Vikaköngäs Snowshoe Adventure: Arctic Forest Walk

Walk the frozen river and forest at Vikaköngäs on snowshoes, then warm up at a fire-lit barbecue

A guided snowshoe walk in the Vikaköngäs wilderness near Rovaniemi takes you through forest trails and along a frozen river at a relaxed pace, with no experience needed. Your guide shares insights about the local environment while you stop for photos and rest. Midway through, you gather at a fire site for a traditional Lapland barbecue with hot drinks before returning to your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snowshoe walk and barbecue in wilderness

• Pickup in Rovaniemi
• Transfer to Vikaköngäs wilderness
• Receive snowshoes and instructions
• Guided snowshoe walk on forest trails
• Stop to enjoy scenery and take photos
• Learn about local environment from guide
• Enjoy traditional Lapland barbecue with hot drinks
• Return transfer to Rovaniemi

The experience

Vikaköngäs sits in quiet forest away from the tourist crowds, and that's where this walk begins after hotel pickup in Rovaniemi. You'll be fitted with snowshoes and shown how to use them, no prior experience required, then set off on trails that wind through the surrounding forest and along the frozen river. The pace is relaxed, built for beginners, with regular stops to take in the scenery, photograph the landscape, and catch your breath.

Your guide, trained in first aid and fluent in English, shares what they know about the local environment and how the Arctic winter shapes the terrain and wildlife. The snowshoes let you move easily through deep snow that would otherwise slow you down, so you can focus on the walk itself rather than fighting the conditions. Midway through, you'll stop at a fire site to enjoy a traditional Lapland barbecue with hot drinks: a moment to warm up and rest before the return journey.

The whole experience runs roughly 3 to 4 hours from pickup to drop-off. You'll travel in a brand-new 4×4 van with a small group of no more than eight guests, and thermal overalls are provided to keep you warm in Arctic conditions. All equipment, transfers, snacks and hot drinks are included in the price.

What’s included

• Transfers in a brand-new 2025 luxury 4×4 van with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• snowshoes and all equipment.
• thermal overalls for Arctic conditions.
• a professional, first-aid-trained guide in English.
• snacks and hot drinks.
• a traditional Lapland barbecue at the fire site.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (12 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Arctic GM Experiences OY

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Rovaniemi means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach the Vikaköngäs wilderness, making this walk accessible whether you're staying in the city or arriving without a rental.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Vikaköngäs area like in winter?

Vikaköngäs is a quiet forest location with a frozen river and natural trails, known for its winter scenery away from busy tourist zones. The terrain is suitable for snowshoeing, with deep snow that the snowshoes help you traverse easily.

Do I need to have done this before?

No prior snowshoeing experience is required. You'll receive clear instructions on how to use the snowshoes when you arrive, and the walk itself is at a relaxed pace designed for beginners.

What happens during the barbecue stop?

Midway through the walk, you'll stop at a fire site to enjoy a traditional Lapland barbecue with hot drinks. It's a chance to warm up, rest, and take in the surroundings before continuing.

How does pickup work?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Rovaniemi are included. You'll be collected from your accommodation and driven to Vikaköngäs in a brand-new 4×4 van, then returned to your hotel after the walk.

What's included in the price?

Transfers, hotel pickup and drop-off, snowshoes and all equipment, thermal overalls, snacks, hot drinks, and the guide are all included. The group stays small at a maximum of eight guests.