Finland · TOURS IN IVALO
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 8 tours in Ivalo worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Spend 195 minutes with a small group of up to eight, learning to drive a snowmobile across frozen river and lake trails. Local guides such as Piia and Bea lead the outing to Tina and Tapio’s island, where you feed reindeer and eat homemade fish or reindeer lunch in a warm teepee. Shared snowmobiles require drivers to swap halfway.
Travel from Ivalo to Koppelo, then ride a reindeer-hide-covered sleigh behind a snowmobile to a private island on Lake Inari. Tina and Tapio host a fireside three-course meal in a traditional cottage and Lappish teepee. You can feed friendly reindeer and watch the sky for Northern Lights, though clear skies are never guaranteed.
“Zonder noorderlicht (wat natuurlijk nooit te garanderen is) is deze tocht wat magertjes. Het is vooral een (koude) tocht over het meer in een slee achter een sneeuwscooter gevolgd door een tussenstop in een tipi tent met vuur waarop worstje/soep/brood worden klaargemaakt en waar je de gelegenheid krijgt 2 rendieren te voeren. Daarna nog paar minuten terug met de slee naar de auto die ons terugbracht naar de beginlocatie waar we onze dikke geleende pakken konden inleveren en daarna teruggebracht werden naar ons hotel. Als totaalpakket niet slecht als aanbod, maar in de praktijk zonder noorderlicht heeft het weinig om het lijf.”
Travel from Ivalo to Lake Inari by snowmobile-pulled sleigh, fish through the ice with a local guide, then visit Tina and Tapio’s island home. Meet two reindeer, warm up in a Lappish teepee, and eat homemade soup, grilled food, bread, cheese, berry juice, and dessert. Thermal clothing and fishing gear are included.
“L'esperienza è stata molto bella ed organizzata bene. Laurie è un'ottima guida, gentile e disponibile, pronto a spiegare curiosità sulla Lapponia. Viene fornito un abbigliamento adeguato alle condizioni di freddo che si affrontano durante l'attivita. Bello l'incontro con le renne ed il pranzo offerto sotto alla tradizionale tenda sami con braciere.”
Meet your English-speaking guide near Inari village and ride by snowmobile sledge up to 4 km across frozen Lake Inari. Learn local ice-fishing methods, use modern gear and sonar, and fish inside a tent on cold days. The guide also uses custom tackle and flies made by Atte Ikkala. Hot drinks are included.
“Super expérience avec un guide patient tant avec les adultes qu'avec les enfants. Merveilleux moment passé au milieu du lac et poissons direcetement préparés, cuisinés et mangés!”
From Saariselkä, you ride by minibus to Ivalo and Koppelo, then travel by snowmobile-pulled sleigh onto Lake Inari. Guide Tapio teaches ice fishing before you visit Tina and Tapio’s island home, meet two reindeer, and enjoy a homemade three-course lunch by an open fire. Warm clothing and shoes are provided.
“Génial! Belle expérience unique au milieu du Lac Inari !!! Repas local excellent dans une ambiance chaleureuse !! Une équipe professionnelle au petit soin !!”
Meet Xwander Nordic in Ivalo for a three-hour guided snowshoe trek through a dark, snowy forest. Guides such as Alex and Anne explain local wildlife, adjust the route to weather and fitness, and serve hot drinks with light snacks. Northern Lights sightings are possible, but never guaranteed. Winter gear can be rented separately.
“We had an amazing experience, no northern lights, but lots of snow and fun! :)”
Head to Rahajärvi camp near Lake Inari for a 90-minute sauna and ice-hole session in a custom tent. You can alternate between heat and cold under guide supervision, then use hot showers and towels. The camp is 15 minutes north of Ivalo, with transfers from Ivalo, Saariselkä, or Inari available for an added fee.
“It was a cool experience. We were able to alternate between going to the sauna and taking an ice bath (4 times in total). During the ice bath, we were accompanied by a guide. The guide was nearby the entire time.”
Start at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo with a practical Aurora Borealis workshop led by multilingual guides such as Anne and Quentin. Learn the science, forecasting, and camera settings, then ride into the dark wilderness around Inari for up to four hours of aurora hunting, hot drinks, snacks, and guide-taken photos.
“This activity was amazing! The guide was very nice and friendly, and she told us many interesting things about the Northern Lights, the area, and its people. I would recommend this experience to everyone!”
Pick a fell, a frozen lake or a city block.
