Lapland: Storms, Snowmobiles and Salmon BBQ

The Kemijoki River in Rovaniemi

We eased into our first day in Rovaniemi with a slower morning. A gentle stroll through the frosty streets took us to Robert’s Coffee House, a cozy and welcoming spot that quickly became a favorite.

As we headed back, an ice storm swept through the town, transforming the streets into a slick wonderland. But just an hour later? Clear blue skies! Classic Lapland mood swings, apparently!

Into the Arctic Wilderness: Ice Fishing & Snowmobiling

At 11am, we met our guide at Nordic Unique Travels in town, where we were kitted out in heavy-duty winter gear—boots, insulated overalls, balaclavas, and mittens. We were headed to their newly opened property, the Aito Igloo & Space Resort, which only launched in November 2024. It’s set on pristine wilderness, about 40 minutes out of town. Our guide, Gigi (an Italian who’s been living the Lapland life for a few years), drove us there while sharing great local insight along the way.

Our first adventure was ice fishing on a frozen lake. Yes, the ice was a whole meter thick! We drilled down, dropped our lines with fake organic worms, and waited… and waited. Sadly, the fish weren’t biting, but it was an unforgettable experience—bundled up, sitting on tiny stools over icy waters, surrounded by pure silence and snow-covered trees.

Drilling an ice hole in which to fish (successful hole, unsuccessful fishing)

Next up: salmon BBQ in a wooden hut. Thankfully, we weren’t relying on our (lack of) fishing skills for lunch. The salmon was fresh, grilled over an open fire, and served with toasted marshmallows sandwiched in cinnamon and ginger biscuits. And of course, the ever-present hot berry juice—a Nordic staple we’re now accustomed to. All this while a snowstorm carried on outside.

Snowmobiling Through Lapland’s Frozen Forests

Refueled and warmed up, it was time for the highlight: snowmobiling. After a quick tutorial, we set off in pairs across a stunning frozen landscape. Tall trees dusted with snow, endless white trails, and the hum of the engines—absolutely magical. We swapped drivers halfway through the hour-long loop, which gave everyone a turn at the wheel.

By the end, we were exhilarated and rosy-cheeked. On the way back to town, Gigi shared stories about life in Finland—from seasons and traditions to how the locals handle the long polar nights. It's clear: life here is peaceful, connected to nature, and full of quiet resilience.

An interesting fact we learned from Gigi: there are 187,000 people in Lapland, Finland - and 180,000 lakes. And all of these lakes have names!

Dinner at Gustavs

Back in town, we wrapped up the day at Gustavs, one of Rovaniemi’s more upscale restaurants. The food was incredible—elegant but hearty, and surprisingly affordable (especially when you compare it to Denmark’s prices!). It was the perfect end to a day filled with adventure, fresh air, and great conversations.