Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls Hike & BBQ

Summary

Frozen waterfalls, canyon trails and a smoky campfire lunch in Lapland

You’ll hike through snowy forest trails in Korouoma Canyon near Rovaniemi, see towering frozen waterfalls up close, and warm up beside an open fire with grilled sausages and hot drinks. With a local guide sharing Lapland stories along the way and hotel pickup included, this day trip is equal parts adventure and quiet magic.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect from the Korouoma Canyon hike near Rovaniemi — I just knew I wanted to see those frozen waterfalls for myself. The van picked us up right outside our hotel (I was grateful for that, since it was still dark and cold). Our guide, Sini, handed out these thick winter overalls that made us all look like marshmallows. She laughed when I tried to zip mine up with my gloves still on — apparently everyone does that the first time.

The trail started off quiet except for the squeak of boots on snow and the occasional call from some bird I couldn’t see. The air smelled clean in a way I can’t really describe — like ice and pine needles. Sini pointed out animal tracks as we walked; she said they might be fox or even reindeer. There was this one spot where you could hear water moving under the ice if you stood really still. Honestly, I almost missed it because I was distracted by how blue the light looked against the canyon walls.

When we reached the first frozen waterfall, it was taller than I expected — not just a sheet of ice but layers and shapes hanging off the rock like some wild sculpture. Sini told us stories about her family living in Lapland for centuries (she said she’s 20th generation — hard to imagine). We took a break by a fire pit while she grilled sausages over open flames. The bread got a little smoky and my fingers were clumsy with the mustard packet, but it tasted perfect after hiking in that cold. Hot berry juice never tasted so good.

I think what stuck with me most wasn’t just seeing Korouoma Canyon or ticking “frozen waterfall tour” off my list — it was sitting around that fire, cheeks burning from the cold, listening to Sini talk about winter traditions here. Sometimes you do these tours and forget them right away; this one lingers for some reason.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Korouoma Canyon frozen waterfall tour

• Meet guide in Rovaniemi
• Explore Korouoma frozen waterfalls
• Admire icicles and snow landscapes
• Enjoy cozy BBQ with hot drinks
• Relax by open fire in wilderness

Top questions

How long is the hike on the Korouoma Canyon tour?

The hike covers 4-6 km by foot through snowy terrain.

Is hotel pickup included for this frozen waterfall tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Rovaniemi.

What food is served during the BBQ lunch?

The BBQ includes grilled sausages over an open fire with bread and hot drinks like berry juice.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs with small groups of up to 8 people.

Are winter clothes provided for the hike?

Winter overalls (adult sizes) are provided for warmth during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for children?

This tour is not recommended for children under 8 years old.

What fitness level is required for this day trip?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to hiking distance and conditions.

Can people with health issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, respiratory issues, epilepsy, high blood pressure or recent surgeries.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi, all guiding fees, use of adult-sized winter overalls to keep you warm on the trail, a small group experience (never more than eight), plus a traditional barbecue lunch of grilled sausages cooked over an open fire with hot drinks before heading back through snowy Lapland woods.