Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking

Imagine standing on a frozen lake, surrounded by silence broken only by the crackle of a fire and the occasional splash of a freshly caught fish. That’s exactly what you get with the Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking tour in Lapland, Finland. For around $184 per person, this five-hour adventure takes you just ten minutes north of Ivalo to Lake Rahajärvi, where you’ll learn traditional Lappish ice fishing techniques and then cook your catch over an open fire. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the experience blends hands-on fishing, culture, and a hearty meal in a setting that feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale.

Two things we particularly love about this trip: First, the expert guides who know the ins and outs of Arctic fishing and keep the experience lively and informative. Second, the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared fish in a cozy Lappish Kota after a morning on the ice — a genuine taste of Sami culture that’s hard to beat.

One potential consideration is that, depending on weather conditions, the activity might be canceled or limited. Good winter gear is provided, but you should be prepared for cold temperatures and snow, which is part of the charm but also something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to the cold or not comfortable with winter sports.

This tour suits families, couples, and friends looking for an authentic, hands-on Arctic adventure. It’s especially appealing if you love outdoor activities, want to learn about local traditions, or simply crave a delicious, freshly cooked meal in a stunning natural setting.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Learn traditional Lappish ice fishing techniques like drill-in through thick ice, use underwater nets, and understand Arctic marine life.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts like Sonja and Juhanni ensure a fun, informative, and safe outing.
• Local Culture: Enjoy cooking fish over an open fire in a Lappish Kota, a traditional Sami shelter, adding cultural depth.
• Family-Friendly: Kids can enjoy activities like tobogganing and kick sledding, making it suitable for all ages.
• All-Inclusive: Gear, food, drinks, and transfers are included, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.
• Optional Extras: For the adventurous, add-ons like a tent sauna or ice swimming promise a unique Arctic finish.

A Deep Dive into Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking

The Location and Setting

The tour takes place at Lake Rahajärvi, a pristine body of water just a short drive from Ivalo. The area is known for its clear, cold waters which make the fish particularly fresh, and the landscape offers stunning views of snow-covered forests and open ice. Traveling just ten minutes from Ivalo, the journey is quick enough that you’re soon immersed in nature, away from the hustle, and surrounded by the silence of winter.

The Itinerary and Activities

Start Time & Transport: Meeting at Xwander Nordic at 10:00 AM, most travelers are picked up from their accommodations or can make their way to the meeting point. The trip lasts about five hours, returning between 3:00 and 4:00 PM—a perfect length for a half-day adventure, leaving time for other activities or relaxation.

Gear Up: Upon arrival, you’ll ready yourself with overalls, boots, and gloves provided by the tour operator. This gear is essential for comfort and safety in the Arctic cold, allowing you to focus on the fun rather than shivering.

Ice Drilling & Traditional Fishing: The core of the morning involves drilling through the ice using a kairaaminen (ice auger). You’ll learn how the Finnish and Sami people have fished in winter for generations. Guides like Sonja or Juhanni will teach pilkkiminen, a traditional form of small-scale ice fishing, where you drop a line into a hole in the ice and wait patiently for a bite.

Net Fishing & Marine Life: Checking under-ice nets offers a fascinating glimpse of Arctic marine life. Expect to see species like White Fish, Pike, Perch, and Burbot — the latter being a local delicacy. One reviewer, Nico, noted how well-organized the experience was, and how it offered a chance to appreciate the beauty of Lapland’s natural waters.

Cooking & Tasting: After reeling in your catch, you’ll gather around a crackling fire in a traditional Lappish Kota—a cozy, cone-shaped Sami hut. Here, the guides will demonstrate fish preparation techniques, seasoning and cooking your freshly caught fish over the open flames. The highlight? Enjoying a warm, hearty fish soup made from your own catch, an experience that combines culinary tradition with authentic Arctic scenery.

The Cultural & Extra Experiences

Tobogganing & Kick Sledding: Kids and the young at heart can enjoy tobogganing and kick sledding around the ice, adding a playful element to the day. These activities are included or readily available, making the trip more engaging for families or groups.

