Levi: Ice fishing trip on frozen lake with guide & snacks

Summary

Ice fishing on a frozen lake in Levi with local guide, campfire & snacks

You’ll join a small group near Levi for an authentic ice fishing trip with a local guide—drilling through thick lake ice, dropping your line into Arctic waters, sharing hot drinks by a crackling campfire, and maybe even tasting fresh-caught fish right on the spot. It’s peaceful, sometimes funny, always real—an experience you’ll remember long after your toes warm up again.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever drilled through a meter of ice before?" our guide Mika grinned, handing me this heavy old auger that looked like it belonged in a Viking saga. I’d never even stood on a frozen lake before, so yeah, my hands were already cold just thinking about it. We met up in Levi, bundled into the van with thermoses clinking and everyone’s breath fogging up the windows. The drive out was quiet — snow everywhere, trees like ghosts — and then suddenly we were there, standing on what Mika promised was “very safe” ice. I still shuffled like a penguin at first.

The first thing that hit me was the silence. Not city-quiet — real silence, except for the crunch of boots and Mika’s laugh when I tried to say “pilkkiminen” (ice fishing) in Finnish. He showed us how to drill; it’s harder than it looks, honestly. The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic, and when we finally dropped our lines through the little black holes in the ice, I felt weirdly hopeful — like maybe something would bite just because we’d worked for it. My toes went numb after a while but nobody seemed to mind; someone passed around hot berry juice from a battered flask and it tasted better than any fancy coffee back home.

I didn’t catch anything (not for lack of trying), but one of the kids did — tiny perch, all stripes and attitude. Mika fried it right there over our campfire with some bread and cheese he’d brought along. Smoke got in my eyes and my gloves smelled like fish afterwards. We sat around swapping stories while snow started falling again — slow flakes you could almost catch on your tongue if you tried hard enough. I kept thinking about how far away everything else felt out here.

On the way back to Levi, Mika shared some photos he’d taken during the day — apparently we’ll get them later too (he said there’s a password or something). My phone barely worked out there anyway so I’m glad someone remembered to document it all. Even now, days later, I can still feel that cold air in my lungs when I think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice Fishing at Frozen Lake

• Meet at Levi meeting point
• Travel 20 minutes to frozen lake
• Drill hole in ice and fish
• Enjoy Arctic nature and peaceful atmosphere
• Make campfire and have snacks

Top questions

How long does the ice fishing trip from Levi take?

The trip includes about 20 minutes’ travel each way plus time spent fishing and enjoying snacks at the lake.

Is hotel pickup included for this Levi ice fishing tour?

Hotel pickup is included if you’re staying outside Levi central area; otherwise you meet at the designated point.

Are children allowed on this ice fishing experience?

Yes, children aged 4 years and older can join as long as there are at least two people per booking.

What should I wear for ice fishing near Levi?

Dress warmly in layers suitable for Arctic winter conditions; all fishing equipment is provided by your guide.

Do we get to eat any fish we catch during the tour?

If someone catches a big enough fish during the trip, your guide can fry it over the campfire to share.

Will I receive photos from my ice fishing day trip?

Your guide will provide access to an edited photo collection after the tour using a password system.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if needed (or meeting point in Levi), transport to a nearby frozen lake with all necessary ice fishing equipment provided by your wilderness guide, expert help drilling holes and learning techniques, hot drinks and snacks by an open fire—and if luck’s on your side—a taste of freshly caught fish cooked right there before heading back with access to photos from your adventure.