Kiruna: Snowshoe Hike & Ice fishing Tour

Exploring the Arctic: Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour from Kiruna

If you’re after an authentic Arctic adventure in Swedish Lapland, this Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour offers a terrific blend of nature, culture, and survival skills—all within a manageable four-hour window. Starting from Kiruna, you’ll venture into the snow-laden landscape with a knowledgeable guide, donning warm gear, and learning how locals live and survive in this frosty wilderness. Priced quite reasonably, the experience balances fun, education, and genuine Arctic charm.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the focus on local wildlife and survival techniques—from tracking animals to building fires—and the cozy, traditional Swedish Fika around an open fire, which adds a warm, communal touch. The small group size (limited to just eight participants) ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd.

One consideration: since pickup isn’t available from locations outside Kiruna town or the Icehotel, you’ll need to plan your transportation accordingly. This tour suits those who enjoy outdoor activities, are curious about Arctic wildlife and culture, and want a hands-on experience rather than just sightseeing from a bus window. It’s perfect for travelers seeking an engaging, authentic taste of Swedish Lapland’s winter landscape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Combining snowshoeing, ice fishing, and learning survival skills.
• Local Culture & Wildlife: Guides share insights about Swedish Lapland’s natural environment.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants for a more personal experience.
• Includes Warm Gear & Food: All necessary winter clothing, hot lunch, and fika.
• Family & Adventure Friendly: Suitable for active travelers; not recommended for those over 70.
• Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Reserve now with pay later, cancel up to 24 hours ahead.

A Deep Dive into the Snowshoe & Ice Fishing Experience

When we think about Arctic adventures, images of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and cozy fires come to mind. This tour from Kiruna delivers all that and more, in a way that’s accessible and genuinely engaging. It’s a well-rounded introduction to the Swedish Lapland winter landscape, making it ideal whether you’re a seasoned outdoors person or someone new to snow-based activities.

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Kiruna, specifically from the Malmvägen 9B location, the new Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center. The vehicle then transports you to the tour base in Kalixforsbron, where you’ll suit up in winter gear—including a snowsuit, boots, gloves, hats, and socks—all provided. The fact that gear is included significantly enhances the tour’s value, especially for travelers who might not want to lug bulky winter clothing across continents.

Keep in mind that pickup is not available from the Icehotel or locations outside Kiruna town. This is a small but important point for planning, especially for visitors staying in remote accommodations or traveling on a tight schedule.

The Snowshoe Hike

Once dressed, you’ll hit the snow with snowshoes, a tool used for thousands of years by indigenous peoples to traverse deep snow. The guides are expert in explaining how snowshoes distribute weight, making walking in snow easier and more comfortable. As we hiked through the serene, snow-blanketed forest, our guide pointed out animal tracks and trails, teaching us how to identify which animals had recently passed through—an exciting detail for wildlife enthusiasts.

What we love about snowshoeing here is the slow, contemplative pace that allows conversation and observation. Plus, the experience of walking on snow that can sometimes be several feet deep is surprisingly fun and accessible, even if you’ve never tried it before.

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Learning Wilderness Survival

One of the unexpected highlights was learning how to find dry firewood in the snow-covered forest—a skill that our guide explained with patience and a few helpful tips. The process of collecting wood, building a fire, and then warming oneself around it is both practical and deeply satisfying. As one reviewer mentioned, “We learned how to make a fire and roasted marshmallows around it,” which adds a touch of playful camping to the wilderness experience.

This part of the tour emphasizes basic survival techniques—valuable knowledge if you’re interested in outdoor living or simply want to understand how locals cope in such a harsh environment.

Ice Fishing at Sir Folkes Lake

Next, the adventure takes us to a frozen lake, where we try our luck at ice fishing. Standing on the solid ice surface, with a fishing hole drilled through the thick frost, we experienced a new respect for those who live by this tradition. The guide explained the importance of patience and technique while fishing through a hole in the ice, and, as one guest put it, “it was a great experience trying our luck at ice fishing.”

For many, the idea of breaking the ice—literally and figuratively—is a memorable highlight. You might find that catching a fish isn’t guaranteed, but the process and the setting are well worth the effort.

Cozy Fika and Light Meal

After the outdoor activities, the tour winds down at a Nordic tipi, where a hot soup, sandwiches, and traditional Swedish Fika await. The warmth of the fire, combined with the simple pleasure of hot drinks and sweet pastries, creates a lovely contrast to the snowy outdoors. Several reviews highlight the friendliness of guides and the quality of the food, with one guest noting, “They were kind enough to bring me lactose-free food,” which shows the tour’s thoughtful approach to guest needs.

This segment encourages a sense of camaraderie and allows everyone to reflect on the day’s experiences—whether it’s the wildlife, fire-making, or catching that elusive fish.

Returning to Kiruna

Finally, the journey wraps up with a smooth ride back to town, leaving you with a head full of images and a heart full of stories. The tour lasts about four hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity—especially if you’re planning to explore more of Kiruna or Swedish Lapland afterward.

Why This Tour Works Well for Travelers

This experience stands out because of its balanced blend of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and cozy comfort. The small group size, attentive guides, and inclusive gear ensure that everyone feels safe and involved regardless of skill level. It’s especially appealing for those curious about local wildlife, survival techniques, and authentic Arctic traditions.

Reviews reveal that guests appreciate the friendly guides and the quality of the food, which elevate the experience beyond just a physical activity. The opportunity to learn new skills, like fire-making and identifying animal tracks, adds a layer of depth that many travelers find enriching.

While the tour is quite comprehensive, it’s worth noting that it may not be suitable for those over 70 years old or travelers with limited mobility—given the physical nature of snowshoeing and outdoor activities. Also, the need for proper winter clothing, even though provided, means you should be prepared for potentially cold conditions.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Snowshoe Hike & Ice Fishing Tour from Kiruna is ideal for active travelers eager to experience the Arctic landscape firsthand. It’s perfect if you want to combine outdoor adventure with cultural learning, all while enjoying the sense of community around fires and shared meals. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in survival skills will find this particularly rewarding.

If you’re after a genuine, small-group experience where you can ask questions, learn new skills, and truly connect with the environment, this tour hits the mark. It offers excellent value, with included gear, food, and expert guidance, making it a memorable part of any Swedish Lapland adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within Kiruna, specifically from the Kiruna Lapland Tourist Center at Malmvägen 9B.

What should I bring?
You only need to bring a scarf and warm clothing, as all winter gear, including snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats, and socks, are provided.

Can I bring my camera?
Absolutely, bringing a camera is optional but encouraged to capture the stunning snowy scenery and wildlife tracks.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for active participants and is limited to small groups. It is best suited for older children and adults who enjoy outdoor activities.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What is not included?
Transportation outside Kiruna town or to the Icehotel is not provided. Also, the tour does not specify any additional costs beyond the booking.

Whether you’re craving a day of snowshoeing, learning how to fish through ice, or just want to enjoy Swedish hospitality by the fire, this tour provides a well-rounded peek into life in the Arctic. It’s an active, authentic, and memorable way to experience Swedish Lapland beyond the typical tourist spots.

You can check availability for your dates here: