Lapland Snowshoe Adventure in Äkäslompolo: Small-Group Tour

Frosted trees, open fells, and the quiet rhythm of Arctic wilderness on foot

A small-group snowshoe tour in Äkäslompolo, Lapland, where you walk through ancient forests and snowy trails that few visitors reach, guided by Ciara and Susi: an outdoor instructor and a husky veterinary technician who both call this place home. The pace allows time to listen and breathe, moving through maintained winter roads to remote locations where you might see frosted trees or, depending on the season, the aurora borealis. Children from age 14 are welcome. The tour runs three to four hours and includes snowshoes, snacks, and an optional hut break depending on conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snowshoe adventure in Lapland wilderness

• Explore Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
• Walk along maintained winter roads
• See frosted trees and Arctic sunlight
• Observe aurora borealis in the sky
• Visit Äkäslompolo winter village
• Discover cross-country ski trails
• Spot reindeer by frozen Lake Äkäslompolo
• Experience Arctic polar night and lights

The experience

Snowshoes and a route through Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park form the backbone of this tour. Between December and April, the landscape transforms: snow-laden branches create natural archways, and the polar light shifts from daylight to the deep blue of kaamos. You'll walk maintained winter roads to places most visitors never see, moving at a pace that lets you notice the small things: the way frost catches on trees, the sound of your own breathing in the cold air, the occasional herd of reindeer beside the frozen lake.

Your guides are Ciara, an outdoor instructor from Ireland who has lived here five years, and Susi, a German veterinary technician for huskies who has been in Lapland for two decades. They know the land and its rhythms in the way only residents do, and they've built this tour around the idea of slowing down rather than ticking off sights. The route depends on conditions and the day's light: some departures include a hut break where you can warm up and eat the snacks provided. Private transportation gets you to the trailhead, and snowshoes are included.

Äkäslompolo itself sits at the edge of over 330 kilometers of maintained cross-country ski trails, but this tour stays on foot, on quieter paths. If you're here during the aurora season and conditions align, you might see the borealis dance across the unpolluted Arctic sky. If not, the frosted forests and the stillness are reason enough to come.

What’s included

• Snowshoes.
• private transportation to the trailhead.
• snacks.
• an optional hut break depending on route and conditions.
• a live guide in English throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 10:00 and 19:30

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Youth (14 to 16 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Move with Nature

Is this one for you?This is a shared small-group tour led by two local guides, so you're walking with others and following their route rather than choosing your own path. Choose it if you want someone who knows the land to show you places and stories you wouldn't find alone, and if you prefer a guided pace over the freedom of self-guided exploration.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 16 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between this tour and just renting snowshoes and walking on my own?

Ciara and Susi guide the route to remote locations most visitors don't find, and they share knowledge about the land, wildlife, and the Arctic's seasonal rhythms that transforms a walk into an experience. The guides also handle navigation and route decisions based on daily conditions.

Can I see the northern lights on this snowshoe tour?

The aurora borealis often dances across the sky during the kaamos period (December through April), but visibility depends on weather and solar activity on the night of your tour. The frosted forests and Arctic light are worth the walk regardless.

What should I bring besides the snowshoes and snacks that are included?

Winter clothes suited to several hours outdoors in Arctic conditions are essential. The tour does not provide them. A small day backpack is recommended for extra layers you might want to remove or add as you warm up during the walk.

Is this tour suitable if I've never snowshoed before?

Yes, the tour is designed for all physical fitness levels, whether you're a first-time snowshoer or an experienced winter walker. Ciara and Susi adjust the pace and route to match the group.

How does the pickup work, and where does the tour start?

Private transportation is included and will collect you from your accommodation in Äkäslompolo to take you to the trailhead. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

What happens if weather or snow conditions change on the day of my tour?

The guides decide the route and timing based on conditions each day. An optional hut break may be included depending on the route and weather, giving you a chance to warm up and rest.