If you’re dreaming of a true Arctic winter adventure, ice fishing in Rovaniemi is an experience you’ll never forget! Our family couldn’t wait to try ice fishing in Finland, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our Lapland trip. Picture this: sitting on a frozen lake, bundled up in cozy gear, surrounded by snowy trees, and waiting for that exciting tug on your line. Rovaniemi offers the perfect setting to dive into this traditional Finnish pastime. We chose the “Ice Fishing Like a Finn” excursion at Apukka Resort and it was absolutely magical! Even if you’ve never fished before, this is an amazing way to connect with nature and experience a unique part of Finnish culture. Ready to find out what it’s really like? Let us take you through our unforgettable day of ice fishing in Rovaniemi!
What is Rovaniemi Finland?
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and the official hometown of Santa Claus. This charming city sits right on the Arctic Circle and is known for its snowy landscapes and Northern Lights. In winter, the entire region transforms into a frozen wonderland, perfect for families and outdoor lovers alike. It’s a hub for Arctic adventures like dog sledding, snowshoeing, reindeer rides, and of course, ice fishing!
Rovaniemi blends natural beauty with cozy Nordic hospitality. With festive lights, magical Christmas vibes, and a true winter spirit, it’s no wonder so many families make it their top choice for a snowy holiday!
Ice Fishing in Finland
Ice fishing in Finland is more than a hobby … it’s a tradition! With thousands of lakes across the country, fishing is part of Finnish heritage. Once the lakes freeze over, everyone heads out with their gear to drill holes and drop lines through the ice. Historically, it was a way to survive the long winters, providing a fresh food source. Today, it’s also about fun, peace, and connection with nature. Finnish people often have their own favorite fishing holes and gear passed down through generations.
Modern-day ice fishing can be as simple or as high-tech as you like. Some still use basic hand lines and bait. Others bring small shelters, heaters, and sonar devices to track fish beneath the ice. It’s not just about the catch. It’s also about the experience! Sitting quietly on a frozen lake, surrounded by snowy silence, is incredibly peaceful. For many Finns, it’s also a time to bond with family, swap stories, and enjoy a warm thermos of coffee or hot juice.
The most common catch? Perch and pike! If you’re lucky, you’ll get to cook your catch right on the ice! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned angler, ice fishing in Finland is an unforgettable way to experience the culture and embrace winter.
Apukka Resort
Apukka Resort is located just 15 minutes from Santa Claus Village. It’s known for its cozy glass igloos, snowy adventures, and immersive nature experiences. One of their most popular winter activities is ice fishing!
It is relatively easy to get to Apukka Resort. There is a shuttle bus stop right outside Santa Claus Village. Look for the signs near the main parking area. The buses run about once an hour, so it’s smart to check the schedule in advance. The ride itself is quick and scenic, offering glimpses of snowy trees and frosty fields. We found the shuttle to be super convenient for families with kids. It’s warm, clean, and has plenty of space for winter gear. The ride gave us a chance to relax and enjoy the wintry views before our adventure began.
Checking In
Once you arrive at Apukka, you’ll find the main lodge, charming cabins, and lots of signs pointing to different tours. Everything is well-marked and easy to navigate. Inside the main building, there’s a reception desk just for activities. If you don’t have your own winter gear, they’ve got you covered! They provide warm overalls, boots, and mittens to keep everyone cozy on the ice. The gear was clean, warm, and easy to put on—even for the little ones!
After gearing up, we headed outside to find the red tour signs, which mark all the different meeting points. There’s even a helpful map in the lobby showing where everything is. Our guide met us there and went over what we’d be doing. He explained how the day would unfold and answered questions from both adults and kids.
The whole process was smooth and family-friendly. It’s designed so even first-timers feel comfortable. We saw lots of families with kids and everyone looked excited for a fun adventure. The staff is used to helping travelers from all over the world, and it showed in how organized everything was.
Getting to the Lake
Once we met our guide and our group was ready, it was time for the fun to really begin! We crossed the snowy road in front of Apukka Resort and found our ride … a giant snowmobile “train!” It had big sleds with benches. We hopped in and held tight as we zoomed across the snowy fields. The ride was so fun, especially for the girls.
After a short but thrilling journey, we arrived at a frozen lake that looked like a winter postcard. Even in late November, the ice was already over 20 centimeters thick! The snow around us sparkled in the low afternoon sun, and everything felt so peaceful and still. Just being out on the lake made us feel like true Arctic explorers. The snowmobiles parked while our guide got the gear ready.
