Winter activities in Lapland

Experience a quieter side of Lapland

Private and small-group snowmobile safaris

A snowmobile safari is an exciting way to explore the forests and winter landscapes around Raanujärvi.

We arrange private safaris and safaris for very small groups. We have three snowmobiles, allowing up to six guests to travel on the snowmobiles at the same time. We also have one sled that can carry additional participants when suitable for the group and conditions.

Keeping the group small makes the experience calmer and gives the guide more time for each participant. It also makes it easier to notice the landscape, changing light and silence surrounding the trails.

Snowmobile safaris require sufficient snow and safe trail conditions. The exact beginning and end of the season therefore vary from year to year.

Ice fishing on a frozen lake

Ice fishing is a traditional part of winter life in Finland and a peaceful way to spend time outdoors.

During an ice fishing safari, you can learn how to fish through the ice while experiencing the stillness of a frozen Lapland lake. No previous ice fishing experience is required.

Ice fishing can begin only after the lake ice has become thick enough to be safe. This is often after Christmas, but there is no fixed starting date. We always check local ice conditions before arranging an activity.

Guided snowshoeing and snowshoes for guests

Snowshoeing makes it possible to explore snowy forests and places that may be difficult to reach on ordinary winter footwear.

You can join a guided snowshoeing experience or, if you are staying with us, borrow snowshoes and explore independently. A guided experience is a good choice when you want to learn how to use the equipment and discover the surrounding nature with a local guide.

Snowshoeing requires enough snow, so availability depends entirely on current winter conditions.

Meet our own reindeer

Our own reindeer live beside our reception building when they are home from their summer grazing grounds.

They usually return from nature in late autumn or early winter, once their summer holiday has ended. Because the timing follows their natural seasonal rhythm, there is no exact annual return date.

When the reindeer are home, you may stop and watch them independently from outside their enclosure. You can also book a guided experience where you meet and feed them safely while learning about their lives, care and seasonal rhythm.

Our reindeer experiences focus on meeting, observing and feeding the animals. Our reindeer are not currently trained to pull a sleigh.

Can you see the Northern Lights here?

Northern Lights can often be seen directly from the grounds of Napapiirin Järvilomat when the sky is clear and aurora activity reaches our area.

Because we are surrounded by nature and away from strong city lights, you may not need to book a separate Northern Lights tour. Sometimes the best plan is simply to check the sky, dress warmly and step outside your cabin when conditions look promising.

Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so no location or tour can guarantee that they will appear. Cloud cover and aurora activity determine what can be seen.

We do not arrange our own Northern Lights tours. If you would still like to join a separate excursion, we can help you look at suitable local options during your stay. This allows you to consider the weather, current conditions and whether a separate tour would genuinely add something to your experience.

Activities for accommodation guests and other visitors

You do not need to stay at Napapiirin Järvilomat to book an activity. Our winter experiences are available to both our accommodation guests and visitors staying elsewhere in the region. Advance booking is required for guided activities.

We do not provide transportation to or from the activities. Participants must arrange their own journey to Raanujärvi. Our location is approximately one hour from Rovaniemi.

Please check the activity information and arrival instructions carefully when making your booking.

When is the winter activity season?

Our winter activity season usually runs from December until April, but nature determines the exact dates.

Different activities require different conditions:

• Snowmobile safaris require sufficient snow and safe trails.
• Snowshoeing requires a deep enough layer of snow.
• Ice fishing requires strong, carefully checked lake ice.
• Reindeer experiences are available when our reindeer have returned from their summer grazing grounds.

For this reason, not every activity becomes available at the same time. Availability may also change during the season if weather or safety conditions change.

The booking calendar shows the experiences currently available to reserve.

Private experiences and small groups

We want our activities to feel personal, unhurried and closely connected to the surrounding nature.

Small groups allow us to adapt the pace more easily and give participants clearer guidance. They also help preserve the peaceful atmosphere that makes this part of Lapland special.

Private experiences are available for selected activities. Check the booking calendar for current options or contact us if you are planning an experience for your own group.

Combine activities with a stay in Lapland

Staying at Napapiirin Järvilomat places you close to the winter landscape and many of our activity starting points.

After spending time outdoors, you can return to the warmth of your own cabin, prepare a meal, enjoy a private sauna or simply watch the sky from the quiet surroundings of your accommodation.

Our location works especially well for travellers who want to combine authentic winter activities with a peaceful stay outside the busiest tourist areas.

What winter activities do you offer?

Depending on current conditions, we offer snowmobile safaris, ice fishing safaris, guided snowshoeing and reindeer experiences. Accommodation guests can also borrow snowshoes for independent use.

Can I book an activity if I am not staying with you?

Yes. Our guided activities are available to both accommodation guests and visitors staying elsewhere.

When do winter activities begin?

The season usually runs from December to April. Exact dates depend on snow, ice and weather conditions. Ice fishing often begins after Christmas, once the lake ice has been checked and confirmed safe.

Are the activities arranged in small groups?

Yes. We focus on private experiences and small groups. For snowmobile safaris, we have three snowmobiles for up to six people riding at the same time, as well as one sled for additional participants when appropriate.

Do you provide transportation from Rovaniemi?

No. Participants must arrange their own transportation to Raanujärvi. We are located approximately one hour from Rovaniemi.

Do you offer Northern Lights tours?

We do not arrange our own Northern Lights tours. Northern Lights can often be observed directly from our grounds when the sky is clear and aurora activity is present.

If you would like to join a separate tour, we can help you look at suitable local options during your stay.

Can Northern Lights be guaranteed?

No. Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Visibility depends on aurora activity, darkness and cloud cover.

Are the activities always available during winter?

No. Safety and natural conditions always come first. Snowmobile safaris and snowshoeing require enough snow, while ice fishing requires sufficiently strong lake ice. Reindeer experiences depend on when the reindeer return from their summer grazing grounds.

Find your winter experience in Lapland

Choose an activity from our booking calendar and experience winter in the forests and frozen landscapes of Raanujärvi.

Whether you join a snowmobile safari, try ice fishing, walk through the forest on snowshoes or meet our reindeer, you can experience Lapland at a peaceful pace and in a small-scale setting.