Forest, fire and a guide are part of every tour. Pickup, clothing, walking time and age limits are where they part ways.
The short answer
Snowshoe tours from Rovaniemi differ less in the walk than in the details around it: whether the van picks you up in the city centre, whether overalls and boots are lent, how much of the total time is spent on snowshoes, and from what age children may join. Wild about Lapland does not pick up in the centre, Nordic Escapes lends no overalls or boots, and the stated minimum ages run from 4 to 12.
"Not stated" in the table means the listing does not say, not that the answer is no.
Pick one day, or the first and last day of your stay in Rovaniemi. We look up the booking calendar of every snowshoe tour on this site and list the ones with places left.
Clothing: Overall, boots
Clothing: Clothing, boots
Clothing: Bring warm layers
Clothing: Overall, boots
Clothing: Clothes, boots on request
Clothing: Overall, boots, mittens
Clothing: No overall or boots
Clothing: Overall, poles; own warm shoes
Clothing: Clothing, boots if needed
Clothing: Own warm clothing and shoes
Clothing: Winter clothes
Clothing: Bring warm clothing
Clothing: Clothing; own boots, gloves
Clothing: Poles, head torch
Clothing: Winter gear
Clothing: Overall, boots, gloves
The walks themselves are much alike: a drive out of town, a short lesson in strapping on snowshoes, a walk through a snowy forest or across a frozen lake, and a break at a fire. The differences that decide a booking are written further down each listing, and we have copied them into one table. Read the pickup and clothing columns first; they cause the most surprises on the day. Group size and food follow in the fact sheet below the tour cards.
| Photo | Tour | Time of day | Pickup | On snowshoes | Total time | Clothing | Min. age | Price p.p. | Reviews | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest snowshoe walk with campfire BBQ NordicUnique Travels | not stated | Hotels within 10 km | not stated | 3 h | Overall, boots | not stated | €105 | ★ 4.4 (805) | Book now |
| Wilderness snowshoe trip in a group of 8 Wild about Lapland | not stated | Not in the centre | not stated | 3 h | Clothing, boots | 5+ | €89 | ★ 4.6 (119) | Book now |
| Snowshoe walk with lunch in a teepee ToTheNorth | not stated | Your hotel | not stated | 3 h | Bring warm layers | 8+ | €75 | ★ 4.9 (65) | Book now |
| Night snowshoeing with a northern lights watch Wild about Lapland | Evening | Not in the centre | not stated | 3 h | Overall, boots | 10+ | €105 | ★ 4.5 (53) | Book now |
| Small-group forest walk with BBQ and photos Into North | not stated | Within 10 km | not stated | 4.5 h | Clothes, boots on request | 10+ | €98 | ★ 5.0 (46) | Book now |
| Snowshoe walk from Apukka Resort Apukka Resort | not stated | Centre or Santa Village | not stated | 3.5 h | Overall, boots, mittens | 10+ | €95 | ★ 4.8 (36) | Book now |
| Snowshoeing with a flint-and-steel fire Nordic Escapes | not stated | Within 10 km | not stated | 3 h with transfer | No overall or boots | 9+ | €99 | ★ 4.9 (29) | Book now |
| Vikaköngäs snowshoe walk with sausages Arctic GM | not stated | Your accommodation | not stated | 3 h | Overall, poles; own warm shoes | 12+ | €69 | ★ 4.7 (16) | Book now |
| Snowshoe trip with a photographer guide Beyond Arctic | not stated | Your hotel | A few km | 3 h | Clothing, boots if needed | 6+ | €105 | ★ 5.0 (8) | Book now |
| Night forest hike to a watchtower Wonderlapland | Evening | Included | not stated | 3 h | Own warm clothing and shoes | 8+ | €130 | ★ 4.8 (8) | Book now |
| Midday snowshoe walk to a wilderness lodge Wild Nordic Finland | Midday, from 12:00 | Hotel pickup | 1.5–2 h | about 2 h | Overall, boots, gloves | not stated | €79 | ★ 4.7 (7) | Book now |
| Quiet northern lights snowshoe walk Aihki Adventures | Evening | Centre or set points | not stated | 3 h | Winter clothes | 7+ | €89 | ★ 5.0 (6) | Book now |
| Snowshoe walk with warm drinks Wonderlapland | not stated | Included | not stated | 3.5 h | Bring warm clothing | not stated | €125 | new listing | Book now |
| Morning snowshoe walk and Lappish BBQ Northern Future | Morning, 9–12 | Your accommodation | 45–60 min | 3 h with transfer | Clothing; own boots, gloves | 5+ | €89 | new listing | Book now |
| Two-hour snowshoe tour near the centre East Lapland Group | Day or evening | No pickup listed | not stated | 2 h | Poles, head torch | 12+ | €79 | new listing | Book now |
| Snowshoe walk in the Lapland forest Lapland Welcome | not stated | Hotels on a list | not stated | 3 h | Winter gear | 4+ | €119 | new listing | Book now |
Each snowshoe price is per adult and is read from GetYourGuide or Viator when the page opens, so a listing with a hotel surcharge or a second option can cost more on the booking page.
