Rovaniemi: Ice fishing tour with Arctic forest walk & BBQ

Summary

Walk across frozen Lapland, drill for fish, share stories by the fire

You’ll walk through snowy Lapland forests near Rovaniemi with a local guide, try your hand at ice fishing on a frozen lake, and warm up by a campfire with Lappish snacks and hot blueberry juice. With all winter gear included and hotel pickup sorted, it’s an easy way to feel part of Arctic life — even if you don’t catch a fish.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence really sounds like? I didn’t, until we stepped off the minibus just outside Rovaniemi and the only thing I could hear was my own boots crunching on snow. Our guide, Sanni, handed out these huge overalls — not exactly flattering but honestly, I was grateful once the wind picked up. We strapped on snowshoes (I nearly tripped twice) and followed her into the pine forest. The air smelled sharp and clean, almost like nothing at all except cold.

The lake was just a white sheet under pale morning light. Sanni showed us how to drill through the ice — it’s harder than it looks, my arms are still sore — and then we sat around our little holes with lines dangling into black water. She told us about her grandfather teaching her to fish here as a kid. I didn’t catch anything (someone else did, lucky), but honestly just sitting there in that weird quiet felt good. There’s something about waiting together in the cold that makes strangers start talking.

After a while my toes were numb so I was relieved when Sanni called us over to the campfire she’d built in the snow. The smell of Lappish sausages sizzling over flames is still stuck in my head — plus hot blueberry juice that steamed up my glasses every time I took a sip. We tried roasting marshmallows too; mine fell in the fire but nobody seemed to mind. It wasn’t fancy or anything, just honest food and people laughing at their own clumsy mitten-hands. On the way back through the trees, I kept thinking about how different everything feels when you slow down like that — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice Fishing and Cookout in Lapland

• Walk through Arctic forest
• Snowshoe walk (if snow deep)
• Drill ice and fish
• Cookout with Lappish sausages and Arctic salmon

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this ice fishing tour from Rovaniemi?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center are included.

Do I need to bring my own winter clothes or equipment?

No, winter overalls, boots, gloves, snowshoes, and all ice-fishing equipment are provided.

Is lunch or food included during the experience?

Yes, you’ll have a campfire BBQ with Lappish bread, salmon, sausages (vegan/vegetarian options available), marshmallow, and hot blueberry juice.

How long does it take to get from Rovaniemi to the fishing spot?

The exact location varies but it’s typically a short drive from central Rovaniemi before entering the forest on foot or snowshoes.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Yes, guides can be requested in Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish or Chinese (subject to availability).

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes; children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying full price.

I have dietary restrictions—can they accommodate me?

Yes; vegetarian or vegan alternatives are available if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Rovaniemi city center, all necessary winter clothing (overalls, boots and gloves), use of snowshoes and ice-fishing gear with guidance from a local expert. After fishing you’ll gather around a snowy campfire for Lappish bread, salmon or sausages (with vegetarian options), marshmallow roasting and hot blueberry juice before heading back warm and full.