Saariselkä: Ice Fishing Tour to Lake Inari, reindeers& lunch

Ice fishing season in Lapland moves fast. This tour pairs Lake Inari fishing with a personal reindeer stop. You start with warm gear, head out over winter ice, then end in a Lapland teepee by an open fire.

Two things I really like. First, the guide-led setup makes ice fishing feel doable, with your own rod and bait choices like worm or maggot. Second, the homemade 3-course lunch is proper comfort food, served hot and unhurried in a teepee.

One thing to consider: catching fish is never guaranteed. Even with good instruction, winter conditions can be slow, so plan to enjoy the whole outdoors experience, not just the results.

Key highlights at a glance

• Secret Lake Inari fishing spot reached by sleigh transfer, not a quick drive and done
• Bait options like worm or maggot and guide-led instruction so you can actually fish
• Two reindeer on a small island with time for photos and a glimpse of year-round life
• Teepee dining by open fire with homemade 3-course lunch and hot berry juice
• Small group of up to 10 for a more personal pace, especially on the fishing part

First, warm gear and a smooth start from Saariselkä

The tour starts with pickup from Saariselkä by minibus, so you do not have to figure out winter transport on your own. The rhythm is simple: you get collected, then you go to the provider’s office in Ivalo to pick up warm thermal clothing and shoes.

This matters more than it sounds. In Lapland winter, comfort is not a luxury, it is what lets you enjoy the day. Warm layers and proper footwear mean you can focus on the ice fishing and the scenery instead of thinking about cold toes.

After the clothing handoff, you drive to a small village called Koppelo. That is where the snowmobiling starts to feel real, because sledges and snowmobiles are already set up for the ride out to Lake Inari.

The Koppelo sleigh ride to Lake Inari, where time actually slows down

From Koppelo, the journey to the fishing spot happens by sleigh pulled by a snowmobile. It is not just transport. It is your first taste of Lapland winter, moving at a pace that lets you look around.

You get that sense of distance on Lake Inari, the kind that makes the day feel bigger than a typical activity. The tour is only about 5 hours, but the ride helps it feel like more time outdoors.

One practical thing to know: you will be wearing winter gear already, but you still want to keep your hands ready. If you can, bring a small pair of warm gloves that work for grabbing your rod and handling bait. Your big outer gloves might be too bulky for fine tasks.

Ice fishing instruction that helps you feel in control

This is an ice fishing tour, but it is not a leave-you-on-the-ice situation. A local guide gives instructions for ice fishing, and you get your own fishing rod so you can start right away.

The approach is very practical. You fish in true Lappish style, using either a worm or a maggot as bait. That detail is useful because you can go in knowing what is actually being used, not guessing.

The small-group size, limited to 10 participants, is a real advantage here. When something needs adjusting, you are not waiting behind a big crowd. You can ask questions, get help with technique, and actually make a couple of solid attempts.

Also, this is the kind of fishing where patience counts. If you go in expecting a fast score, you might get disappointed. If you go in expecting an outdoor lesson and a chance to try, you will have a better day.

What to do if you are not getting bites

If fish are not cooperating, do not treat that as failure. Treat it like part of winter fishing. Try the guide’s recommended method, keep your focus on staying steady, and remember that the experience is also the day outside.

And if you do catch something, great. If you do not, you can still enjoy the quiet, the ice setting, and the rest of the itinerary.

Lake Inari itself, famous ice that still feels personal

Lake Inari is the star of the day, and the tour takes you to a spot that feels like a local secret fishing place. You are not just looking at the lake from shore, you are on the working part of the experience.

That is why I think this works even if you are not obsessed with fishing. You get a guided entry into a winter tradition, then you get to enjoy the environment as part of the activity.

The view on the ice can be wide and stark in a good way. It gives your day structure, so you are not constantly wondering what happens next. You have a clear sequence: travel, fish, then move on.

Reindeer time on the island, meet Tina and Tapio

After fishing, you head to a small island where Tina and Tapio live around the year. This is one of the most meaningful parts of the day because it feels grounded in real life, not a quick photo stop.

You will meet two friendly reindeers and get time for photos. The goal is not performance. It is contact, calm moments, and learning a bit about the rhythm of living in Lapland.

This is also where the tour leans more authentic than “attraction.” The family company runs this from their own island home, far from touristic areas. You get a glimpse of everyday Lapland life that is hard to recreate on your own.