One tour per category, chosen on the details in the table above. Every tour on this page follows further down.
Thermal overall and boots, woollen socks and mittens are all on the list. Transfer from the city centre or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort, from age 10.
A full lunch cooked over the fire in a teepee, after a walk in a forest about 30 km out of town. Hotel pickup; bring your own warm layers. From age 8.
An evening walk in a group of at most 8, overall and boots lent, fire lit with flint and steel. The aurora is never guaranteed. Pickup only outside the centre, from age 10.
Open from age 6, with warm clothing and boots if needed and a teepee break with snacks. For younger children the operator offers a private tour.
Each card starts with pickup and clothing. Open it for the full list of what is included and who the operator turns away.
Overall and boots are lent, and the walk ends with sausages and hot blueberry juice at a fire. Needs at least two guests to run, four on Sundays.
A guided snowshoe walk in the forest near Rovaniemi, possibly across a lake, followed by a campfire barbecue. The operator describes it as suitable for small children and people who do little sport. No distance or walking time is given.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Winter clothing and boots included, fire-making shown by the guide. No pickup in the city centre: from there you walk to the meeting point.
A relaxed snowshoe walk into the forest with an introduction to walking on snowshoes and some basic survival and fire-making skills. The guide lights a fire and serves a snack. The operator recommends bringing a camera.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
A forest about 30 km outside Rovaniemi and a lunch cooked over the fire in a teepee. Dress in your own warm layers.
After pickup, the van drives about 30 km out of Rovaniemi to a forest for the snowshoe walk. Afterwards the group gathers around a fire in a teepee for lunch, then drives back and is dropped at each accommodation.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
The guide picks old forest, a frozen lake or a hilltop to suit the group and lights a fire with flint and steel. Pickup only outside the centre.
An evening snowshoe walk in a group of at most 8. The guide chooses a place that suits the group and gives a good chance of seeing the aurora if it appears, and lights a fire halfway with flint and steel. The northern lights cannot be guaranteed; the walk runs in any weather.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
At most 8 guests, sausages and warm berry juice by the fire, and a few photos from the guide afterwards. Ask for clothes and boots when you book.
The guide drives to a forest area not far from Rovaniemi for a snowshoe walk, with a look at animal tracks along the way. Afterwards the group sits by the fire for sausages and hot juice while the guide talks about Finnish nature and local culture. The operator rates it easy.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Thermal overall and boots, woollen socks and mittens are lent. Transfer from the centre or Santa Claus Village if you need it.
A guided snowshoe walk in the backcountry around Apukka Resort at a relaxed pace, with a stop for hot drinks. The operator notes that the snowy terrain still takes some physical effort.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
You light the fire yourself with flint and steel, guided in English or Spanish. Overalls and boots are not included, so wear your own.
A snowshoe walk across deep snow to viewpoints, partly on a prepared trail. The guide talks about the local ecosystem and wildlife, and on the campfire break shows how to light a fire with flint and steel before you try it yourself. The operator asks for moderate fitness.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Forest and frozen lakes at Vikaköngäs, north of Rovaniemi, with thermal overalls and poles. Groups of at most 8, from age 12.
