Activities
Arctic ice swimming & private home sauna experience – sodankylä, finnish lapland
Experience genuine Finnish winter traditions with local hosts
Step into the warmth of an authentic Lappish home and discover one of Finland’s most beloved winter traditions — ice swimming and sauna.
This relaxing and deeply local experience takes place at our private riverside home in Sodankylä, where guests are welcomed into a traditional kelohonka log house apartment with a cosy fireplace at its heart. Hosted by local residents, the experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Finnish sauna culture in a genuine and personal atmosphere.
Guests can alternate between the warmth of the sauna and refreshing dips into an ice hole by the riverside. No previous experience is needed, and participation in ice swimming is always optional.
The evening continues with grilled sausages by the fire and warm drinks shared together in a peaceful Arctic setting.
Sleigh and snowmobile ride
Travel comfortably in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile through the breathtaking snowy wilderness landscapes of Sodankylä. This exclusive experience combines adventure with the tranquility of Arctic nature, making it perfect for families, couples, and small groups of friends.
For an even more exciting adventure, you can add 1–2 self-drive rental snowmobiles to your tour, allowing part of your group to experience the thrill of snowmobiling while others enjoy the comfort of the sleigh.
Alternatively, the excursion can be enjoyed as a guided snowmobile safari without the sleigh, using 1–2 self-drive rental snowmobiles.
Ice fishing
Slow down, breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and experience the peaceful beauty of a Lapland winter on a traditional ice fishing adventure. Guided by local experts, you'll learn the basics of Finnish ice fishing while using all the equipment provided. And if luck is on your side, you'll enjoy the excitement of catching a fish surrounded by the pristine winter wilderness.
During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to warm up in a traditional Finnish kota (Lappish wilderness hut) while enjoying a hot drink (campfire coffee or hot berry juice/glögi), as well as grilling Finnish sausages and toasting marshmallows over an open fire.
Our evening departures offer an extra touch of magic: under clear skies, you may be lucky enough to witness the spectacular Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.
Duration: Approximately 2–3 hours.
Santa Claus
Step into a magical winter adventure in the heart of Lapland, on the peaceful banks of the Kitinen River in Hampputörmä, Sodankylä. This intimate and authentic Santa Claus experience offers a truly unique way to meet Santa in a serene Arctic setting.
Your journey begins with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in the Sodankylä area. From there, you will be transported to a charming village-like environment, where the adventure continues from a small local church.
From the church, you will embark on a traditional snowmobile sleigh ride through the snowy landscape, guided by the stillness and beauty of Lapland’s winter nature. The sleigh will take you to Santa Claus’s cozy little cabin hidden by the river.
At the cabin, you will meet Santa Claus in a warm and personal setting—perfect for families and small groups. This carefully curated experience combines Lapland’s natural beauty, traditional transport, and the magic of meeting Santa Claus—creating unforgettable memories in an authentic Arctic setting.
Home Bakery
Step into the heart of Finnish Lapland and experience authentic home baking in a cozy kelohirsitalo – a traditional Lappish silver pine log house. Guided by a local host, you’ll learn to bake traditional Finnish delicacies such as rye bread, rieskaleipä (soft barley flatbread), and kampanisu (Lappish twisted sugar bun). After baking, enjoy your handmade treats with coffee, tea, or glögi – a traditional Nordic spiced drink – in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Cross-country skiing
Experience the peaceful beauty of Lapland on a guided cross-country skiing excursion along a prepared ice trail on the frozen Kitinen River in Sodankylä. This relaxing winter activity combines gentle skiing, stunning Arctic scenery, and authentic Lappish atmosphere.
The approximately 3-kilometre route circles the meeting point of the Kitinen and Jeesiö rivers and is suitable also for beginners. During the excursion, guests enjoy the silence of snowy northern landscapes before gathering around an open fire in a traditional Lappish kota for grilled sausages and warm drinks.
Perfect for international charter guests looking for an authentic yet comfortable winter experience in Finnish Lapland.
Snowshoe hiking
Snowshoeing is an easy and enjoyable way to explore the beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Join a guided snowshoe adventure through varied terrain, following scenic riverside trails and peaceful forest paths. Your tour is led by an experienced local guide, who will introduce you to the unique nature and landscapes of Lapland.
After the hike, relax in a traditional Finnish kota (Lappish wilderness hut) while enjoying a hot cup of campfire coffee or hot berry juice (glögi). You'll also have the chance to grill Finnish sausages and toast marshmallows over an open fire.
The tour includes snowshoes and poles, and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Kota
Enhance your adventure by taking a relaxing break in the heart of Lapland's nature. Gather around an open fire in our riverside shelter or traditional Lappish kota, where you can grill Finnish sausages, toast marshmallows, and unwind with a steaming cup of campfire coffee or hot spiced berry juice (glögi). It's the perfect way to experience the warmth, hospitality, and peaceful atmosphere of the Arctic wilderness.
Traditional Sauna
We also have a riverside sauna available to book in combination with our activities. It's the perfect place to relax, unwind, and spend quality time together after an unforgettable day of adventures in Lapland.
Kayaking trips
Experience the peaceful beauty of Lapland from the water. Our guided kayaking tours are designed for both beginners and experienced paddlers, allowing everyone to enjoy the pristine wilderness at their own pace. Starting from our private shoreline or nearby lakes and rivers, you'll paddle through tranquil waters surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes.