Lapland isn’t just about stunning snowy landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights; it’s also a fantastic destination for truly memorable lunch experiences. Whether you want to warm up with a campfire meal in the wilderness or learn about Sami culture over a hearty open fire, Lapland offers a variety of options that turn a simple meal into an adventure. The Snowmobile Safari to Lake Inari stands out for its thrilling ride, reindeer encounters, and cozy wilderness lunch, making it an all-in-one Arctic experience. Meanwhile, the Ice Fishing Safari combines the quiet patience of fishing with scenic rides, offering a peaceful day immersed in nature. For those interested in Sami culture and local traditions, the Discover Inari tour provides a full-day immersion, ending with a traditional outdoor meal. Finally, the Wild Food & Foraging Hike is perfect for foodies eager to learn about wild plants and herbs while enjoying a rustic open fire.
If you’re trying to decide which of these memorable lunch experiences suits your trip, keep reading. We’ll help you understand what each offers, so you can pick an adventure that fits your interests, pace, and budget.
1. Snowmobile Safari to Lake Inari, meet & feed Reindeers, Lunch
At number 1 on our list, the Snowmobile Safari to Lake Inari delivers a quintessential Arctic adventure. For around $202.38 per person, you get roughly 3.5 hours of snowmobiling through the rugged wilderness, with a focus on both excitement and authentic culture. The tour starts with hotel pickup, making it easy to access the remote starting point near Ivalo. Once on the snowmobiles, you’ll follow a guide along the Ivalo River, exploring the broad, frozen landscape that’s postcard-perfect.
What makes this experience stand out is the mix of adrenaline and warmth. You’ll visit a small island where a traditional Lappish teepee is set up, complete with a campfire and reindeer greeting you. Here, you’ll meet friendly reindeer and enjoy a lunch served in the teepee, which includes warm drinks, a hearty campfire meal, and the chance to feed the reindeer. The safety gear, thermal clothing, and professional guidance make this tour suitable even if you’ve never driven a snowmobile before.
Top Review: One traveler says, “We had a great time! Very professional and well organized. The guide was friendly and caring, making sure we were safe and had fun. Feeding the reindeers was a highlight.”
Bottom Line: This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Lapland’s wild beauty and Sami culture with the thrill of snowmobiling and the comfort of a wilderness lunch.
2. From Ivalo: Ice Fishing Safari to Lake Inari, reindeers & lunch
Number 2 on our list is the Ice Fishing Safari to Lake Inari. Priced at about $183.80 per person, this 4-hour adventure combines the tranquility of ice fishing with scenic rides into the Arctic wilderness. The tour begins with a pickup from Ivalo, then transfers you by minibus into the snowy landscapes. After a short safety briefing and being fitted with thermal clothing, you’ll hop onto a snowmobile-drawn sleigh for a gentle ride across Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, which boasts over 3,000 islands.
Once at the fishing spot, you’ll learn how to drop a line through a hole in the ice—a peaceful activity that demands patience and offers the chance of landing arctic fish. The highlight is the authentic experience: enjoying warm drinks around a campfire, with the possibility of catching some fish. The tour concludes with a hearty lunch of local specialties in the wilderness, making it a perfect blend of outdoor sport and cultural insight.
Top Review: One guest shared, “Super experience, very welcoming guides, and the ice fishing was tranquil and rewarding — especially with the delicious soup afterward.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a serene, hands-on Arctic activity with the bonus of a traditional outdoor meal.
3. Discover Inari: Reindeer Farm, Siida Museum & Open Fire Lunch
At number 3, the Discover Inari experience is a longer, more cultural day at 7 to 8 hours. Costing around $113, this tour offers an in-depth look at Sami life, starting with a visit to the Siida Museum, where exhibits detail the Sami people’s history, traditions, and relationship with nature. You’ll also get to explore Arctic flora and fauna, gaining insights that deepen your appreciation of the region.
Later, you’ll visit a reindeer farm where you can feed, pet, and learn about the importance of reindeer herding in Sami culture. The outdoor lunch is savored around an open fire, featuring local ingredients and traditional Sami dishes. This tour is perfect for travelers interested in culture and family-friendly activities.
Top Review: One reviewer notes, “This tour was a fantastic mix of culture and nature, with a great outdoor lunch and friendly reindeer encounters.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a full-day cultural and outdoor experience, combining educational stops with authentic Sami cuisine.
4. Wild Food & Foraging Hike with Open Fire Lunch
Number 4, the Wild Food & Foraging Hike offers a different kind of lunch experience—focused on sustainability, local knowledge, and hands-on foraging. For about $172.63, you’ll spend around 6 hours exploring the forested areas of Lapland. Led by friendly, multilingual guides, you’ll learn to identify wild berries, mushrooms, herbs, and plants, then prepare a meal over an open fire.
This experience is perfect for travelers who love to get their hands dirty and want to understand how locals harvest edible wild foods. The guided foraging walk emphasizes sustainable practices, and the lunch includes the ingredients you’ve gathered, making it a truly local, eco-friendly meal.
Top Review: One traveler called it “a full day of exploration, with delicious wild ingredients and a great fire-cooked lunch—an authentic taste of Lapland’s wilderness.”
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for nature lovers, foodies, and those eager to learn traditional foraging skills in a relaxed, scenic setting.
$172.63 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch in Lapland
When selecting the best lunch experience in Lapland, consider your preferences: Are you after adrenaline, like snowmobiling? Or do you prefer a serene, culture? For a thrilling outdoor adventure with a cozy meal, the Snowmobile Safari to Lake Inari is unbeatable. If you want a peaceful, hands-on activity like ice fishing, then the Ice Fishing Safari fits the bill. For those who enjoy culture and storytelling, the full-day Discover Inari offers a comprehensive Sami experience. Lastly, if you’re eager for a nature-based culinary adventure, the Wild Food & Foraging Hike combines learning with great food in the forest.
Budget and time also matter. The most affordable option is the cultural day at Inari, while the snowmobile and fishing tours offer more active adventures at similar prices. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak winter months, to secure your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Lapland’s lunch experiences go far beyond simple meals; they are active, cultural, and deeply rooted in the Arctic environment. For thrill-seekers, the snowmobile safari is perfect—quick, exciting, and full of authentic encounters. Nature lovers will appreciate the tranquility of ice fishing or foraging hikes, which blend outdoor activity with local flavors. And for those interested in Sami culture, the full-day visit to Inari provides an immersive cultural journey along with a traditional outdoor lunch.
Choosing the right experience depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. All four tours offer distinctive and authentic ways to enjoy Lapland’s wilderness and culture—so book early and prepare for a meal that will stay with you long after your trip ends.