The van drives from your accommodation to Vikaköngäs, north of Rovaniemi. The guide hands out snowshoes and poles and explains how to use them, then leads across snowy forest and frozen lakes. Halfway there is a fire with hot drinks and grilled sausages.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
A professional photographer leads the walk, gives camera tips and shares edited photos afterwards. Break in a teepee, from age 6.
A people carrier drives from Rovaniemi to a forest, where the group puts on deep-snow snowshoes and walks a few kilometres. The guide is a professional photographer and gives tips for landscape and nature pictures. The break is in a teepee by the fire. The operator sets the minimum age at 6 because the tour is photography-based and fairly demanding.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Halfway along the trail, a watchtower with a view over the forest, a hot drink and locally baked biscuits. No refund if the aurora stays away.
A guided night hike on snow-covered forest trails near Rovaniemi. Halfway, the group stops at a watchtower with a view over the forest for a hot drink and biscuits. Northern lights are possible on a clear night but not guaranteed.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
The route is chosen each night from the weather and aurora forecast, with a stop to wait at a viewpoint and a warm cabin to use.
After the drive out of town, the group walks on snowshoes through forest and open ground, partly in silence, to a viewpoint chosen for the night. There the guide serves warm drinks and snacks while everyone watches the sky. A cabin with Wi-Fi is available to warm up. The operator states that the aurora cannot be guaranteed and that the walk needs basic fitness.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
About 30 minutes by car from Rovaniemi, forest or frozen lake depending on the weather. Guides speak English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.
A snowshoe walk about half an hour by car from Rovaniemi, in a forest or on a frozen lake depending on the weather. The guide chooses the place so that the level stays easy for everyone. New listing without reviews so far.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Three hours, split into one hour of driving, 45 to 60 minutes on snowshoes and the rest at the fire. Sleds for small children.
The van drives about half an hour north, past Santa Claus Village, to a forest with lakes. The listing splits the three hours into about one hour of driving, 45 to 60 minutes of snowshoeing and 45 to 60 minutes at the fire. Sleds are provided for children if needed. New listing without reviews so far.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
The shortest format, starting near the city centre. Book the evening slot for a chance of northern lights; good basic fitness is asked for.
You meet the guide and walk from near the city centre into the forest on snowshoes. On evening tours, clear skies may bring the northern lights, which the operator does not guarantee. New listing without reviews so far.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
A gentle walk for beginners with a snack break halfway, open to children from age 4.
A guided snowshoe walk at a slow pace through the winter forest, with stops for photos and a proper break for a snack and hot drinks halfway. New listing without reviews so far.
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
Starts at noon from the safari centre by Santa Claus Village and walks to the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge for a campfire.
A daytime snowshoe walk from the Wild Nordic safari centre near Santa Claus Village to the Arctic Circle Wilderness Lodge, with a campfire break. Most of the two hours is spent walking.
Wild Nordic Safari Center, Joulupukintie 1, near Santa Claus Village (hotel pickup available).
Pickup, clothing, food and age limits as the operator lists them on the booking page.
What each listing says about time on snowshoes, total length, group size, minimum age and food. Most listings give only the total time, which includes the drive.
