Rovaniemi: Snowmobile ride & ice fishing with BBQ lunch

Summary

Snowmobile through Lapland’s forests, fish on ice, share fire-cooked salmon

You’ll ride a snowmobile through snowy Lapland forests from Rovaniemi, then try your luck at ice fishing on a frozen lake with help from a local guide. Warm up by an open fire with grilled salmon, Lappish bread, and hot drinks before heading back — small moments you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

We zipped away from Rovaniemi just after sunrise — or what passes for sunrise up here, with the sky barely turning pale blue. The cold hit first, sharp on my cheeks even under the helmet, but then the snowmobile engine rumbled to life and that was it. Our guide, Olli, waved us forward with a gloved hand and we followed him into the trees. The snow muffled everything except the whir of engines and sometimes you’d catch a whiff of pine or something colder I can’t quite name. I kept thinking I’d tip over but somehow didn’t.

After about an hour (felt shorter), we stopped by this huge frozen lake — just white stretching out in every direction. Olli showed us how to drill through the ice for fishing. Honestly, I thought it would be easy but my arms were burning halfway through. He laughed and said most people struggle at first. We sat there in silence for a while, lines dropped into black water below all that white. It was weirdly peaceful — just some distant crows and the crunch of someone shifting their boots.

I didn’t catch anything (not even close), but nobody seemed to mind. Someone else pulled up a tiny perch and everyone cheered like it was gold. After that we gathered around a fire Olli had already started — he handed out Lappish bread and grilled salmon that smelled smoky and rich. There were marshmallows too, which felt random but perfect with hot berry juice warming my hands. My gloves still smell faintly like smoke days later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile and Ice Fishing Adventure

• Snowmobile ride through Lappish forest
• Ice fishing on frozen lakes and Lappish barbecue

Top questions

How long is the snowmobile ride from Rovaniemi?

The snowmobile ride lasts approximately one hour.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

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

What food is provided during the experience?

The tour includes a Lappish BBQ with bread, grilled salmon, marshmallows, and hot drinks; vegetarian/vegan options are available upon request.

Do I need to bring my own winter clothes?

No, winter overalls, boots, gloves, and helmets are provided as part of the tour.

Can children join the snowmobile ride?

Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults; those under 3 are not allowed. Children taller than 150 cm can sit on the snowmobile paying adult price; shorter children ride in a sleigh.

Is an English-speaking guide available?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads the tour; other languages are available on request.

Do I need a driving license for this experience?

You need a valid driving license if you want to drive the snowmobile; remember to bring it or a copy on the day of your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from central Rovaniemi hotels or office locations, all necessary winter clothing like overalls and helmets, about an hour riding snowmobiles through snowy forests with your local guide leading the way, full use of ice fishing equipment on a frozen lake (no experience needed), plus a traditional Lappish barbecue lunch featuring bread, grilled salmon or vegetarian options if you ask ahead — even marshmallows toasted by the fire before heading back warm and full.