Saariselkä: Private UKK Park Snowshoe Walk & Cowboy Coffee

Explore Lapland’s Winter Wilderness on a Private Snowshoe Walk in Urho Kekkonen National Park

The Saariselkä: Private UKK Park Snowshoe Walk & Cowboy Coffee offers an intimate adventure into Finland’s Arctic landscape. Priced at a reasonable rate, this 2.5-hour tour is perfect for small groups, couples, or families seeking a peaceful escape into nature. With guiding by a local wilderness expert, you’ll traverse snowy forests and Arctic fells, learning about the region’s wildlife, culture, and way of life. The highlight is a cozy cowboy coffee break by an open fire, accompanied by a traditional sweet treat.

This tour emphasizes personalized attention, as it is tailored to your pace and interests. It is suitable for those wanting an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in Lapland. However, it’s worth noting that children under 12 and guests with mobility limitations may find the activity less accessible. Still, for anyone prepared with warm clothing, this walk offers a genuine connection to the Arctic environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 2.5 hours of guided snowshoeing through Urho Kekkonen National Park
• Private Experience: Guided by a local wilderness expert in a small group setting
• Included: Snowshoes, cowboy coffee brewed over an open fire, and a sweet snack
• Location: Starts at the Urho Kekkonen National Park entrance gate in Saariselkä
• Highlights: Serene snowy forests, Arctic wildlife stories, and a cozy fire side coffee break
• Suitability: Best suited for small groups, couples, and families with suitable outdoor clothing

Starting Point in Saariselkä for an Arctic Adventure

The tour begins at the entrance gate of Urho Kekkonen National Park in Saariselkä, with the coordinates 68.41844177246094, 27.42610740661621. If needed, there is an option for pick-up from within Saariselkä, but guests should inform the activity provider in advance. This flexible start location makes it easy to join after settling into your accommodation nearby.

The meeting point is straightforward, located at the park’s entrance, where a local guide will be waiting to welcome your private group. The tour can be scheduled at different times, with availability visible during booking. The activity is designed for small, private groups, ensuring a personal and relaxed experience.

Snowshoeing in Urho Kekkonen National Park’s Snowy Forests

The snowshoe walk takes place in one of Finland’s largest national parks, Urho Kekkonen. Expect to trek through snow-covered forests and Arctic fells, with routes carefully adjusted to suit your pace. The terrain is gentle, making it accessible for beginners and those with some snowshoeing experience.

The guide leads you along peaceful forest trails, sharing insights about local wildlife, such as reindeer and Arctic birds, and the unique flora of the region. The snowshoeing itself is designed to be relaxing rather than strenuous, so you can focus on the tranquility of the winter landscape. The snowshoes are provided and are easy to use, even for first-timers.

This experience offers a chance to disconnect from everyday life and enjoy the silence and beauty of Lapland’s winter. The pace is always tailored to your comfort, making it suitable for a range of fitness levels, except those with mobility challenges or very young children.

The Unique Charm of Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen is Finland’s second-largest national park, covering vast areas of snow-draped forests and Arctic fell landscapes. The park’s scenery is characterized by gently rolling hills, open fells, and dense coniferous woods, all blanketed in snow during winter.

This setting provides a perfect backdrop for snowshoeing, with its peaceful atmosphere and chance to spot local wildlife and signs of animal activity. The guide highlights the importance of respecting the natural environment, making this a mindful way to enjoy the wilderness.

The park’s remote location means few crowds, offering an authentic Arctic experience. The tranquility and immensity of the landscape make each step feel like a small adventure into the heart of Lapland.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Cowboy Coffee Break by the Open Fire

One of the most memorable moments of this tour is the coffee break, where authentic cowboy coffee is brewed over an open fire. The local guide prepares this traditional brew, which offers rich, robust flavors characteristic of the region.

This break involves sitting around the fire, warming up, and enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The coffee is served with a traditional sweet treat, adding a comforting touch to the outdoor experience. The fire and the surrounding snow create a perfect scene for reflection and relaxation amid nature.

This part of the tour highlights the Lapland way of life, emphasizing simple pleasures like sharing warmth and stories in the wilderness. It’s an authentic moment that adds depth to the snowshoeing journey.

Practical Details: What to Bring and How to Prepare

Participants should wear warm, weather-appropriate clothing. Layered outdoor wear, gloves, a hat, and warm shoes are essential. Because the tour takes place outdoors for the full duration, outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions ensures comfort and safety.

The snowshoes are provided and are easy to handle, making this activity accessible even for beginners. The route is always adjusted to match the group’s pace and weather conditions, so flexibility is built into the experience.

Guests should avoid participation if they have mobility impairments, are visually impaired, or are over 80 years old. The activity is also not recommended for children under 12 or guests with low fitness levels. It’s a gentle-paced walk meant for enjoyment rather than physical challenge.

Logistics: Meeting, Duration, and Booking Flexibility

This tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes guide services, snowshoes, cowboy coffee, and a sweet snack. It starts at the Urho Kekkonen National Park entrance gate, with options for pick-up if booked in advance.

For added flexibility, bookings can be reserved with a ‘Reserve Now & Pay Later’ option, allowing travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment. The activity provider also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, adding peace of mind to the booking process.

The live guides speak English, Finnish, and Swedish, accommodating a range of language preferences. The private group format ensures a personalized experience tailored to your group’s interests and rhythm.

Comparing Similar Arctic Experiences in Saariselkä

While this tour focuses on snowshoeing and a cozy fire-side coffee break, Saariselkä offers other Arctic activities like snowmobile rides, Northern Lights hunts, and reindeer farm visits. For instance, the saariselka snowmobile ride with hot drinks or a Northern Lights tour could complement this experience.

Nevertheless, this snowshoe walk stands out for its intimate nature, local guiding, and the authentic outdoor coffee break. It’s a slower-paced, nature-centered activity that emphasizes personal connection with the Arctic environment.

Summary: A Quiet, Personal Arctic Escape in Saariselkä

The Saariselkä: Private UKK Park Snowshoe Walk & Cowboy Coffee provides a peaceful and authentic way to enjoy Lapland’s winter landscape. With guiding from a local expert, participants explore Urho Kekkonen National Park’s snow-covered forests, enjoy a traditional cowboy coffee over an open fire, and learn about Lapland’s wildlife and culture.

The experience’s private format makes it ideal for those seeking a personal connection with the Arctic wilderness, away from crowds. The easy snowshoeing and flexible routing make it accessible for most outdoor enthusiasts, provided they come prepared with warm clothing.

While it requires suitable outdoor gear and is not suited for very young children or guests with mobility issues, this tour offers a genuine, serene Arctic adventure. It’s an excellent choice for small groups or families who want a relaxed, meaningful experience in Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the snowshoes are easy to use, and the route is adjusted to suit your pace, making it suitable for newcomers.

What should I wear for the snowshoe walk? Wear warm, layered outdoor clothing, gloves, a hat, and warm shoes appropriate for winter conditions.

Can I join if I have mobility issues? No, participation is not recommended for guests with mobility impairments or very young children.

Is there an option for pickup? Yes, pickup from Saariselkä area can be arranged if you inform the activity provider in advance.

How long does the tour last? The guided experience lasts about 2.5 hours, including the cowboy coffee break.

What is included in the price? The tour includes guide services, snowshoes, cowboy coffee, and a sweet snack.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak English, Finnish, and Swedish.

When is the best time to book? You can reserve with ‘Pay Later’ and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children? It is not recommended for children under 12, due to outdoor activity considerations.

What makes this tour unique? The private guiding, personalized pace, and authentic cowboy coffee break create a special Arctic experience not found in larger group tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby