Saariselkä: Snowshoeing Tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park

If you’re dreaming of wandering through a pristine Arctic landscape, Saariselkä’s snowshoeing adventure in Urho Kekkonen National Park might just be your perfect winter escape. For $85 per person, you’ll spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring snow-laden forests, ticking off the experience of hiking off the beaten path, guided by knowledgeable locals. The tour is suitable for all levels, making it ideal whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowshoer looking for an authentic Arctic experience.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to explore unmarked trails outside the usual routes, giving you a real sense of wilderness and solitude. Plus, seeing the unique footprints of Arctic wildlife adds a fascinating touch to the journey—it’s like nature’s own detective story. The second highlight is the guides’ expertise; they are passionate and eager to share their knowledge of the local environment, making the experience both educational and engaging.

One potential consideration is the weather and snow conditions, which can influence the route and pace. The tour is flexible, with routes adjusted to suit the group’s ability and current snow depths, but that means you might encounter varying terrain. Still, this adaptability ensures everyone stays safe and comfortable.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a calm, immersive experience in the Arctic wilderness, especially if you’re eager to see snow-covered trees and wildlife tracks. It’s also an excellent choice for travelers who appreciate guided experiences that balance adventure with comfort.

This experience made our article of 16 Must-Try Tours In Saariselka.

Key Points

• Authentic Snowshoeing Experience: Walk on unmarked trails and enjoy the quiet beauty of Urho Kekkonen National Park.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides enhance your understanding of Arctic wildlife and landscape.
• Flexible Tour Options: Choose between 2-hour, 4-hour, or evening tours, depending on your schedule and energy.
• Wildlife & Nature: See distinctive footprints and marvel at snowy trees’ shapes.
• Inclusive & Comfortable: Equipment, guidance, and a warm drink are provided, making it accessible for most.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Snowshoeing Tour

The Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Outdoor Expert Saariselkä’s office, just steps away from the Urho Kekkonen National Park border. This close proximity means less time spent on transportation and more time enjoying the snowy scenery. The meeting spot is convenient, and the tour’s flexible scheduling allows you to pick a time that suits your plans—whether you want a daytime excursion or an atmospheric evening trek.

What to Expect on the Trail

Once outfitted with snowshoes, you’ll head out into some of the park’s lesser-trodden paths. The guides tailor the route based on snow conditions and your group’s ability, ensuring everyone stays comfortable and safe. Expect to walk on trails that lead through snow-covered trees, whose diverse shapes are a highlight, especially when illuminated by the soft Arctic winter light.

Along the way, you’ll spot animal footprints—a true highlight for wildlife enthusiasts—adding a detective-like element to your walk. The guides are eager to point out these traces, sharing insights into the local wildlife that inhabits this remote landscape.

The Experience of Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a surprisingly accessible activity, and many guests find it easier than they anticipated. We loved the way snowshoes distribute weight evenly, allowing us to glide over deep snow with minimal effort. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and explore terrain that might be inaccessible otherwise.

The duration of your tour—whether 2 hours or 4—means you can choose a brisk walk or a more leisurely exploration. The evening tour offers a different experience, with the quiet of the Arctic night and perhaps the chance to see the Northern Lights if conditions permit.

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The Guides and Their Knowledge

Reviews consistently praise the guides for their enthusiasm and expertise. One traveler noted, “Great tour, superb guide, fantastic scenery.” Their insights make the experience more meaningful, helping you understand the ecology, wildlife, and environment of Lapland—adding depth to the adventure.

The Finish and Comfort

After your trek, you’ll return to the starting point for a warm drink, a small but appreciated gesture that rounds out the experience comfortably. The tour’s inclusion of equipment and guidance means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear—just come dressed appropriately for the outdoors.

The Value of This Snowshoeing Tour

At $85 per person, this tour offers good value for a guided experience in such a pristine environment. The small-group setup (limited to 10 people) ensures personalized attention, which is often lacking in larger tours. Given that guides are praised for their knowledge, you’ll likely leave with a richer understanding of the Arctic landscape, wildlife, and local environment.

Compared to other winter activities in Saariselkä, snowshoeing provides a more serene, contemplative experience. It’s perfect if you prefer slow, meaningful exploration over adrenaline-pumping pursuits.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re seeking a peaceful way to experience Lapland’s winter scenery without the need for specialized skills, this tour fits the bill. It’s well-suited for beginners as well as seasoned snowshoers. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a quiet escape into snowy forests will find this experience rewarding.

Travelers who appreciate guided insights and enjoy small-group settings will especially value the personal touches and expert guidance. If you’re after an authentic, low-impact Arctic adventure, this snowshoe tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park might just be the highlight of your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
Guidance in English, all necessary equipment, and a warm drink are included, making it easy to enjoy the experience without extra hassle.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced snowshoers, with routes adjusted to suit the group’s pace and snow conditions.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose between a 2-hour, 4-hour, or 2-hour evening tour, allowing flexibility to fit your schedule and energy levels.

Where exactly does the tour start?
It starts at Outdoor Expert Saariselkä’s office, just a few steps from the national park border, ensuring a quick transition into nature.

What should I bring?
Dress in outdoor clothing suitable for winter weather. The tour provides equipment, so no need to worry about gear.

What about snow and weather conditions?
The route and pace will be adapted to current snow conditions and group ability, ensuring safety and comfort throughout.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this tour good for wildlife viewing?
Absolutely. You’ll see footprints of Arctic animals and learn about local wildlife, adding an intriguing natural element to your walk.

Final Thoughts

This snowshoeing tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park is an excellent way to experience Lapland’s winter landscape in a relaxed and authentic way. The combination of unmarked trails, snowy scenery, and knowledgeable guides creates an enriching experience that appeals to all ages and skill levels.

The flexible duration and small group size make it an accessible and intimate outing—perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowded, commercialized activities but still crave the adventure of exploring Arctic forests. The guides’ enthusiasm and expertise consistently shine through, making the walk not just a physical activity but an educational journey into one of Europe’s most pristine wilderness areas.

If you’re after a peaceful escape, love discovering animal signs in the snow, or simply want to add a memorable Arctic walk to your Finnish Lapland itinerary, this snowshoe adventure is well worth considering.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or just seeking a tranquil moment in the snow, this tour offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s wild beauty—calm, captivating, and surprisingly accessible.

You can check availability for your dates here: