Spend a full winter day exploring some of the most loved national park landscapes in Northern Lapland. This experience combines an active snowshoe trek in Arctic nature with a deeply relaxing sauna, offering a balanced day of movement, warmth, and local flavors.
The day begins with a guided winter trek in the Saariselkä area of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Your guide sets an easy, steady pace and shares insights into the park’s nature, wildlife, and history as you walk through snowy forests and open tundra.
Midday, we stop for lunch at a local café housed in a former forestry workers’ hut. The soup of the day is always prepared using local ingredients such as reindeer, moose, fish, or seasonal mushrooms, making it a simple but memorable taste of Lapland.
In the afternoon, it’s time to slow down. We head to a traditional sauna, where the warmth of the steam helps you unwind after the day outdoors. For those who wish, there’s also the option to try ice swimming, a refreshing Finnish tradition that perfectly rounds off the experience.
This day is about experiencing Lapland at a natural pace, combining gentle adventure, local food, and time to relax. You’ll return to Ivalo feeling both refreshed and connected to the Arctic lifestyle.
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FAQ
Why choose the Discover Saariselkä day tour?
How demanding is the winter trek?
Do I need prior experience with snowshoeing or skiing?
Is the sauna and ice swimming optional?
What do I need to bring?
- Swimsuit for the sauna.
- Warm clothing: Dress in weather-appropriate layers, including a warm hat, scarf, and good socks.
- Phone or camera (and a power bank if needed).
- Sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen (depending on weather conditions).
- Snacks and water: Snacks are provided, but you’re welcome to pack your own favorites too.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event.
Please note
- Please arrive at Xwander Basecamp 15 minutes before the start time.
- Family-friendly: This experience is suitable for families, with a recommended minimum age of 7. Easier hiking options can be arranged for families with younger children.
- Physical Requirements: The tour involves being outdoors in cold weather, so participants should be prepared for low temperatures.
- Accessibility: The experience is not fully accessible by wheelchair due to the nature of the terrain and activities. Contact us for accessible options of this tour.
- Clothing and Gear: Warm clothing and suitable winter gear are essential. If needed, we can provide winter overalls, warm boots, and gloves for an extra fee.
- Cold weather policy (-25°C and below or challenging conditions): In very cold or demanding weather, we will contact you to assess the situation together before the activity. There is no additional fee if the activity is cancelled by Xwander.
- Minimum age of the passengers is 7 years.
Find full FAQ from here
Book with Confidence
- Local family owned business
- Personalized service
- Flexible itineraries
- Small group sizes
Price Includes
- Use of snowshoes for the duration of the activity
- Traditional sauna experience with ice swimming opportunity: sauna entrance fee, towel and basic toiletries
- Guide services
- All activities listed in the tour description
- All meals and/or snacks listed in the tour description
- Transfers to the tour locations and back, with departure and return at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo center.
- Pick-up from selected locations in the area (select your nearest location at checkout).
Price Excludes
- Swimwear (bring your own, for the sauna)
- Optional winter gear rental: overalls, boots & gloves (extra fee).
- Extra transfers for example from Inari, Nellim or Kakslauttanen (on request / extra fee).
- Optional add-ons (extra fee): extend the adventure – pair this tour with a Northern Lights excursion or tobogganing.
- Personal travel insurance (required).
