes, meals are provided including lunch at local restaurants and snacks around open fires during hiking breaks.

What kind of accommodation is used on this tour?

You’ll stay each night in warm wooden wilderness huts along the route through Pallastunturi.

Is there a sauna experience included?

Yes, one of the wilderness huts features a traditional Finnish sauna available for guests after hiking.

How difficult is this 4-day snowshoe trek?

The trek covers 10-18 km per day; moderate fitness is required but no advanced skills are needed.

Can you spot wildlife during this Lapland trek?

You might see reindeer or moose and often find animal tracks—sometimes even wolves’—in the snow.

Is equipment provided for snowshoeing?

All necessary equipment including snowshoes, winter overalls, boots (if needed), and safety gear are included in your booking.

How many people are in each trekking group?

The tour runs with small groups of up to seven guests maximum for an intimate experience.

Where does the trek finish?

The final stop is Pallas ski resort at Laukukero hill before returning by van to your original pickup point such as Rovaniemi or Levi.

What’s included

Your days include pickup from Rovaniemi or other nearby towns, all snowshoeing equipment plus winter clothing if needed, guided hikes led by an experienced local guide, hearty meals along the way—including snacks cooked over open fire—and three nights’ accommodation in cozy wilderness huts (with one night featuring a traditional Finnish sauna). All fees and taxes are covered too so you can just focus on walking—and maybe laughing at yourself trying out your first Finnish word around dinner.