Optional Add-Ons: For those craving an extra dose of Arctic adventure, options include a tent sauna or ice swimming — both popular Finnish traditions. While these are not included in the base price, they can turn the day into a truly memorable, invigorating experience.

The Guides & Hospitality

Guests consistently praise the guides — like Sonja and Juhanni — for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience fun while informative. As one reviewer put it, they “know how to fish, cook, sing, navigate, and tow a sled with a snowmobile.” Their local expertise and warm demeanor make the experience more than just a tour; it’s a genuine culture.

The value of having experienced guides cannot be overstated. They ensure safety on the ice, teach useful techniques, and share stories that deepen your understanding of Sami culture and Arctic life.

Food & Drink

All food and drinks are included in the tour price, and you’ll find that the fish soup is deliciously hearty and satisfying after a morning on the ice. This is real local cuisine, cooked over an open fire, and made from fish freshly caught from the lake. The experience of preparing and eating the catch adds a personal touch many travelers appreciate.

Group Size & Overall Experience

With a maximum of eight travelers, this tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, allowing plenty of interaction with guides and fellow participants. The small group size ensures everyone gets attention, making it ideal for those who prefer a relaxed, personalized experience.

Practical Considerations & Tips

• Be prepared for cold weather, and dress in layers, even though gear is provided.
• The activity is suitable for most travelers, including children, but those uncomfortable with cold or outdoor winter activities might want to reconsider.
• Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if weather conditions turn poor.
• For transportation, transfers from Ivalo are included, but additional transfers from other nearby locations may incur extra costs.

Authenticity & What Makes This Tour Special

This experience stands out because it combines hands-on fishing, cultural learning, and culinary delight in a setting that’s both beautiful and authentic. Travelers consistently mention how guides like Sonja and Juhanni know everything about the area, making the trip educational and enjoyable.

The stunning winter scenery, combined with the delicious fish soup and the tradition of open fire cooking, offers a taste of Lapland that you simply can’t find in a museum or on a typical sightseeing tour.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for an authentic Arctic experience that’s more than just sightseeing, this tour is perfect. Families, couples, or friends who enjoy hands-on activities and are comfortable in winter conditions will find it especially rewarding. It’s a great way to connect with Sami culture, learn traditional fishing methods, and enjoy the natural beauty of Lapland.

Those eager to add adventure with optional extras like sauna or ice swimming** will find this a flexible and memorable day. Even if you’re not an experienced angler, the guides make the process accessible and fun.

Final Thoughts

The Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking tour offers a genuine slice of Lapland’s outdoor life, wrapped in a friendly, manageable package. The focus on local traditions, fresh fish, and scenic beauty makes it a worthwhile experience for those wanting to see how real Sami people have thrived in this cold environment.

It’s a fantastic value, especially considering all gear, food, drinks, and transfers are included. You come away with new skills, a full belly, and stories to tell about catching fish in one of Europe’s most spectacular winter landscapes.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who want to experience authentic Arctic culture and don’t mind the cold. If you’re after a unique, hands-on experience that combines nature, tradition, and a hearty meal, this trip will leave you with memories of a lifetime.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, transfers from Ivalo are included in the tour price. Additional transfers from other locations, like Inari or Saariselkä, are extra.

What should I wear? The tour provides overalls and boots, but it’s wise to dress in layers underneath for comfort in the cold weather.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, children can participate and enjoy activities like sledding and ice fishing, making it a family-friendly experience.

What happens if the weather is poor? The tour requires good weather, but if canceled, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I add extra activities? Yes, options like a tent sauna or ice swimming can be booked for an additional fee, adding extra Arctic adventure.

How long does the tour last? It lasts about five hours, with pickup starting around 10:00 AM and returning by 3:00-4:00 PM.

In summary, the Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking tour is an engaging, authentic way to experience Lapland’s winter magic. With expert guides, hands-on fishing, and a warm meal in a traditional Sami setting, it’s a memorable adventure that offers genuine insight into Arctic life. Perfect for those seeking culture, outdoor fun, and delicious local food — all wrapped in a snow-covered landscape.