Learning How to Ice Fish
We gathered in a circle on the ice, ready to learn the art of ice fishing! Our guide explained each step in a way that was easy for kids and adults alike.
First, we learned how to drill our own holes using a hand auger. It took some muscle, but it was so satisfying when the ice finally cracked through! Everyone took turns trying. This was Spider Monkey’s favorite part!
Next, we were handed short fishing rods and bait. The equipment was all provided, so we didn’t need to bring a thing. Our guide showed us how to drop the line, jig the rod, and wait patiently for a bite.
There was a small grill station right on the ice, where a cook was preparing reindeer sausage and ready to cook any fish we caught. The smells coming from the grill were mouthwatering!
It felt like a little ice village, full of excitement and laughter. This was such a fun and educational way to learn about a beloved Finnish tradition! The guide also shared fun facts about the lake, local fish species, and how the locals enjoy ice fishing as a weekend ritual. We all felt like we were part of something really special.
Try and Try Again
Ice fishing definitely takes patience! We each picked a spot and dropped our lines into the icy holes. The cold air nipped at our cheeks, but we were bundled up and too excited to notice. Buttercup stayed laser-focused, determined to catch her first fish in Finland. She kept peeking down the hole, hoping for a little flicker of movement.
Meanwhile, Dustin struck gold … or rather, perch! He caught the first fish of the day, and it was a good-sized one too. Everyone cheered and snapped photos while our guide helped clean it. The grill master cooked it up right there on the ice, along with delicious reindeer sausage. Buttercup took a bite and declared it “the best fish ever.” Though the rest of us didn’t catch any, we still had a blast.
There was something so peaceful about sitting on a frozen lake surrounded by snow-covered trees. We laughed, snacked, and soaked in the Arctic vibe. Other families around us were having just as much fun, sharing stories and cheering each other on. We may not have all gone home with fish, but we left with big smiles and lasting memories.
Returning to Santa Claus Village
After our ice fishing adventure, we loaded back into the snowmobile sled and headed toward Apukka Resort. The sky was already turning pink and golden as the early Arctic sunset began. It felt like a magical end to a beautiful day. When we arrived at the resort, we found out the shuttle bus had just left! Rather than wait an hour for the next one, we ordered an Uber. It was a quick ride back to Santa Claus Village and gave us more time to explore. The sun sets around 2:30 or 3 in winter, so we didn’t want to waste a minute.
The Family Verdict
Ice fishing in Rovaniemi was a huge win for our adventure travel family. It was peaceful, exciting, and full of unforgettable moments. I loved watching Buttercup take her fishing so seriously. And Dustin was absolutely thrilled to be the first to catch a fish! Even without catching one myself, I wouldn’t have changed a thing. The beauty of the frozen lake, the gentle silence of the snow, and the smell of sausage cooking on the ice … it was all magical. It gave us time to slow down and enjoy nature together in a totally unique way. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures at Santa Claus Village, a Finnish Husky Farm, an Artic Reindeer Farm, SantaPark in Finnish Lapland, Helsinki, and Estonia. Also, follow along on our complete winter family adventure through Finnish Lapland!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
For Packing:
For the Airport / Airplane:
For the Hotel:
Cold Weather Clothing:
- Women’s Base Layer Socks
- Women’s Wool Socks and These
- Women’s Base Layer Tops
- Women’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Mid Layer Tops and These
- Women’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Women’s Jacket
- Women’s Snow Pants
- Women’s Snow Boats
- Women’s Snow Gloves
- Women’s Glove Liners
- Balaclava
- Men’s Base Layer Socks
- Men’s Wool Socks and These
- Men’s Base Layer Tops and These
- Men’s Base Layer Bottoms
- Men’s Mid Layer Tops
- Men’s Jacket
- Men’s Snow Pants
- Men’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Base Layer Socks and These
- Kid’s Wool Socks, These, These and These
- Kid’s Base Layers, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Tops, These and These
- Kid’s Mid Layer Bottoms
- Kid’s Jacket
- Kid’s Snow Pants
- Kid’s Snow Gloves
- Kid’s Glove Liners
- Kid’s Beanie
- Kid’s Snow Boots
For Extra Fun in the Artic:
