Lapland: Snowmobile & Ice Fishing Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Snowmobile adventure and ice fishing in Rovaniemi with guide

You’ll ride snowmobiles across Lapland’s frozen lakes with a local guide, then try your hand at traditional ice fishing in Rovaniemi. Warm up by a bonfire with sausages and stories before heading back into town. It’s an honest slice of arctic life you’ll remember long after your toes thaw out.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re holding it upside down,” our guide grinned, shaking his head as I tried to wriggle into the thick boots. I’d already fumbled the balaclava — apparently there’s a right way? The air outside the little base in Rovaniemi was sharp enough to sting my nose, but honestly, I was too busy laughing at myself to care. We got bundled up (they give you everything: overalls, gloves, helmet), then climbed onto the snowmobiles. The engine rumbled under me — louder than I expected — and off we went, trailing behind our guide like awkward ducklings across the white lake.

I kept thinking it would be scary but it wasn’t; more like being inside a snow globe, really quiet except for the crunch of the treads and that low hum. The sky was this pale blue that made everything look softer. Our guide pointed out animal tracks — fox maybe? — and told us how locals use these frozen lakes all winter. After about half an hour (maybe more? time felt weird out there), we stopped in the middle of nowhere. He handed me an ice drill and showed me how to make a hole. It’s harder than it looks — my arms still ache a bit thinking about it.

The ice fishing part was… well, peaceful. Just sitting there on a reindeer skin, watching my breath curl away while someone else tried to teach me patience. Didn’t catch anything myself but one of the others did — tiny fish, silvery and quick. Our guide roasted sausages over a fire he built right on the ice (the smell of wood smoke mixed with cold air is something I still think about). He told stories about growing up here; I tried to repeat one word in Finnish and he laughed so hard he nearly dropped his coffee.

By the time we headed back toward Rovaniemi, my face hurt from smiling and my toes were finally warm again. If you’re looking for some kind of polished “Lapland experience,” this isn’t that — it’s better because it’s real. You just sort of fall into their rhythm for a few hours and forget about your phone or whatever else you left behind.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Safari and Ice Fishing

• Snowmobile ride through arctic forest
• Snowmobile across frozen lake
• Learn ice drilling and fishing techniques
• Ice fishing on frozen lake
• Warm up by bonfire with sausages and drinks

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lapland snowmobile tour?

Yes, transportation from Rovaniemi city center is included.

Do I need prior experience to join the snowmobile & ice fishing tour?

No experience is needed; guides provide full instruction.

What equipment is provided for ice fishing in Rovaniemi?

All necessary ice fishing gear is included on this tour.

Can children join the Lapland snowmobile safari?

Children aged 1-13 can join but will ride in a sledge behind the guide's snowmobile.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

A campfire sausage lunch with drinks is included during the tour.

What clothing should I bring for Lapland winter activities?

Winter clothes are provided: overall, boots, gloves, balaclava, helmet.

How many people share each snowmobile?

Two adults share one snowmobile; single driving is available as a supplement.

Do I need a driver’s license for this snowmobile tour?

A valid driver's license is required to drive a snowmobile.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from central Rovaniemi, all winter clothing (overalls, boots, gloves, balaclava), helmet and safety gear for snowmobiling, full instruction from your local guide, shared or solo use of a snowmobile depending on your booking choice, all equipment needed for traditional ice fishing on the lake, plus sausages cooked over an open campfire with hot drinks before returning to town together.