Tromsø to Lapland: Snowmobile Tour, Scenic Stops & Finnish Lunch

Summary

Snowmobile across Lapland’s wild borderlands with warm stops and local stories

You’ll ride snowmobiles from Tromsø into Finnish Lapland with a local guide, stopping for photos on frozen lakes and warming up with hot drinks and lunch in a wooden hut. Expect real Arctic weather, thick suits (trust me—you’ll need them), and moments of total silence broken by laughter or engines starting up again.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the snowmobiles — not the speed, just the idea of piloting one across frozen nothingness between Tromsø and Kilpisjärvi. But our guide, Eero (who wore this wool hat that looked older than me), made the safety briefing almost funny. He said, “Don’t race unless you want to meet the reindeer police.” I still don’t know if that’s a real thing.

The drive out of Tromsø was quiet — everyone half asleep or pretending not to be excited. By the time we crossed into Finnish Lapland, the world outside had turned blue-grey and silent except for the crunch of boots when we stopped to gear up. The suits were thick enough that I felt like a marshmallow but honestly, thank god for them. My nose still tingled from the cold air. Eero checked everyone’s helmets and cracked a joke about “Lapland hair” (I guess helmet hair is universal). Then it was just us and a line of snowmobiles humming in the cold.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel out there — gliding over frozen lakes near Saana Mountain, then weaving through trails where the trees looked like ghosts under all that snow. Sometimes we stopped just because someone spotted something: animal tracks, or light shifting on a ridge. There was this moment when Eero poured us hot berry juice from his thermos and steam curled up into my face mask; I remember thinking how weirdly sweet it tasted after all that cold air. We switched drivers halfway (my turn lasted about ten minutes before my hands went numb), but nobody seemed bothered — everyone grinned at each other through fogged-up visors.

Lunch was in this little wooden hut — soup so hot it almost burned my tongue, bread you had to tear apart with your mittens still on. Someone tried to ask for seconds in Finnish and got only laughter in reply. On the way back, I watched one of our group just stop for a second and look out at nothing in particular. It was quiet again except for engines idling low. That feeling stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile adventure in Finnish Lapland

• Drive two hours from Tromsø
• Arrive in Kilpisjärvi village
• Gear up with warm clothing
• Attend safety briefing
• Begin snowmobile exploration
• Visit 3-Country Border and scenic spots
• Pause for photos and driver switches
• Follow guided safety rules

Top questions

How long does the snowmobile tour from Tromsø to Lapland take?

The tour includes about 2–2.5 hours by bus each way plus several hours riding snowmobiles around Kilpisjärvi in Finnish Lapland.

Is lunch included on this day trip to Finnish Lapland?

Yes, a hot lunch is included during the snowmobile adventure in Lapland.

Do I need a driver’s license for this snowmobile tour?

No car driving license is required to participate or drive a snowmobile on this trip.

What should I wear for the snowmobile adventure?

You should wear a wool base layer and at least one pair of wool socks; warm suits and boots are provided as part of your gear.

Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

The minimum age is 8 years old as a passenger and 18 years old as a driver.

What happens if there aren’t enough participants?

If fewer than 8 people book, the trip will be cancelled and you’ll get a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included from Tromsø?

The tour includes transport from Tromsø; check your booking confirmation for exact pickup details.

Can solo travelers join this snowmobile tour?

Solo travelers can join but must select “Ride Your Own Snowmobile” when booking since sharing is only for those traveling together.

What’s included

Your day covers transport from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi in Finland, full safety briefing with all necessary equipment—warm suits, boots, helmet, face mask—and insurance (with deductible). You’ll get photos taken during the trip plus hot drinks and lunch served inside a cozy hut before returning back across snowy borderlands by bus in late afternoon.