Lapland: Lake Kuoksa Ice Fishing Tour with Pickup & Hot Drinks

Summary

Try Finnish ice fishing on frozen Lake Kuoksa with warm drinks

You’ll walk onto frozen Lake Kuoksa with a local guide, learn real Finnish ice fishing techniques, and sip hot blueberry juice as you wait for your line to tug. There’s time for stories, laughter, and maybe even cooking your catch right on the spot. It’s not just about fishing — it’s about slowing down and feeling Finland in winter.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out onto Lake Kuoksa, boots squeaking against the snow. I kept glancing at the locals — they moved like they’d done this since childhood, which our guide Li confirmed with a grin. She handed me a beanie (“You’ll need it!”) and showed us how to use the ice drill. The air smelled sharp and clean, and honestly, I was more nervous than I thought about sitting right on the frozen lake. But everyone just plopped down on their little stools like it was nothing.

Li explained that ice fishing is still a big deal here in Finland, especially around Rovaniemi — not just for fun but as an old way to get food in winter. She helped me thread the bait (my fingers felt clumsy in mittens) and told us stories about her grandfather teaching her these tricks. At one point she laughed when I tried to say “pilkki” (ice fishing) in Finnish — probably butchered it. The lake was so quiet except for our voices and the occasional scrape of someone drilling a new hole.

I didn’t expect to actually catch anything, but when one of us did — a small perch — Li showed how to clean it right there on the ice. She poured out steaming blueberry juice into little cups, and we all shared sausage and cookies while watching the light shift across the snow. There’s something about sitting out there that makes you feel both tiny and sort of peaceful at the same time. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice fishing experience on frozen lake

• Meet knowledgeable tour guide
• Learn traditional ice fishing techniques
• Try ice fishing on frozen lake
• Catch fish and relax outdoors
• Watch guide prepare caught fish

Top questions

Is pickup included for the Lake Kuoksa ice fishing tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in the price of this tour.

Do I need experience to try ice fishing in Finland?

No experience is needed; detailed instructions are provided by your guide.

What food or drinks are included during the tour?

The tour includes sausage, cookies, and warm traditional blueberry juice.

Are thermal clothes provided for ice fishing?

Yes, thermal overalls, boots, beanies, and mittens are provided for adults and children.

Can children join this day trip from Rovaniemi?

Yes, this activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels including children.

Is public transport available nearby Lake Kuoksa?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel or nearby location, full thermal winter clothing (overalls, boots, beanies, mittens), all necessary ice fishing equipment like rods and bait plus stools to sit on while you fish. A local guide leads you through every step in English (or French/Spanish/Finnish if you ask), with sausage, cookies, and hot blueberry juice served as you relax by your hole in the ice before heading back warmed up inside and out.