Discover Ice Fishing in the Käsivarsi Wilderness
Leave the village of Kilpisjärvi behind and discover the open landscapes of the Käsivarsi Wilderness on a private ice fishing tour with your local guide.
The journey takes you across snow-covered tundra to a frozen lake, where you can try traditional ice fishing and enjoy the quiet surroundings. Along the way, there is time to admire the scenery, take photographs and learn about life in this northern part of Finnish Lapland.
Whether you are interested in fishing or simply wish to spend a day in the Arctic outdoors, this experience offers a memorable combination of nature, local traditions and personal guiding.
Explore the Vast Käsivarsi Tundra by Snowmobile
Settle into the passenger sledge pulled by your guide's snowmobile and enjoy the changing scenery as we travel away from the village of Kilpisjärvi.
The route takes us above the tree line, across wide-open tundra surrounded by rounded, snow-covered fells. The Käsivarsi region is home to Finland's highest peaks, and the scenery changes throughout the season as the days grow longer and the spring sunshine returns.
Depending on the weather, the views may stretch far into the distance, or the surrounding fells may disappear behind drifting snow.
Along the way, we may encounter reindeer on their winter pastures, local people traveling by snowmobile, or other visitors exploring the area with their guides and admiring some of Lapland's most distinctive wilderness scenery. Your guide shares stories about the area, its natural environment and everyday life in the far north.
The journey itself is an important part of the experience, with opportunities to stop for photographs and simply enjoy the surroundings.
Ice Fishing in the Arctic Wilderness
Once we reach the frozen lake, your guide shows you how to drill a hole through the ice and prepare your fishing line.
Then comes the waiting. Settle onto a reindeer hide, lower your line into the water and see whether a fish will bite.
Arctic char and whitefish are among the fish found in the lakes of this region, but a catch is never guaranteed. Ice fishing requires patience, and sometimes the fish are simply not interested.
If you prefer, you can put the fishing rod aside and spend your time photographing the landscape or enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Fireside Lunch in a Wilderness Shelter
After spending time outdoors, we stop at a traditional wilderness shelter, usually a wooden hut or an open lean-to, for lunch by the fire.
Your guide prepares a simple Finnish outdoor meal with grilled sausages, sandwiches, homemade pastry and hot drinks.
There is no need to hurry. The fireside break is a time to warm up, share stories and enjoy being out in the Arctic landscape.
Optional Snowmobile Driving Experience
The tour normally takes place in a comfortable passenger sledge pulled by your guide's snowmobile. This allows you to enjoy the scenery without having to concentrate on driving.
If you would like to experience driving a snowmobile yourself, this is available as an optional extra.
Two guests can share a snowmobile, with one driving and the other sitting behind. You can also switch drivers during the tour.
Before departure, your guide provides safety instructions and an opportunity to practice driving.
Snowmobile drivers must be between 18 and 69 years old and hold a valid driving licence accepted in Finland, written in Latin characters. A refundable damage deposit is required.
Tour Details
Starting time: 11:30 AM (11h30)
Total duration: 4 hours / 30 km (18 miles)
Group size: 1–6 guests
Tour type: Private tour for your own party
The 4-hour total duration includes dressing, safety briefing, transportation by snowmobile sledge and the outdoor experience.
Prices:
1 guest: €390 total
2 guests: €195 per person (€390 total)
3 guests: €175 per person (€525 total)
4 - 6 guests: €155 per person (€620 - €930 total)
The price includes:
Private guide
Transportation in a passenger sledge pulled by the guide's snowmobile
Fishing instruction and equipment
Protective clothing: snowsuits and warm overcoats, winter boots and socks, mittens, balaclavas, and safety helmets
A traditional Finnish-style outdoor picnic around an open fire: grilled sausage, sandwich, homemade pastry, and hot non-alcoholic beverages
Value-added tax (VAT)
