Lapland Wilderness: Snowshoe tour with guide & campfire

Summary

Lapland snowshoe adventure with local guide and campfire snack

You’ll walk through snowy forests on a guided Lapland snowshoe tour, learn basic survival skills by making fire without matches, spot animal tracks along frozen rivers, and share coffee by a crackling campfire. Expect small groups, hotel pickup, warm winter gear—and moments of quiet you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

Crunching over the snow in Lapland, I kept stopping to listen — not for anything in particular, just because it was so quiet. Our guide, Sanni, showed us how to strap on the snowshoes (I fumbled mine twice, she just grinned) before we set off into the forest. The air smelled sharp and clean, like pine needles and cold metal. Sometimes you’d hear a branch creak or see animal tracks crossing the path — Sanni pointed out fox prints once, but honestly I wouldn’t have noticed them on my own.

I didn’t expect walking on snowshoes to feel so… floaty? It’s not hard, but every step is soft and slow. We followed a frozen river for a while — the ice made these weird little popping sounds under the snow that made me nervous at first. Sanni said it’s normal this time of year. She told stories about growing up here; apparently her grandmother still makes birch bark tea when it gets really cold. I tried to imagine living somewhere where -30°C is just “a bit chilly.”

At some point we stopped in a clearing where Sanni chopped wood (with one hand, like it was nothing) and showed us how to start a fire without matches. My hands were clumsy in the gloves but she was patient — even let me try lighting the tinder myself. The smoke smelled sweet and earthy. We sat around the fire with hot coffee and some kind of pastry that tasted faintly of cardamom. There wasn’t much talking for a while; just steam rising from our cups and everyone staring at the trees.

I still think about that silence — how full it felt, somehow. If you’re looking for a snowshoe trip in Lapland that isn’t rushed or crowded (there were only six of us), this is it. Not everything went smoothly (my left sock kept sliding down), but honestly that made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowshoeing and Survival Skills

• Put on snowshoes and start snowshoeing
• Snowshoe through old forests and along frozen rivers
• Look for wildlife and animal tracks
• Learn basic survival and fire-making skills
• Make fire using natural materials

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lapland snowshoe tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations outside the city center.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 8 guests per tour.

Do I need experience to join this snowshoe trip?

No experience is needed; your guide will show you how to use snowshoes.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, coffee or tea and a campfire snack are included.

Is professional winter clothing provided?

Yes, professional winter clothing is included in your booking.

Can I take photos during the day trip?

Yes, photo enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their cameras along.

Are there any health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup if you’re staying outside Rovaniemi’s center, all necessary snowshoes and professional winter clothing, guidance from a local expert throughout your walk in Lapland’s wilderness, plus hot coffee or tea and a campfire snack before heading back.