Northern Ostrobothnia is a fantastic region for National Park Tours, especially during winter. Its vast, snowy landscapes and pristine forests offer some of the best outdoor experiences in Finland. If you’re looking for adventure, the Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure stands out for its unique snowy trees and cozy campfire lunch. For those wanting to explore the park on foot, the Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park offers scenic trails under the midnight sun or soft daylight. And if icy rapids and snowy trails appeal to you, the Winter Walk in Oulanka National Park combines adventure with stunning scenery. These tours give a genuine taste of Finnish winter life and are led by knowledgeable local guides.
Our favorite? The Snowshoe Adventure combines a peaceful, immersive experience with an active, fun element. The chance to see the iconic snow-laden trees and enjoy a trail lunch in the wild makes it a memorable choice. But for those who prefer a flexible, private hike, the Hiking in Riisitunturi offers excellent value and customization. The Winter Walk in Oulanka rounds out the list with its icy rapids and cozy campfire treats. Read on for detailed insights into each tour and help decide which suits your style best.
1. Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure
This private snowshoe tour takes you deep into Riisitunturi National Park, a place famous for its snow-covered trees that look like snowy creatures. The tour spans about four hours, with pickup and drop-off at convenient locations such as Ruka and Kuusamo. The highlight is slowly walking through the winter landscape, guided by a local Finnish expert who shares stories about the area’s flora and fauna.
What sets this experience apart is the visual spectacle of snowy trees at the peak, which is truly surreal. The tour also includes a cozy break by a campfire, where you’ll enjoy a trail lunch — a simple but hearty meal in the snow. Rated 5/5 from two reviews, this tour appeals to those who want a personalized, slow-paced adventure. The cost of $331 per person reflects its private, intimate nature and the expert guidance involved.
If you’re craving a peaceful snow adventure that combines stunning scenery with Finnish storytelling, this is a top pick. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking an authentic winter experience, with plenty of time to absorb the peaceful landscape. Bottom line: a beautiful, relaxing way to explore Riisitunturi’s winter magic with expert guidance.
2. Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park
For around $224, this private hiking tour offers a more active day in Riisitunturi National Park, lasting about five hours. It’s perfect for those who want to explore the serene forests and scenic fells either under the midnight sun or a soft winter daylight. The flexible schedule means you can choose your departure time, making it ideal for fitting into your travel plans.
Led by a local Finn, you’ll walk through the bluish-green winter landscape, with the chance to enjoy breathtaking views from the peaks. A highlight is stopping at a campfire for traditional snacks and stories about life in Finnish Lapland. The tour caters to your pace, allowing for plenty of rest or extended views, making it great for travelers who like to customize their experience.
Reviews are not yet available, but the emphasis on private, customizable outings suggests a high-quality, personal experience. The tour is well-suited for active travelers who appreciate scenic hikes and local storytelling. The value for money is solid given the longer duration and private nature.
Bottom line: if you want a flexible, immersive hike in Riisitunturi that combines physical activity with cultural insights, this tour delivers a memorable day in Lapland’s winter wilderness.
$224 per person
3. Winter Walk in Oulanka National Park
This 3.5-hour private winter walk offers a slightly shorter but equally scenic experience through Oulanka’s icy rapids and snow-covered trails. Costing $224 per person, it’s perfect for travelers who want to see the famous icy rapids like Myllykoski, Aallokkokoski, and Jyrävä up close. Led by a knowledgeable Finnish guide, the walk is tailored to your pace, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the winter scenery.
A key feature is the visit to Oulanka’s iconic rapids, which are transformed into a frozen spectacle. The tour includes warm drinks and campfire crepes — a cozy treat after a walk in the cold. Guests love hearing stories about the region’s natural history and local life, adding depth to the experience.
This tour suits those who want a combination of scenery and light adventure. Its shorter duration makes it accessible for families or travelers with limited time. The private guide ensures a personalized outing, and the inclusion of warm treats adds comfort in chilly weather.
Bottom line: a fantastic, scenic winter walk in Oulanka with iconic icy rapids and warm campfire snacks—ideal for a shorter day of exploring Finnish winter.
$224 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these top tours, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you’re seeking a relaxing, slow-paced experience, the Riisitunturi Snowshoe Adventure offers stunning scenery and storytelling in a private setting. For more active hikers wanting flexibility and scenic views, the Hiking in Riisitunturi is your best bet. If you prefer a shorter, scenic walk with iconic sights like frozen rapids, the Winter Walk in Oulanka delivers a compact but spectacular experience.
Think about the time of day you prefer — the snowshoe tour offers a peaceful morning or afternoon outing, while the hikes can be scheduled to suit your plans. Budget-wise, all tours offer good value for the private, personalized experiences, but the snowshoe adventure is the most premium. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak winter months when demand surges.
Final Thoughts
Northern Ostrobothnia offers a variety of winter adventures that showcase Finland’s frosty landscapes and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to peaceful snowshoe excursions, scenic hikes, or icy rapids walks, there’s something to fit your style. If you’re after a relaxing, story-rich experience, the Snowshoe Adventure is ideal. For active explorers keen on customization, the Riisitunturi hike offers excellent value. And for a short but stunning walk, Oulanka’s icy rapids are hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, these tours promise genuine moments in Finland’s winter wilderness. Remember to book early and dress warmly — these experiences are unforgettable but rely on the weather. Happy exploring in Northern Ostrobothnia’s winter wonderlands!