Snowshoe and Ice Fishing in Saariselkä: Arctic Traditions

Ice fishing is still done the way Lapland has done it for centuries.

A four-hour activity in Saariselkä combining snowshoeing through Arctic forests and frozen landscapes with hands-on traditional ice fishing, guided in English. You walk at a relaxed pace, learn fishing basics on a remote lake, and warm up midway with an open fire, hot drinks and light lunch. Children from age four are welcome. All winter gear and fishing equipment are provided.

The experience

The day starts with a short transfer to the trailhead, then you step into snowshoes and follow your guide through the quiet forests and open scenery of Saariselkä at a pace that lets you take it in. The silence is the real thing here: no crowds, no noise except your footsteps and the crunch of snow. You're walking into the kind of winter landscape most people only see in photographs, and the guide navigates you through it without rush.

Midway through, you reach a frozen lake where the guide teaches you ice fishing the traditional way. It's hands-on: you'll learn how to cut through the ice, set a line, and wait for a bite while standing in the middle of an Arctic lake. This is how people in Lapland have fished for centuries, and doing it yourself (not watching someone else do it) is what makes the moment stick. Then you gather around an open fire, drink something hot, eat a light lunch, and sit in the stillness of the wilderness while the day goes quiet around you.

All winter gear, snowshoes and fishing equipment come with the booking. The guide speaks English, so the instruction and the stories about the landscape come through clearly. Children from age four can join. The operator provides what they need to stay warm and safe.

What’s included

• Pickup and transfer to the trailhead.
• winter adventure gear, snowshoes and ice fishing equipment.
• guidance from a live English-speaking guide.
• light lunch and hot beverages served by an open fire.
• organizer's liability insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to16h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Lapland Welcome Oy

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so the instruction and the landscape stories come through clearly for anyone comfortable following a guide in that language. If you want to learn ice fishing hands-on rather than watch someone else do it, and you prefer a slower pace over a packed itinerary, this four-hour activity fits the way you travel.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What is ice fishing actually like when you do it yourself on a frozen lake?

Ice fishing in Saariselkä means cutting a hole through the ice, setting a line, and waiting for a catch while standing on the frozen surface. The guide teaches you the traditional method used in Lapland for generations, so you're learning a real local skill, not just watching a demonstration. Most people catch fish, though the point is the experience and the silence more than the catch itself.

How much walking is involved, and what's the pace like?

The snowshoeing covers the first part of the four-hour activity at a relaxed pace through forests and open Arctic scenery. The guide keeps the speed comfortable so you can look around and breathe in the landscape. This is not a fitness test. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness to enjoy it, but the point is the journey, not speed.

What happens if I get cold during the activity?

Midway through, you stop at an open fire where the guide serves hot drinks and light lunch. This is your warmup moment, and you can stay by the fire as long as you need. All winter gear is provided, including what you need to stay warm while standing on the lake during fishing.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Winter adventure gear, snowshoes, fishing equipment, guidance in English, light lunch and hot beverages by the fire, and pickup are all included. Bring warm layers under the provided gear, waterproof gloves, and a camera if you want photos. The operator will tell you what else to wear when you book.