Rovaniemi: Ice fishing trip with guide & snacks

Summary

Lapland ice fishing day trip from Rovaniemi with local guide

You’ll head out from Rovaniemi with a local guide for an ice fishing trip on a frozen lake, learning traditional techniques and sharing stories by a crackling fire. Warm up with Finnish snacks and hot drinks as you wait for bites—if you catch something decent-sized, your guide will cook it right there for lunch. It’s peaceful, slow travel you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what real silence sounds like? I didn’t, not really, until we left Rovaniemi behind and our guide, Sanni, drove us out past the last blinking streetlights. The car heater hummed and my boots felt too big — but once we stepped into the old arctic forest, everything changed. There was this soft crunch underfoot and the air smelled sharp, almost blue if that makes sense. We had to walk maybe ten minutes (I lost count because I kept stopping to stare at the trees) before reaching the lake — just this huge white sheet stretching out forever.

Sanni showed us how to drill through the ice — she made it look easy, but my arms were jelly after a minute. She laughed and said everyone struggles at first. We dropped our lines in and waited. It’s weird how quickly you start noticing little things: the way your breath hangs in the air, or how snow squeaks when you shift your weight. I tried to guess if I’d feel a bite or just my own heartbeat thumping in my gloves. Sanni kept an eye on us but mostly let us sit with our thoughts — she said that’s half the point of ice fishing in Lapland.

After a while (no idea how long), Sanni started chopping wood for a fire on shore. The smell of smoke drifted over and honestly, that was almost better than catching anything. She handed out hot berry juice and these rye pastries — I still think about those sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home. Someone finally caught a fish big enough to keep; Sanni cooked it right there over the flames with just salt and butter. The rest we let go, which felt right somehow.

I didn’t expect to care so much about sitting on ice for hours, but there’s something about being out there — no noise except wind and quiet talk around the fire. It’s not really about catching fish (though that’s fun too). It’s more like borrowing a bit of Lapland calm for yourself, even if your toes are cold and you can’t pronounce half the Finnish words Sanni teaches you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ice Fishing in Lapland

• Your guide drives from Rovaniemi
• Walk 5-10 minutes through arctic forest
• Drill hole and learn ice fishing techniques
• Fish and enjoy the silent wilderness
• Guide prepares fire and serves snacks and hot drinks
• Guide answers questions about Arctic life
• Cook caught fish over the fire if size is adequate

Top questions

How far is the ice fishing spot from Rovaniemi?

Your guide will drive you outside Rovaniemi; after a short 5–10 minute walk through arctic forest, you'll reach the frozen lake.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

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

Do I need special clothing or equipment?

No experience needed—professional winter clothing, boots, and all ice fishing gear are provided if you need them.

What happens if I catch a fish?

If your fish is big enough, your guide will cook it over the fire; smaller ones are released unharmed back into the lake.

Are food and drinks included during the tour?

Yes—typical Finnish snacks and hot drinks are served around the fire while you fish.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 8 travelers maximum for a more personal experience.

Is this activity suitable for beginners or kids?

Yes—the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and no prior experience is required.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if staying outside central Rovaniemi), all necessary ice fishing gear plus warm winter clothing if needed, guidance from a local expert throughout, Finnish snacks and hot drinks by an open fire on shore—and if luck’s on your side, freshly cooked fish straight from the lake before heading back.