Snowshoeing in Lapland Wilderness

Venture into the heart of Lapland’s winter landscape with Snowshoeing in Lapland Wilderness, a guided tour that offers an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore the Arctic. Priced at $183, this 3-hour experience starts in Rovaniemi, Finland, and promises a peaceful trek through snow-blanketed forests, frozen rivers, and scenic valleys. With all gear and winter outerwear provided, participants can enjoy the outdoors comfortably, making it suitable for most travelers, including families with small children who can use the provided toboggans. The tour is especially appealing for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused excursion that highlights the untouched beauty of Lapland.

While the experience lasts roughly 3 hours including transfers and gear fitting, it primarily features a 45-minute to 1-hour snowshoe trek. The tour is ideal for those wanting a moderate physical activity in a serene environment, with the option to request a longer trek if desired. It’s important to note that the tour operates from November 16 to April 12, weather permitting, and requires a minimum of 2 full-paying adults to run. The inclusion of pickup service within 8 km adds convenience, and the small group size—up to 15 travelers—ensures a personalized experience.

Key Points

• Eco-friendly exploration of Lapland’s winter wilderness on snowshoes
• Guided by knowledgeable locals who provide insights into the Arctic ecosystem
• All winter gear and outerwear are included for a comfortable trek
• Family-friendly, with small children able to join using provided toboggans
• Snacks and warmth provided at an open fire, including sausages and hot berry juice
• Flexible options available to extend the snowshoeing beyond the typical duration

Rovaniemi Starting Point: Sunny Safari at Tähtikuja 1

The tour departs from Sunny Safari’s base at Tähtikuja 1 in Rovaniemi, a conveniently located spot near public transportation. The meeting point is simple to find, and the tour includes pickup service if your accommodation is within 8 km. The activity concludes back at the same meeting point, making transportation straightforward.

The pick-up service is arranged prior to the tour, with specific times provided upon booking. It’s recommended to arrive a little earlier to prepare for the snowshoe adventure and gear fitting. The tour’s inclusion of thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks ensures participants stay warm even in temperatures as low as -26°C.

Exploring Lapland’s Snowy Forests and Frozen Rivers

The highlight of this tour is the gentle trek through snow-laden forests, where deep snow underfoot makes for an engaging workout. The guide leads you along paths accessible only on foot, revealing views of snow-covered trees and frozen waterways that are otherwise unreachable in regular vehicles. This journey allows an up-close look at Lapland’s ecosystem, emphasizing the Arctic flora and fauna.

Participants will appreciate how the silent landscape amplifies the feeling of being far away from the busy world, and the guides are well-prepared to share interesting insights about the local environment. The trek is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, with small children able to participate safely using toboggans, making it an attractive outing for families.

Unique Stop for Fireside Snacks and Warmth

Midway through the adventure, travelers arrive at a designated spot to warm up by an open fire. Here, the guide starts a barbecue, where sausages are cooked over the flames, and everyone can sip on hot berry juice—a cozy and tasty way to rejuvenate in the winter wonderland. This stop provides a perfect moment to rest, take photos, and soak in the peaceful scenery.

The warmth from the fire offers relief from the cold, and the snacks are included in the tour, aligning with the tour’s emphasis on comfort and authentic Arctic experiences. The fire-side break is often praised for its simplicity and charm, adding a memorable touch to the snowshoe trek.

Family-Friendly Snowshoeing with Toboggans for Children

This tour stands out with its attention to family needs. Toboggans are provided for small children, allowing families to comfortably enjoy the snow-covered landscape together. The small group size—up to 15 travelers—ensures personalized attention from guides who are experienced and friendly.

The ease of use of the provided equipment makes this tour accessible, even for those new to snowshoeing. The guides are praised for their patience and knowledge, especially when engaging with young children, making this experience enjoyable for all ages.

Flexibility in Duration and Extending Your Trek

While the typical snowshoeing segment lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour, the overall tour duration is approximately 3 hours, which includes transfers, gear fitting, and the fire-side break. If you wish to extend the trek, you can request a longer experience when booking or discuss options with the guide during the tour.

This flexibility allows participants to tailor the outing to their energy levels and interest in exploring more of Lapland’s wilderness. The tour’s structure offers a good balance between activity and relaxation, making it suitable for those wanting a moderate outdoor adventure.

Operational Details and Booking Considerations

The tour operates annually from November 16 to April 12, depending on weather conditions. A minimum of 2 full-paying adults is required for the tour to proceed. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during peak winter months, to secure a spot.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing peace of mind if your plans change. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join, and it accommodates service animals as well.

Reviews and Participant Impressions

Participants consistently rate this tour highly, with an average of 4.7 out of 5 based on 10 reviews. Many praise the knowledgeable guides, especially for their ability to share interesting insights about the environment and Arctic life. The scenery, including snow-covered forests and frozen rivers, is often described as breathtaking.

One reviewer mentions the short duration of the trek—around 45 minutes—so those seeking a longer snowshoe experience might want to request extra time. Others highlight the family-friendly atmosphere, noting the friendly guide and warm fire as memorable highlights.

The Sum Up: A Peaceful, Family-Friendly Arctic Adventure

Snowshoeing in Lapland Wilderness offers a gentle yet invigorating way to experience the Arctic landscape. The all-inclusive gear, expert guides, and fire-side snacks combine to create a comfortable and authentic winter outing. The small group size and family-friendly equipment make it suitable for travelers of all ages.

While the trek duration might be on the shorter side for some, the overall experience’s tranquility and connection to nature make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a quiet, scenic adventure. It’s perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone wanting to explore Rovaniemi’s winter beauty without the need for strenuous activity or specialized snow skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, small children can participate using the provided toboggans, and the guides are experienced with kids, making it a family-friendly outing.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all gear and winter outerwear, a fire-side break with sausages and hot berry juice, and pickup service if within 8 km of the meeting point.

How long does the snowshoe hike last?
The actual snowshoe trek lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, but the entire experience is about 3 hours including transfers and breaks.

Can I request a longer trek?
Yes, you can ask during booking or during the tour if you’d like to extend the snowshoeing duration.

What are the operating months?
The tour runs from November 16 to April 12, weather permitting.

What should I wear?
Thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks are provided, but it’s also recommended to dress warmly and in layers underneath.

Is there any flexibility with the tour schedule?
Tour times and pickup arrangements are confirmed upon booking. It’s best to arrive a bit earlier to prepare for the activity.

What if the weather is poor?
The experience is weather-dependent. If canceled due to weather, a different date or full refund is offered.

How many people can join?
The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility challenges?
While not explicitly stated, the focus on snowshoeing and outdoor terrain suggests it may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.