Rovaniemi: Korouoma frozen waterfalls hike with BBQ lunch

Summary

Follow icy trails & taste Lappish flavors in Korouoma canyon

You’ll hike snowy trails through Korouoma canyon with a local guide from Rovaniemi, see frozen waterfalls up close, and warm up by a campfire with Lappish BBQ lunch and hot blueberry juice. With winter clothes provided and pickup included, it’s an Arctic day trip you’ll remember long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to see this,” our guide Sami said, grinning as he handed me the ice grippers for my boots. I was still fumbling with the zipper on the borrowed overalls (they’re warmer than they look, trust me) when we stepped out into that crisp, blue-white morning near Rovaniemi. The van ride had been quiet — everyone half-awake, watching birch trees flicker past — but as soon as we reached Korouoma canyon, something shifted. It’s hard to explain; the air just smells different out there, like snow and pine sap and a little bit of woodsmoke from somewhere far off.

The hike itself wasn’t too tough, though I did slip once (Sami just laughed and offered his arm). We followed the trail through silent forest until suddenly — there it was: a wall of ice, all tangled with icicles and frozen sheets. The sound is what surprised me most; you’d think it would be silent, but you can hear water moving underneath if you stand still enough. I tried to say “Korouoma” properly and Li laughed at my accent — apparently I’m hopeless at Finnish vowels. Lunch was by a fire Sami built right there in the snow: reindeer sandwich (so much better than I expected), pork sausage sizzling on sticks, and hot blueberry juice that steamed up my glasses every time I took a sip.

I didn’t expect to feel so small standing under those frozen waterfalls. There’s something about being surrounded by nothing but white cliffs and sky that makes you forget about emails or whatever else you left behind in Rovaniemi. On the way back, someone started singing quietly in another language — maybe Dutch? — and nobody minded. My boots were soaked by then but honestly, I didn’t care. That view is stuck in my head now every time I smell smoke or hear ice crackle underfoot… you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Frozen Waterfalls and BBQ Lunch

• Hike Finnish Arctic Circle landscape
• View frozen waterfalls and canyons
• Taste Lappish cuisine BBQ lunch

Top questions

How long does the hike to Korouoma frozen waterfalls take?

The tour is a full-day experience from Rovaniemi including hiking time; exact duration may vary depending on conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi is included.

Are winter clothes provided for the hike?

Yes, overalls and boots are provided for all participants.

What food is included during the tour?

The tour includes pork sausage, reindeer sandwich, marshmallow, and hot blueberry juice; vegetarian/vegan options are available on request.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Children under 5 years old are not recommended to attend; children under 12 must be accompanied by adults paying full price.

Do I need special equipment for walking on ice?

No special equipment needed; ice grippers for shoes are provided as part of the tour.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes, please advise specific dietary needs at booking; vegetarian/vegan alternatives are available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Rovaniemi, all necessary winter clothing like overalls and boots, ice grippers for safe hiking in Korouoma canyon, guidance in English (or other languages if requested), plus a campfire BBQ lunch with reindeer sandwich or vegetarian options and steaming blueberry juice before heading back.