In one of the guide-led stories, Tapio even comes up as a standout personality, and there is a sense that he enjoys explaining what matters. If you are the type who likes small human details, you will probably enjoy that part as much as the reindeer viewing.

A cute bonus you might notice: the island dog

One review mentions seeing a traditional Finnish dog, described as Pero-chan. While you should not plan your trip around it, it is a nice example of the day being lived-in rather than staged.

The teepee lunch by open fire, real food for real winter

Then comes lunch, and it is not a sad sandwich break. You eat a homemade 3-course meal in a warm Lapland teepee, served by an open fire.

You also get hot berry juice, which is exactly the kind of drink that helps your body reset after cold air and time outdoors. It is warming without being heavy, and it pairs well with the pace of a winter day.

The menu is local. Lunch is made of reindeer meat or fish, depending on what is being served. There is also a vegetarian option available by request, which is important if you want everyone in your group to feel taken care of.

What I like most about this lunch format is that it changes your tempo. After the active fishing part, you sit, warm up, and actually eat as a shared experience.

Also, eating in a teepee is not just a photo backdrop. The heat from the open fire creates an atmosphere where you slow down naturally. You can talk to your guide and fellow group members without rushing, which is hard to find in short tours.

Why the lunch is part of the value, not just a perk

A lot of outdoor tours say “lunch included” and mean something small. Here, it is positioned as a centerpiece, a 3-course meal in a proper winter setting.

That is why the day feels complete. You go out in the cold, and then you earn comfort in a way that makes sense.

Price and logistics: what you’re paying for at $222 per person

At $222 per person for a 5-hour tour, the price is not low. But it is also not random.

You are paying for multiple costly pieces working together:

• Transport from Saariselkä and then to Ivalo for warm gear
• A snowmobile-sleigh transfer to the ice fishing location
• A local guide with instruction plus your own fishing rod and bait setup
• A reindeer island visit run by a year-round family base
• A homemade 3-course lunch served in a teepee by open fire

When you put it all together, you are not just paying for fishing. You are paying for guided winter logistics plus the cultural and food components.

One extra consideration: pickup from Kakslauttanen or Kiilopää area costs 20 EUR per person. If you are staying in that broader region, build that into your budget.

Who this Saariselkä ice fishing trip suits best

This tour is designed for a winter outdoors day, with the fishing and island stops as the core. It is offered in English, and it runs as a small group with a maximum of 10 people.

You should be a good match if you want:

• A guided entry into ice fishing (especially if you have never tried before)
• A day outdoors that includes more than just fishing
• Time to meet reindeer and hear stories from the family running the island

It is not listed as suitable for children under 7, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people over 75, or people over 70. That is because winter activities can be physically demanding, and the itinerary involves outdoors time and ice.

If you are someone who plans carefully for mobility and comfort, you will likely enjoy the structure. If you need fully accessible routes and minimal cold exposure, you may want to choose a different style of tour.

When you should book (and when you should skip)

I would book this if your trip has room for a full winter morning or afternoon style activity and you like a clear sequence: gear, sleigh, ice fishing, then warm teepee lunch.

I would think twice if your main goal is guaranteed fish. The fishing part is real, but winter conditions can be unpredictable. Here, the bigger win is the whole day, from Lake Inari to the island and the open-fire meal.

Also, if you are near Holiday Club Saariselkä, it helps to confirm details so pickup goes smoothly. If you are in Kakslauttanen or Kiilopää, remember that extra pickup fee.

If your group wants a mix of outdoors and local food, this is a strong fit. The teepee lunch and reindeer visit give it a human, Lapland-feeling ending.

FAQ

How long is the Saariselkä ice fishing tour to Lake Inari?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What is included in the price?

Transport from Saariselkä, warm clothing and shoes, a local experienced guide, a reindeer meet, and home made lunch are included.

Do I get fishing equipment and bait?

Yes. You receive your own fishing rod, and you will fish using worm or maggot.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes, the live tour guide is English.

What kind of lunch do you serve in the teepee?

You get a home made 3-course lunch served in a Lapland teepee by open fire, with hot berry juice. Lunch is made of local reindeer meat or fish, and a vegetarian option is available by request.

Is pickup available from all hotels in the area?

Pickup is included from Saariselkä, and if you are staying close to Holiday Club Saariselkä you should let the operator know your hotel or address. Pickup from Kakslauttanen or Kiilopää area costs an extra 20 EUR per person.

How large is the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Is there a cancellation policy?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.