A Genuine Look at the 2025 Snowshoe and Ice Fishing Outing in Inari-Saariselkä

So, you’re thinking about heading way up north, to the kind of quiet that you can almost feel. You know, that’s what this whole trip is really about, more or less. Honestly, picturing yourself out there, with snowshoes on your feet and a fishing line in a hole in the ice, is just one thing. Actually being there is, well, something completely different. This outing is basically a straight shot into the heart of Finnish Lapland’s still, chilly beauty. Anyway, you get this very real chance to just kind of walk away from all the noise. Seriously, it’s about connecting with the quiet of the woods and the sort of waiting game that is ice fishing. It’s pretty much an experience that’s a little hard to put into words, but I’m going to give it a shot, to be honest.

Getting Your Gear and Starting the Walk

Okay, so first things first, you basically get all set up with the needed items for the day. Our person in charge, like our guide, was really patient, showing everyone how to strap on the snowshoes so they wouldn’t just fall off, you know. He made sure our winter suits were zipped up tight and stuff, because obviously, it’s cold out there. He was just a bit laid-back and made the whole starting part feel really relaxed, in a way. Stepping outside in that gear for the first time, well, it’s almost like you feel ready for anything. The first crunch of your snowshoe sinking into the deep, soft powder is a really neat sound. You’re just standing there for a second, surrounded by this huge expanse of white, and it’s like, seriously, here we go.

A Quiet Stroll Through a Forest Covered in Snow

The walk itself is actually very special. It’s not a race or anything like that; it’s more or less a slow move through a world that seems to be sleeping under a big white blanket. Anyway, the trees are just completely weighed down with snow, and their branches hang low, sort of creating these little tunnels for you to walk through. Every now and again, our guide would, like, stop and point out some tracks in the snow—a fox maybe, or a hare, you know. He’d tell us little bits about the local Sámi people and how they read the land, and it was honestly pretty interesting. It’s a kind of quiet out there that you don’t find many other places. At the end of the day, you can pretty much only hear your own breathing and the soft whumpf of your snowshoes on the ground. You just sort of fall into a rhythm with it all.

Finding the Lake and Making the Fishing Spot

Then, after walking for a bit, the trees kind of open up, and, right, you’re standing at the edge of a giant frozen lake. It’s just this big, flat, white open space, stretching out, and it’s absolutely quiet. Finding a good spot is, I mean, up to the guide, who seems to just know things. He walked out onto the ice, checking it, and then, okay, picked a place. The next part is sort of hands-on. He brings out this big ice auger, which is basically a giant corkscrew for ice. Frankly, watching him drill the hole was pretty amazing. The sound it makes is a kind of grinding, low roar, and then suddenly, there’s just a pop and you see the dark water below. It’s really something to see. You are standing on ice that is very thick, you know, and it feels just as solid as the ground, yet there’s a whole other world swimming right under your feet.

The Waiting Game and a Well-Earned Treat

So, now you’re set. You get a little stool to sit on, a little fishing rod, and you just drop your line into the hole. And then, well, you wait. It’s a very calm sort of activity. You’re just sitting there, watching the tip of your rod, taking in the pure silence of the arctic. To be honest, whether you catch a fish or not feels kind of secondary. As a matter of fact, the guide told us the main fish here are perch and sometimes a little arctic char. Still, the whole point is just being there. As you sit and wait, the guide is actually busy getting a small fire going. The smell of woodsmoke in the cold air is just fantastic. He prepared some hot berry juice, a local thing, and some small snacks over the open flames. It’s literally so comforting to hold a warm cup and watch your line, with the big, big sky all around you.

Practical Information Before You Book Your Trip

Okay, so at the end of the day, you’re probably wondering about the practical bits and stuff. First, dressing for this is all about putting on layers. Honestly, you need a good base layer, a middle layer like fleece, and then the outer thermal suit they usually give you. Good wool socks are absolutely your best friend. In terms of physical shape, you just need to be able to walk at a relaxed speed for a couple of hours; it’s not some kind of extreme sport. It’s a pretty accessible activity for most people, you know. The group sizes are usually kept quite small, so it feels more personal and not like a big crowd. It’s just a better way to experience the quiet, really.

“As a matter of fact, the most memorable part wasn’t catching a fish. It was just the total, deep silence of the forest and the lake. You just don’t get that anywhere else, seriously.”

Here’s a quick list of what you should really keep in mind:

• Clothing: Basically, dress in many layers. Thermal underwear, a warm mid-layer, and good socks are key. The outer gear is often part of the package.
• Fitness: If you can go for a decent walk, you can almost definitely do this. The speed is slow, with plenty of stops.
• What’s Included: Generally, you get your guide, all the snowshoe and fishing gear, and a warm drink with a snack. It’s a more or less all-in-one kind of deal.
• Attitude: Just come with an open mind. It’s less about a big catch and more about the experience of just being out there, you know.

Read our full review: Inari-Saariselkä Snowshoe & Ice Fishing 2025 Full Review and Details

See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Your Inari-Saariselkä Winter Trip)