Best Of Lapland: Sauna, Ice swimming, Dinner & Northern Lights

Experiencing Lapland often involves chasing the Northern Lights or visiting reindeer farms, but for those looking for a more intimate taste of Finnish traditions, the Best Of Lapland tour offers a compelling package. This 4-hour adventure takes you outside Rovaniemi into the wilderness to try classic elements of Lappish culture, all with the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off included.

What we love about this experience is how it balances authenticity with comfort. You get to participate in genuine Finnish traditions—like sauna bathing and ice swimming—without feeling like you’re on a tourist “show.” Plus, the cozy dinner around a wood-fired fire with smoked salmon adds a warm, flavorful end to your Arctic adventure.

One possible drawback? Because the northern lights depend on natural conditions, there’s no guarantee you’ll see them, especially if the skies are cloudy. Also, the tour’s duration is just around four hours, so if you’re after a longer experience or a full-night adventure, you’ll want to explore other options.

Ultimately, this tour is perfect for travelers who want a compact, authentic taste of Lapland, combining culture, nature, and a touch of adventure—ideal for those short on time but eager to engage with Finland’s iconic traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Finnish traditions: Sauna and ice swimming are core cultural experiences, not just tourist attractions.
• Comfort and convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off make logistics hassle-free.
• Gourmet experience: Dinner cooked over an open fire, featuring smoked salmon, offers a delicious local flavor.
• Chance to see the Northern Lights: If the skies cooperate, it’s a magical end to your evening.
• Small group setting: With a maximum of 14 travelers, the experience feels personal and relaxed.
• Educational guides: Guides share cultural insights, making the experience richer.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Meeting and Transportation

The tour begins at the Rovaniemi Tourist Information center, making it easy to find in the heart of town. From there, a comfortable vehicle transports you into the wilderness, ensuring you’re away from city lights and noise. With a group limited to 14, you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and you’ll benefit from personalized attention and friendly guidance. As many reviews point out, guides like Alex and Tanija make the experience both informative and warm, explaining each activity’s significance while keeping things light and fun.

The Sauna Experience

Making the most of Finnish culture, the sauna is a highlight. The tour emphasizes the traditional wood-fired sauna, which is a deeply ingrained part of Finnish life. We loved the way guides carefully explained the procedure, preparing us for the intense heat and the subsequent cold plunge. As one reviewer said, “We were very carefully explained the ‘procedure’ for a traditional sauna and how to prepare for the ice bath,” which reassures first-timers.

The sauna is more than just a hot room; it’s a social ritual, a way to relax and connect. The inclusion of towels and slippers adds to the comfort, making it easy to transition from sauna to the icy lake plunge.

Ice Swimming in the Arctic Lake

Ice swimming is perhaps the most exhilarating part of this tour. The guide’s instructions help ease any apprehension—many travelers mention feeling nervous initially, but the experience turns out to be surprisingly invigorating. As Krishna R shared, “It’s no where as bad as you would think,” and “you forget about everything else and just live in the moment.” The experience involves a quick dip into clear, cold Arctic water, followed by a warm-up in the sauna. Several reviews highlight how the cold plunge is not as daunting as it sounds, and many find it surprisingly rejuvenating.

Cozy Cottage Dinner

After the cold and heat, everyone gathers around a fire in a cozy cottage for a dinner centered on smoked salmon cooked over open flames. Reviews rave about the deliciousness of the meal, with many describing it as “spectacular” and “lovely.” The informal setting enhances the feeling of sharing an authentic meal with new friends, and the conversation with guides about the significance of these traditions adds depth to the experience.

Chasing the Northern Lights

The tour’s timing coincides with the best window for viewing the Northern Lights, typically between late October and mid-March. While the lights are a natural phenomenon, guides do their best to help guests spot them if conditions are right. Reviewers note the magical atmosphere of viewing the Aurora in the dark, especially when the moon and stars are out. However, since the lights are unpredictable, some travelers might not see them, which is worth keeping in mind.

Value for Money

At $188.40 per person, this experience provides a well-rounded taste of Lapland’s cultural staples, all bundled into a manageable four-hour package. Many guests comment on the good value, especially considering the included hotel pickup, professional guides, and the authentic activities. The fact that it’s well-reviewed—averaging a 4.9/5 from 153 reviews—speaks to its consistent quality.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want a short, meaningful introduction to Finnish traditions. It’s ideal for those interested in culture, not just sightseeing. Families with children over 10 will find it engaging, though younger kids aren’t accepted. It’s also perfect for single travelers or couples wanting a small-group, intimate setting.

Final Thoughts

The Best Of Lapland tour offers a genuine glimpse into the heart of Finnish culture—an excellent option for those who want more than just a fleeting glance at the Arctic wilderness. From the warmth of the sauna to the thrill of ice swimming and the delicious smoked salmon, every part of this experience feels thoughtfully designed to connect you with local traditions in a relaxed setting.

The chance to see the Northern Lights adds an extra sprinkle of magic, though it remains a natural event out of the operator’s control. Yet even without the Aurora, most travelers rave about the authenticity, guides, and overall value. This tour is a perfect choice for curious travelers eager to truly engage with Lapland’s unique way of life, if only for a few hours.

Whether you’re after a cultural highlight or just want to try something unlike anything else in the world, this tour offers a memorable and meaningful experience. It’s a small investment that provides a big taste of Finland’s Arctic soul.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your Rovaniemi hotel, making it convenient to arrange without extra hassle.

What should I bring?
You’ll need a swimming suit for the ice swimming, and it’s recommended to dress warmly underneath your towel or robe, especially if the weather is cold.

Can children join this tour?
Children under 10 are not accepted, likely due to safety considerations around ice swimming and sauna procedures.

What if I don’t see the Northern Lights?
Since the northern lights depend on weather and solar activity, they cannot be guaranteed. However, the guides do their best to help you spot them if conditions are favorable.

How long does the experience last?
The tour runs approximately 4 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that won’t take up your entire day.

Is the experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. Many reviews mention the intimate, small-group setting as a positive feature, making it welcoming for solo adventurers.

In sum, the Best Of Lapland tour strikes a fine balance between adventure, culture, and comfort. With expert guides, authentic activities, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights, it offers a genuine slice of Arctic life that’s hard to beat—especially if you’re short on time but want a meaningful, memorable encounter with Lapland.