Master the ancient art of 'pilkkiminen' on the thick frozen lakes of the Arctic Circle
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Experience one of the oldest traditions in the serene, snow-covered landscapes of Lapland.
Enjoy ice fishing and a BBQ with hosts whose family roots in Lapland date back to the 1600s.
Combine the thrill of snowmobiling with traditional ice fishing and a cozy campfire grill.
Find tranquility in the silence of nature with a traditional fishing trip outside Rovaniemi.
Explore forests on snowshoes and fish on an immense frozen lake in a small, intimate group.
Learn survival skills, orienteering, and ice fishing on a 5-in-1 arctic wilderness adventure.
Fish like a local on a beautiful arctic lake or river surrounded by impressive snowy scenery.
Enjoy a quick and traditional 2-hour introduction to ice fishing in Rovaniemi's white landscapes.
Travel in a luxury car for a private VIP tour featuring ice fishing and an exhilarating snowmobile ride.
Discover the most popular local leisure activity on a budget-friendly fishing tour in Rovaniemi.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Ice fishing, or 'pilkkiminen' as it is known locally, is a meditative and beloved winter tradition in Finland. Far from the city lights of Rovaniemi, you will venture onto the thick ice of frozen lakes or the Ounasjoki River. Equipped with a hand auger, you'll drill your own hole through 50cm+ of ice before settling down on a reindeer hide to jig for Perch, Pike, and Rainbow Trout. The experience is as much about the silence of the Arctic wilderness as it is about the catch. Most tours conclude with a traditional campfire on the ice or shore, where you can grill sausages, sip hot berry juice, and, if luck is on your side, cook your fresh catch.
We exclusively partner with top-rated Rovaniemi operators like Wild About Lapland and Nordic Odyssey
Experience the real Finnish lifestyle with guides whose families have fished these waters for generations
Don't worry about the cold—professional thermal overalls and boots are standard inclusions
Many of our listed tours cap group sizes at 8 people for a more personal connection with nature
Secure your spot on the ice immediately, essential during peak Christmas and winter seasons
A safe and magical activity for children, often combined with snowshoeing or snowmobiling
Late November to April|Best ice conditions January-March
Merino wool base layers|Fleece mid-layer|Warm hat and scarf|Wool socks (avoid cotton)|Hand and toe warmers recommended
Traditionally a means of winter survival for Sami and Finnish people, allowing access to fresh food when land game was scarce.
Most operators offer full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance
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Real experiences from real travelers
We booked the private lakefront tour and it was the highlight of our Lapland trip. It was -20C but the thermal suits kept us toasty. Didn't catch a big fish but the silence and the BBQ were unforgettable.
My kids loved drilling the holes! The guide was very patient and explained the tradition well. The hot berry juice by the fire was delicious.
Good organization. We took the snowmobile combo tour which I highly recommend. The fishing part is slow but relaxing. A true Finnish experience.
I actually caught a small perch! The guide showed us how to prepare it. The frozen lake scenery is breathtaking. Highly recommend bringing hand warmers.
Very cold day but the equipment provided was excellent. The guide was knowledgeable about the local nature. A unique experience you can't get elsewhere.
As a fellow Scandinavian, I appreciate the authenticity. No tourist traps here, just genuine ice fishing in the wilderness. The snowshoeing add-on was great.
Our guide Antti was amazing. He told us stories about Lapland history while we fished. The landscape is like a painting. Worth every penny.
Went in late November. Ice was already safe. It's a game of patience but sitting on the reindeer skin watching the white horizon is meditative.
Everything you need to know for your journey
No, all necessary fishing permits and licenses are included in the tour price.
Catching fish is never guaranteed—it's called fishing, not catching! However, the experience focuses on the nature, silence, and learning the skills. The campfire BBQ is provided regardless of the catch.
Temperatures can range from -5°C to -30°C. However, the wind chill on the open lake can make it feel colder. Thermal overalls and boots provided by the operator are essential.
Yes, it is family-friendly, but keep in mind that sitting still in the cold can be challenging for very young children (under 4). Many families prefer the combo tours with snowmobiles for more action.
Wear warm thermal underwear (wool is best) and a mid-layer. The tour operator will provide the heavy-duty thermal outer layer, wool socks, and boots.
Yes, if the fish is of legal size (guides know the regulations), you can often cook it over the campfire immediately. Catch-and-release is also practiced.
Yes, guides strictly monitor ice thickness. They only operate when the ice is at least 10-15cm thick, though it is often 40cm+ in mid-winter.
No, all equipment including augers (drills), rods, bait, and stools/seats is provided.
There are no toilets on the open ice. Guides will usually make a stop before heading onto the lake, or there may be an outhouse near the shore campfire site, but be prepared for a wilderness environment.
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