Ice Fishing in Lapland for Complete Beginners: What You Need to Know

So you’ve booked a trip to Finnish Lapland, and now the big question hits: what do I actually do when I get there? Two activities dominate every Levi winter itinerary, and for good reason. Ice fishing and snowmobiling represent two completely different sides of the Arctic experience. One is quiet, contemplative, and deeply rooted in Finnish culture. The other is loud, exhilarating, and covers vast stretches of frozen wilderness at speed. Choosing between ice fishing and snowmobiling in Lapland is a bit like choosing between a sauna and a roller coaster. Both are fantastic, but they scratch very different itches.

We offer both activities right here in Levi, and after more than 20 years of guiding visitors through Arctic adventures, we’ve heard every version of this question. This guide breaks down exactly what each experience involves, who each one suits best, and how to decide which Lapland activity to book first.

The Short Answer

If you only have one day and want the quintessential Lapland rush, book a snowmobile safari. It’s fast, dramatic, and delivers the “wow, I’m in the Arctic” feeling almost immediately. If you have two or more days, do both. Seriously. They complement each other perfectly, and together they give a much richer picture of what winter in Finnish Lapland actually feels like.

That said, the “right” answer depends entirely on what kind of traveler you are. Some people arrive in Levi craving adrenaline. Others want to slow down and experience something they simply can’t find at home. Both instincts are valid, and both lead to unforgettable memories. Let’s dig into the details.

Ice Fishing: The Peaceful Arctic Experience

Ice fishing in Lapland isn’t really about catching fish. That might sound strange, but hear us out. It’s about standing on a frozen lake in absolute silence, watching the pale Arctic light shift across the snow, and doing something that Finns have done for centuries. The fish are a bonus—a delicious, fresh, pulled-from-the-ice bonus.

A typical ice fishing session starts with drilling a hole through the lake ice, which can be anywhere from 30 centimeters to over a meter thick, depending on the time of year. Guides provide all the equipment, including a short ice-fishing rod, bait, and an auger for the hole. The technique itself is simple: drop the line, jig it gently, and wait. Patience is the main skill required.

Why Beginners Love It

There’s no learning curve to speak of. Unlike fly fishing or deep-sea angling, ice fishing for beginners involves minimal technique. Children, grandparents, and people who have never held a fishing rod in their lives can participate fully. The real challenge is embracing the stillness, which, for many visitors coming from busy cities, turns out to be the most rewarding part.

Common catches on Levi’s lakes include perch, whitefish, and pike. Guides often prepare hot drinks and snacks by the fishing hole, sometimes with traditional nokipannukahvi (campfire coffee) brewed over an open flame. It’s the kind of deeply Finnish moment that no amount of Instagram scrolling can replicate.

Snowmobiling: The High-Speed Wilderness Adventure

If ice fishing is a meditation, snowmobiling is a declaration. A snowmobile safari in Levi puts you on a powerful machine and sends you tearing through forests, across frozen rivers, and up fell trails with views that stretch to the horizon. It is, for many visitors, the single most exciting thing they do in Lapland.

Modern snowmobiles are surprisingly easy to operate. They have a throttle on the right handlebar, a brake on the left, and that’s essentially it. Guides provide a thorough safety briefing before departure, and the machines we use are new, well-maintained, and designed for comfort even in extreme cold. No prior experience is needed.

What Makes It So Popular

Snowmobiling covers ground. A two-hour safari can take you deep into wilderness areas that would be completely inaccessible on foot during winter. The combination of speed, cold air on your face, and vast white landscapes creates a sensory experience that’s hard to match with any other winter activity. Evening safaris add another dimension entirely, with the possibility of spotting the Northern Lights dancing overhead while parked on a silent hilltop.

For first-time visitors to Lapland wondering what to do first, a snowmobile safari delivers the definitive Arctic rush. It’s physical, it’s visual, and it creates the kind of stories people tell for years.

Energy and Effort Required

This is where the two activities diverge sharply. Ice fishing requires almost no physical exertion. Once the hole is drilled (guides typically handle this), the activity involves standing or sitting, holding a lightweight rod, and occasionally pulling up a fish. Warm clothing is essential, but the body stays relatively still. It’s accessible for nearly all fitness levels and ages.

Snowmobiling, on the other hand, demands more from the body than most people expect. Steering a snowmobile through trails requires basic balance and upper-body engagement, especially on turns and uneven terrain. Riding in sub-zero temperatures for one to three hours also tests stamina. It’s not extreme by any means, but visitors who are very young, elderly, or uncomfortable with cold exposure for extended periods may find it tiring. Most healthy adults handle it easily and love every minute.

A smart approach for a multi-day trip is to schedule the snowmobile safari earlier in the day when energy levels are high, and save the ice fishing experience for a more relaxed afternoon or a recovery day.

Perfect For: Who Should Choose What

Ice fishing is ideal for:

Families with older kids who appreciate nature and quiet activities
Travelers seeking an authentic, culturally rooted Finnish experience
Anyone who wants to slow down and disconnect from daily life
Couples looking for a unique, peaceful shared experience
Visitors with limited mobility or lower fitness levels

Snowmobiling is ideal for:

First-time Lapland visitors wanting the iconic Arctic adventure
Thrill-seekers and anyone who loves speed and machines
Groups of friends looking for a high-energy shared activity
Photographers who want to access remote, scenic wilderness
Anyone hoping to combine an activity with Northern Lights viewing

Of course, plenty of people fit both categories. That’s exactly why combining the two works so well.

If You Only Have One Day

For most visitors with a single day to fill, a snowmobile safari is the stronger choice. It delivers a broader sensory experience in a shorter time, covers more of the Lapland landscape, and creates the kind of vivid, adrenaline-fueled memories that define a winter holiday. It’s also the activity that’s hardest to replicate anywhere else in the world at this level of quality and accessibility.

That said, if speed and noise aren’t your thing, and you’d rather spend your one day soaking in Arctic stillness with a fishing line through the ice, that’s a perfectly wonderful choice too. The best activity in Levi this winter is the one that matches your personality, not someone else’s highlight reel.

If You Have Two or More Days (Do Both!)

This is the scenario we love most. With two or more days in Levi, there’s no reason to choose. Book a snowmobile safari one day and a guided ice fishing trip the next. The contrast between the two experiences is what makes a Lapland trip feel complete. One day you’re racing through snow-covered forests; the next you’re standing in perfect silence on a frozen lake, sipping campfire coffee and watching your breath curl into the Arctic air.

We provide all necessary equipment for both activities, which makes combining bookings effortless. There’s no need to source gear, arrange separate transport, or coordinate with multiple companies. Everything operates from our location right in the center of Levi, so logistics stay simple even on a packed itinerary. Many guests also add extras like a reindeer farm visit or a husky sled ride to round out their trip.

Pricing Overview

Pricing for both ice fishing and snowmobile safaris in Levi varies based on duration, group size, and any add-ons included. Snowmobile safaris generally cost more due to fuel, machine maintenance, and insurance, while ice fishing trips tend to be more affordable. Both include professional guiding and all required equipment.

For current pricing and availability, the best approach is to check directly at kinossafaris.fi, where you can compare options and book either activity—or both—in a few clicks. We’re also happy to help build a custom itinerary if you’re planning a longer stay and want to fit in as many Lapland activities as possible.

Whether you’re drawn to the meditative calm of ice fishing or the full-throttle excitement of a snowmobile safari, Levi delivers both at an exceptionally high level. The only real mistake is leaving Lapland without trying at least one.