| Tour | On snowshoes | Total time | Max. group | Minimum age | Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forest snowshoe walk with campfire BBQ | Not stated | 3 h | Not stated | Not stated | Sausages, blueberry juice |
| Wilderness snowshoe trip in a group of 8 | Not stated | 3 h | 8 | From 5 | Campfire snack |
| Snowshoe walk with lunch in a teepee | Not stated | 3 h | Not stated | From 8 | Lunch in a teepee |
| Night snowshoeing with a northern lights watch | Not stated | 3 h | 8 | From 10 | Campfire snack, hot drinks |
| Small-group forest walk with BBQ and photos | Not stated | 4.5 h | 8 | From 10 | Sausages, berry juice |
| Snowshoe walk from Apukka Resort | Not stated | 3.5 h | Not stated | From 10 | Hot drink |
| Snowshoeing with a flint-and-steel fire | Not stated | 3 h | 8 | From 9 | Sausage, hot drinks |
| Vikaköngäs snowshoe walk with sausages | Not stated | 3 h | 8 | From 12 | Sausages, hot drinks |
| Snowshoe trip with a photographer guide | A few km | 3 h | 8 | From 6 | Snacks, hot drinks |
| Night forest hike to a watchtower | Not stated | 3 h | 9 | From 8 | Hot drink, biscuits |
| Quiet northern lights snowshoe walk | Not stated | 3 h | 6 (booking limit 8) | From 7 | Warm snacks, hot drinks |
| Snowshoe walk with warm drinks | Not stated | 3.5 h | Not stated | Not stated | Warm drinks, biscuits |
| Morning snowshoe walk and Lappish BBQ | 45–60 min | 3 h | 8 per car | From 5 | Sausages, bread, berry tea |
| Two-hour snowshoe tour near the centre | Not stated | 2 h | 6 | From 12 | Warm drinks, biscuits |
| Snowshoe walk in the Lapland forest | Not stated | 3 h | Not stated | From 4 | Hot drinks, light snacks |
| Midday snowshoe walk to a wilderness lodge | 1.5–2 h | 2 h | 14 | Not stated | Cookies, berry juice |
Pickup and clothing are in the comparison table.
Most operators collect you at your accommodation: ToTheNorth, Arctic GM, Beyond Arctic and Northern Future at the hotel door, NordicUnique Travels at selected hotels within 10 km, Into North and Nordic Escapes within 10 km of the centre. Apukka Resort runs its transfer from the city centre or Santa Claus Village to the resort. Wild about Lapland is the one to watch: on both its daytime and its night walk it picks up only outside the centre, and guests staying in town walk to the meeting point. East Lapland Group lists no pickup at all; its two-hour tour starts near the centre. Wild Nordic Finland starts from its safari centre near Santa Claus Village and offers hotel pickup.
Snowshoes come with the tour. Winter clothing is another matter. Wild about Lapland, NordicUnique Travels and Apukka Resort include an overall or winter clothing together with boots, and Apukka adds woollen socks and mittens. Aihki Adventures lists professional winter clothes, Wild Nordic Finland an overall, boots and gloves on its midday walk. Arctic GM lists thermal overalls and poles but does not mention boots. Beyond Arctic lends clothing and boots if you need them, Into North only if you ask in advance. Northern Future lends winter clothing but asks you to bring your own boots and gloves. Nordic Escapes states plainly that overalls and boots are not included, and ToTheNorth asks you to dress warmly in layers. Wonderlapland does not include winter gear on its night hike and asks for your own warm clothing and sturdy, waterproof shoes. The what-to-wear page covers what to add yourself.
Most listings give three hours, and that figure covers the whole outing. Nordic Escapes says its three hours include pickup and drop-off. Northern Future is the most precise: about one hour of driving, 45 to 60 minutes of snowshoeing and 45 to 60 minutes at the fire, between 9:00 and 12:00. Beyond Arctic speaks of a few kilometres. On the Viator side, Wild Nordic Finland gives 1.5 to 2 hours of walking for its midday walk to a wilderness lodge. Into North runs longest at four and a half hours; East Lapland Group and the Wild Nordic midday walk take about two.
Several reviewers of Wild about Lapland's day trip report that the snowshoeing itself took up only a small part of the three hours, with the rest spent on transport, fitting equipment and the fire. If the walk is the point for you, choose a listing that states the walking time or distance, or ask the operator.
The evening tours are Wild about Lapland's night walk, the watchtower hike by Wonderlapland and the quiet walk by Aihki Adventures; East Lapland Group sells its two-hour tour as a day or an evening slot. All of them say the northern lights cannot be guaranteed, and Wonderlapland gives no refund if the aurora does not show. Most daytime listings name no start time. Northern Future runs in the morning, Wild Nordic Finland's forest walk starts at noon. More on the evening format is on the northern lights snowshoe page.
Where a limit is stated, it is usually 8: Wild about Lapland, Into North, Nordic Escapes, Arctic GM and Beyond Arctic, and Northern Future counts 8 per car. Wonderlapland's night hike takes up to 9 and East Lapland Group 6. Aihki Adventures writes 6 guests in its text, while its booking page allows 8. Wild Nordic Finland runs larger groups: up to 14 on its midday walk. NordicUnique Travels states no maximum but needs at least two guests to run, four on Sundays and public holidays.
The stated limits are 4 for Lapland Welcome, 5 for Wild about Lapland's day trip and Northern Future, 6 for Beyond Arctic, 7 for Aihki Adventures, 8 for ToTheNorth and Wonderlapland's night hike, 9 for Nordic Escapes, 10 for Wild about Lapland's night walk, Into North and Apukka Resort, and 12 for Arctic GM and East Lapland Group. NordicUnique Travels sets no age but asks that children under 12 come with a paying adult. Northern Future has sleds for children who tire. Families find more on the page on snowshoeing with children.
Grilled sausages with a hot drink are the usual stop: NordicUnique Travels with hot blueberry juice, Into North with warm berry juice, Arctic GM, Nordic Escapes, and Northern Future with bread and berry tea. ToTheNorth cooks a full lunch in a teepee. Wild about Lapland serves a campfire snack and lists lunch as not included. The evening tours keep it to snacks: biscuits at Wonderlapland's watchtower and warm snacks with Aihki Adventures. Vegetarian options are mentioned by NordicUnique Travels, Into North and Northern Future (vegan); tell the operator when you book.
The 3-star review breaks the three hours down and finds little time on snowshoes. Others found the walk easier than feared, and one mentions a crowded van.
“I would suggest this activity only to people that have never seen snow/never done snowshoeing before. The walk in the snow was extremely short … Wouldn’t suggest this activity if you are looking for long snowshoeing experiences (the 3 hours mentioned in the tour are more or less 1h transportation, 1h snowshoeing including putting the snowshoe on which takes some time, 1h BBQ …”
“… I was kind of worried it would be too strenuous and too much of a hike… but it was super easy and the timing was perfect. We enjoyed our time so much, we actually wanted to keep walking. …”
“The trip was wonderfully organized with pick-up, transport, and a very friendly guide. The walk through the beautiful surroundings was wonderful for the eyes, with peace, quiet, and amazing views. The walk lasted about an hour with breaks for photos and interesting stories. My 8-year-old daughter easily completed the entire route. After the walk, we were welcomed in a tipi and tasted traditional Finnish cuisine along with tea. After the trip, the driver took us to Santa Claus Village, where he showed us what’s worth seeing and visiting. I highly recommend it! We will definitely come back and do it again!”
“Guide, Aneeq, did an excellent job explaining how to use the snowshoes and the place to do it was perfect! Also the bbq was a great touch!! The van used for transportation, was too small for the amount of people and we were too tight.”
Reviews of snowshoe tours from Rovaniemi, quoted from GetYourGuide.
Wild about Lapland picks up only at accommodation outside the centre, on its day trip and on its night walk; guests in town walk to its meeting point. East Lapland Group lists no pickup and starts near the centre. The other tours pick up at hotels, within a radius or from a list.
Wild about Lapland, NordicUnique Travels and Apukka Resort list both, and Aihki Adventures lists winter clothes. Wild Nordic Finland lends an overall, boots and gloves on its midday walk. Beyond Arctic lends them if needed, Into North on request. Nordic Escapes does not include them.
Shorter than the total time. Only a few listings say: Northern Future gives 45 to 60 minutes on snowshoes within three hours, and Wild Nordic Finland gives 1.5 to 2 hours of walking for its midday walk. The rest of the time is the drive and the fire.
The listing does not give that detail. It does not mean no. If it matters to you, for example a minimum age or the group size, ask the operator before you book.
Time of day, pickup, clothing and price per tour, sorted by number of reviews.
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