Ice Floating in a Forest Lake Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, gateway to Lapland

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland, set where the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers meet, right on the edge of the Arctic Circle. In winter the city is a base for safaris into snowy forests and frozen lakes, and in summer the sun barely sets. Ice floating is one of its signature experiences, and few visitors try it anywhere else.

This tour collects you from hotels and accommodation within 10 km (driving distance) of the city centre, so you do not need a car. Within a short drive the city gives way to spruce forest, peat bogs and lakes, the classic Lapland landscape that makes a day trip from Rovaniemi feel truly remote.

The frozen forest lake and ice floating

Lapland lakes freeze thick in winter, and the guide opens an area of water in the ice for floating. You wear a full-body survival suit designed for rescue work: it keeps you completely dry and surprisingly warm, so you can lie back and drift in water that is close to zero degrees.

Floating under a pale winter sky, surrounded by snow-heavy trees, is deeply calm; many guests describe it as the most relaxing moment of their Rovaniemi trip. You must be at least 130 cm tall to fit the suit, and you do not need to be able to swim, as the suit floats by itself.

Ice fishing on the lake

Ice fishing is a much-loved Finnish winter tradition. Your guide shows you how to use the hand drill to make a hole through the ice, how to set up the short rod and how to jig the lure to attract perch and other fish that live in Lappish lakes.

Sitting quietly on the ice and waiting for a bite is a peaceful contrast to the floating. Catches are never promised, but the lesson itself is a highlight of ice fishing in Rovaniemi, and children usually love the moment when a fish appears through the hole. The guide handles the drill and the gear, so you can focus on the experience.

Lappish campfire BBQ

The daytime option ends around a campfire with a Lappish BBQ: grilled salmon, Lappish bread and marshmallows, with hot drinks and gingerbread. A vegetarian or vegan alternative is available on request when you book.

Eating by the fire in the snow is a true Lapland custom, and it is the moment to warm up, dry gloves and chat with the guide about life in the north. After the meal, the group drives back to Rovaniemi and you are dropped at your accommodation. Grilling salmon over an open fire is a classic Lapland way of cooking fish outdoors, and marshmallows are always a favourite with children.

Northern Lights and midnight sun options

The evening option takes you floating in the dark at 19:30 with a chance of seeing the aurora borealis above the forest lake. Lying on your back is the most comfortable way to watch the sky, though the Northern Lights depend on weather and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.

In summer and autumn the midnight sun float runs in the evening light, when the lake is open and calm and the sun stays low for hours. It shows a completely different side of Lapland and is one of the best summer activities in Rovaniemi. Both options include pickup, the survival suit, hot drinks and gingerbread, just like the daytime trip.