Lapland: Sauna, Ice Swimming & Dinner with Northern Lights

Summary

Evening by arctic lake with sauna, ice swim and fireside meal

You’ll arrive to a quiet lakeside cottage near Rovaniemi for a classic Finnish sauna session followed by an icy plunge into an arctic lake (or snow if you’re brave). Warm up by a fire while your guide cooks salmon for dinner—and if luck’s on your side, step outside to watch the Northern Lights flicker above fresh snow.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped out of the van somewhere just outside Rovaniemi, snow crunching under our boots and the air so sharp it pinched my nose. Our guide—Jari, who looked like he’d been born in wool socks—waved us toward a wooden cottage where smoke curled from the chimney. I could already smell pine and something almost sweet from the fire inside. Honestly, I was nervous about this whole sauna-ice swimming thing. Jari grinned and said, “You’ll feel more alive than ever.” He was right about that part.

The sauna itself was hotter than I expected—my skin prickled and sweat ran down my back in minutes. There were these quiet moments where you could hear nothing but the stove hissing and someone’s muffled laugh through the steam. After maybe ten minutes (I lost track), Jari nodded at me: time for the plunge. Outside, the cold slapped me awake; I hesitated at the edge of the hole cut in the lake ice. My partner went first—she shrieked and then started laughing so hard she nearly slipped getting out. I finally jumped in too. It’s hard to describe: burning cold that turns electric, then suddenly you’re back on snowy ground, heart pounding like crazy.

Later we sat around a crackling fire inside the cottage while Jari cooked blazed salmon right there on open flames. The fish tasted smoky and rich—maybe it was just being half-frozen and hungry but it felt like the best meal I’d had in months. Someone pointed outside; we all rushed out, boots half-tied, because green lights were swirling overhead. Not as bright as in photos but real enough that I still think about that sky sometimes when I’m back home staring at streetlights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sauna, Ice Swimming, Dinner, Northern Lights

• Enjoy traditional Finnish sauna
• Experience ice swimming or snow plunge
• Relax by the Arctic lake
• Watch for Northern Lights in evening
• Dine on blazed salmon by fireplace

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lapland sauna tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your day trip from Rovaniemi.

When is the best time to see Northern Lights on this tour?

The best chance is from late October to mid-March during evening departures (5pm).

Do I need to bring anything special for ice swimming?

You should bring your own swimsuit; towels and slippers are provided.

Is dinner included after sauna and swimming?

Yes, dinner is included—a traditional blazed salmon meal cooked over an open fire.

Can children join this Lapland sauna & Northern Lights tour?

No, children under 10 years old are not accepted on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What happens if there are no Northern Lights?

Northern Lights are natural and can’t be guaranteed; all other activities still take place regardless of weather.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Rovaniemi, towels and slippers for your traditional wood-fired sauna session by an Arctic lake, a chance to try ice swimming (or snow rolling if you dare), plus a fireside dinner of blazed salmon—all led by an English-speaking local guide before heading back to town.