Ice Fishing Like a Finn, Apukka Adventures Rovaniemi

Review of Ice Fishing Like a Finn, Apukka Adventures Rovaniemi

Getting a taste of Finnish winter life without a snowmobile or reindeer sleigh? This ice fishing tour in Rovaniemi offers a rare glimpse into the calming, patient art of catching fish through thick ice. The experience starts with the fun of choosing your own fishing gear—an activity that feels more like a craft than a mere activity—and culminates in sitting patiently by a crackling fire with a hot drink in hand. The setting on a pristine frozen lake provides a tranquil backdrop that’s both beautiful and a little humbling.

What I really enjoy about this experience is how it balances authenticity and accessibility. You don’t need any fishing expertise to start; the guides are friendly and helpful, and the process of drilling your own hole and selecting your bait is straightforward. The tour’s emphasis on learning by doing makes it perfect for those who want an immersive experience rather than just a sightseeing trip. Plus, the cozy ambiance—lying on reindeer skins and enjoying warmth by the fire—adds a rustic charm to the whole outing.

One possible drawback? If you’re not used to sitting still in cold weather, the wait can be a bit long, especially if no fish are biting during your turn. However, the positive reviews highlight that patience and a good sense of humor tend to turn any minor discomfort into part of the adventure. The tour’s maximum group size of 30 keeps things intimate and manageable, but keep in mind that success in catching fish can vary—one reviewer noted only one person caught a fish, though everyone still raved about the experience.

This tour offers a genuine slice of Finnish winter traditions at a reasonable price, especially considering the included equipment, guidance, and cozy touches. It’s a great choice for travelers interested in a hands-on activity that stands out from typical sightseeing, and it suits those who don’t mind a little cold and a lot of quiet.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Finnish tradition: Experience the calm and patience of ice fishing, a winter staple in Finland.
• Hands-on learning: You choose your gear, drill your own hole, and learn to attract fish, making it an engaging activity.
• Comfort and warmth: Reindeer skins and a fire provide cozy spots to relax while waiting for a bite.
• Suitable for most travelers: Most people can participate, and the small group size enhances the experience.
• Variable success: While some catch fish, the focus is on the experience itself—patience and humor go a long way.
• Good value: At just over $100, it includes gear, guidance, pickup, and an authentic moment in Lapland.

Entering the World of Finnish Ice Fishing

This tour kicks off at Apukka Resort Adventures, located near the husky and reindeer farm in Rovaniemi. From there, you’ll be transported to a frozen lake, a vast canvas of snow and ice that stretches as far as the eye can see. The transportation is convenient with pickup options, which means you won’t have to worry about navigating the snowy roads yourself. Starting at 12:00 pm, the tour offers ample daylight hours for a true Arctic experience.

What immediately sets this apart from just wandering out onto the ice alone is the guided instruction and the friendly atmosphere. The guides are clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge and making sure everyone feels included. As you prepare your fishing gear, you learn about the different lures and bait—an essential skill in Finnish ice fishing.

Learning to Fish the Finnish Way

Once you arrive at the lake, it’s time to get serious—drilling a hole through the thick ice. It’s surprisingly fun, almost meditative, as you use the provided auger. You then lower your bait into the cold water, lying back on reindeer skins, and wait. The guides encourage patience, but they’re also ready to lend a hand if needed, or share tips to improve your chances.

In the reviews, Leshon_J mentions that “it was a great experience despite only one person catching a fish”—a reminder that success isn’t guaranteed, but the process is worth it. The highlight is in the quiet: staring into the icy depths, listening to the crackling fire nearby, and enjoying the unique silence of the Arctic wilderness.

The Cozy Fire and Hot Drinks

After a while, when you’re ready for a break, you’ll gather around a small fire built on the ice. Here, you’ll sip hot drinks, perhaps some traditional Finnish tea or coffee, while sharing stories with your fellow adventurers. This part of the tour emphasizes authentic, rustic comfort—a simple but memorable way to embrace the winter landscape.

The warmth of the fire and the reindeer skins under you create a surprisingly inviting atmosphere, even in the cold. It’s a moment of true stillness—an experience that stays with you long after the snow melts.

Who Is This Tour For?

This ice fishing trip is ideal if you’re curious about Finnish culture and want an activity that’s both engaging and peaceful. It’s suitable for most travelers in good health, and no previous fishing experience is needed. If you’re someone who enjoys being outdoors and doesn’t mind waiting patiently, you’ll find this a rewarding use of a few hours in Lapland.

Families, couples, or solo travelers all find value here, especially since the small group size keeps things intimate. If you’re looking for a unique, hands-on Arctic activity that emphasizes tradition over trophy fishing, this tour will resonate well.

Price and Value

At around $103 per person, this experience offers good value considering it includes gear, guidance, transportation, and a cozy fire-side experience. It’s not a cheap activity, but in the context of Arctic adventures, it’s fair, especially since the focus is on authentic learning and immersion rather than just sightseeing. Plus, the fact that it’s booked about 35 days in advance indicates it’s popular, likely because it hits that sweet spot of cultural authenticity and outdoor fun.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Rovaniemi and wanting to try something genuinely Finnish, this ice fishing tour provides a rare opportunity to slow down and connect with the winter landscape. It’s perfect for those curious about local traditions, patient enough to wait for a bite, and eager to learn new skills. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how Finns embrace winter’s challenges, along with a warm glow from the fire and a story to tell about fishing on a frozen lake.

While success in catching fish isn’t guaranteed, the experience itself—drilling, waiting, and sharing a fire in Arctic silence—is memorable. It’s a simple, authentic activity that offers a quiet, contemplative side of Lapland that’s often overshadowed by more adrenaline-fueled adventures. For genuine cultural charm and a peaceful winter moment, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup is available, making it convenient to start your adventure without worrying about transportation.

How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including transportation, fishing, and the fire-side break.

Is this activity suitable for children or all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with cold weather and sitting still for a while.

What should I wear?
Dressing warmly is essential—think layered clothing, thermal wear, waterproof outer layers, hats, gloves, and warm boots.

Can I catch fish during the tour?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Success depends on luck and patience, as noted in reviews where only one person caught a fish.

What is included in the price?
The price covers gear, guidance, transportation, and the cozy fire-side experience with hot drinks.

How many people are in each group?
The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

What happens if the weather is poor?
If the weather cancels the activity, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is prior fishing experience necessary?
No, the activity is designed for beginners and those new to ice fishing.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve your spot about 35 days in advance through Viator or similar booking platforms, and instructions are straightforward.

In the end, this ice fishing adventure reveals a quiet, patient side of Finnish culture—perfect for those wanting to slow down and embrace winter’s stillness. It’s a memorable, authentic experience that I’d recommend to anyone eager to see how locals make the most of the Arctic cold.