Lapland is the northernmost region in Finland, and during its colder months, it turns into a magical winter wonderland. As cold as it is, the vast subarctic region is sparsely populated by the indigenous Sami people.
So why would you want to explore this region? Comforted by the warmth of an arctic suit, you’ll take to the snow.
Seeing trees covered in a thick layer of pure white snow, and lakes frozen over are just a few of the reasons to visit. The thrill of riding a snowmobile for the first time is another.
What should you be expecting when you take a snowmobile ride through this winter wonderland? One of the best activities to do in Lapland!
I was a bit scared of driving a snowmobile in Lapland (I can barely drive a car after all!) but I knew I didn’t want to miss out on this experience.
In this guide I’ve tried to answer all the questions you might have about doing a snowmobile tour in Lapland, including what to expect, what you need, prices and some of the best snowmobile safari options.
So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What to Expect on Your Snowmobiling Trip
If you’ve never taken a snowmobile tour, it’s best to start small. Don’t embark on a day-long tour until you know you actually enjoy it and want to commit to a full day of riding.
It can also get pretty chilly when the sun drops and the wind picks up, so you might not want to do a full day tour if you tend to get cold easily. But other than that, taking to the snow on a snowmobile is an incredible amount of fun.
Whizz along trails or forge your own on a snowmobile safari in Lapland. You’re sure to be coming back for more. You’ll witness nature at its finest in these cold conditions while having an adventure of a lifetime.
What Should You Pack for a Snowmobile Trip?
If you take a snowmobile safari, the arctic suit will be provided for you. But there are still a few things you should pack for your Lapland trip, to ensure your own comfort.
A general rule would be to wear either synthetic or wool clothing. Don’t wear cotton at all as it won’t keep you warm enough and isn’t very breathable.
Lightweight Pants
Lightweight pants that can both keep you warm and fit under your arctic suit are a must for any snowmobile tour. Make sure it’s a pair that you’re comfortable in too.
Thermal Underwear
Having thermal underwear or a compression set means you can move around with ease, but you’re still being kept as warm as possible in the snowy conditions.
Ski Gloves or Mittens
Having warm hands can make all the difference. Pack a pair that’s breathable, waterproof and warm. If you want even warmer gloves, go for mittens instead.
Having the four fingers in the same pouch will help you save body heat.
Waterproof Shoes
Although the snowmobile safari provider will more than likely provide a pair of shoes for you, it’s always good to go prepared with a pair of waterproof shoes.
This way, when you get there you won’t get your shoes soaked in the snow before you get a chance to change.
Best Lapland Vacation Snowmobile Safari Options
Ticking this activity off your European winter bucket list is an absolute must. Here are some of the best snowmobile tour options available in Lapland, Finland.
2-Hour Snowmobiling Experience
This 2-hour snowmobiling experience takes place in Rovaniemi, Lapland. Your knowledgeable guide will teach you how to ride the snowmobile and lead you through the enchanting Rovaniemi wilderness.
You’ll ride roughly 20 kilometres altogether, but after around 10, you’ll stop for hot drinks and snacks. Take in the complete silence of your surroundings and the stark beauty of the crystalline white snow.
Ice Karting and Snowmobiling
Want to switch it up with some different activities in the snow? Try out two adrenaline-pumping experiences in one day.
Start off by racing German-engineered ice karts with 4 stroke engines around an ice track. Drift through the corners like a true pro before taking to the snowmobile for a 1.5-hour ride through the wilderness.
When you’re done, sit around an open fire exchanging stories about the thrilling day you’ve had with the comfort of hot drinks.
Click here to book your snowmobile and ice kart combo tour!
Northern Lights Snowmobile Hunt
If there’s one thing Lapland is famous for, it’s the phenomenal natural occurrences that happen in the area. The midnight sun and the Aurora Borealis are two such phenomena.
On this incredible adventure, you’ll ride over the snow under the stars, hunting down the beautiful Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.
You’ll stop for a campfire and enjoy the stunning views of the night’s sky. A night simply couldn’t get more magical than this.
Click here to book your Northern Lights snowmobile safari!
Snowmobile to Reindeer, Husky Farm, Santa Village
Visit a few fascinating winter destinations all in one trip. You’ll ride your snowmobile through parts of the Arctic Circle Forest to a traditional reindeer farm. There you’ll get to enjoy a short sleigh ride with these graceful creatures.
You’ll then make your way to a husky farm where you’ll greet your new furry friends and be taken on a short husky sledge ride.
Following that, you’ll ride on to Santa Village where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and do some gift shopping before heading back to the snowmobile park.
Click here to book your snowmobile, reindeer, husky farm & Santa Village experience!
Snowmobile, Arctic Animals and Santa Village
On this snowmobile safari, you’ll meet both reindeer and husky dogs before heading on to Santa Village. At each stop, you’ll learn about the beautiful creatures you’re visiting and take a short sledge or sleigh ride with each.
At Santa Village, you’ll experience the Christmassy atmosphere that is so prevalent in the Arctic Circle. You’ll get a chance to visit the famed Santa post office and do a little shopping before heading back to your hotel for the evening.
Click here to book your snowmobile safari & Santa Village tour!
Our experience doing a snowmobile safari in Lapland
We did our snowmobile safari in Inari, Lapland, and did the short 2-hour experience across frozen lakes and forests.
First they gave us arctic gear, explained how the snowmobiles work, the correct behaviour when you’re out in the snow, and then we were ready to go!
Personally I was very wary of driving a snowmobile, especially considering I’m not a very good driver, so I started off our snowmobile safari as the backseat passenger.
The tour guide will be on the first snowmobile at the front of the column, with everyone else following in single line. The engines of the snowmobiles have a speed limit set in them so you can’t whizz off alone.
You’re expected to follow a certain route and it’s better to do so, one of my friends tried to venture off on her own and got her snowmobile stuck in melted snow!
Half way through there was a hot tea and biscuit break, where you can swap out drivers. I decided to brave my fears and pick up the steering wheel (figuratively as there isn’t actually a wheel, it looks more like a moped).
I was surprised at how easy it was to drive!
Even with a capped engine you can still go pretty fast, and I loved the speed of going over the vast frozen lake, but going through the little paths amongst the snowy trees was even more scenic. Here we even saw some wild deer!
Final thoughts on Snowmobile Tours to Lapland
Now that you know all the ins and outs of taking a snowmobile safari in Lapland, you can get packing and hit the snow for a winter adventure like no other.
With so much beautiful scenery to be taken in and thrilling rides to be had, there’s no need to hesitate.
I hope this guide answers all your questions about doing a snowmobile safari in Lapland. If you have any doubts, just let me know in the comments below!
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