Riisitunturi: Lapland Photo Hike with Local Guide & Lunch

Summary

Explore snowy Riisitunturi with a local guide and camera in hand

You’ll trek through Riisitunturi’s frozen forests with a local guide who knows every twist in the trail. Expect warm gear, hot drinks by a fire, and real moments captured on camera — plus lunch in the wilds of Lapland. It’s that quiet Arctic feeling you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already crunching through knee-deep snow when our guide, Jari, stopped us — he just pointed up at these trees so thick with frost they looked like ghosts. I could hear my own breath inside the hood of my borrowed jacket (they gave us all the warm stuff at pickup, which honestly saved me). The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic. Jari handed me a thermos of something hot — berry juice? — and grinned, “Best view’s still ahead.” I didn’t really believe him until we started climbing higher into Riisitunturi National Park. My boots squeaked on the packed snow and every few steps someone would stop to snap a photo or just stare for a second.

I’m not much of a photographer but Jari made it easy — he’d show us how to frame shots or point out animal tracks half-buried under the powder. At one spot he laughed when I tried to say “tykkylumi” (the word for those snow-loaded trees) and probably butchered it. The light kept shifting; sometimes everything went blue for a minute before the sun peeked through again. We had a quick lunch around a little campfire — sausages on sticks, bread that tasted faintly sweet, and more hot drinks. My gloves smelled like smoke for hours after.

There was this moment near the top where everyone just went quiet. You could see forever — white hills rolling out under a pale sky, nothing moving except maybe our breath in the air. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home. The hike wasn’t easy but it felt good to move, you know? And later we got sent some of Jari’s photos from the day (he’s way better than me), so even my mom believes I was actually there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Riisitunturi Wilderness Photo Expedition

• Private photo expedition at top locations

Top questions

How long does the Riisitunturi wilderness adventure last?

This is a full-day expedition in Riisitunturi National Park.

Is hotel pickup included for this Lapland photo hike?

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

Do I need special clothing for Riisitunturi National Park?

No, warm clothing and winter boots are provided as part of your tour.

What’s included for lunch during this Lapland tour?

A light lunch is served during the day along with hot drinks and snacks.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

The minimum age is 10 years old for this experience.

Will I get photos from my Riisitunturi adventure?

Yes, you’ll receive a collection of edited photos after your tour.

How fit do I need to be for this Lapland hike?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness to join.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off by minivan, all warm winter clothing and boots you’ll need, guidance from a local wilderness photographer throughout Riisitunturi National Park, multiple stops for photos along the way, BBQ gear with a light lunch outdoors plus hot drinks and snacks by the fire, and finally a set of edited photos sent to you after your adventure.