Exploring the Arctic: Hiking to Korouoma Canyon and the Frozen Waterfalls

Just a short drive from Rovaniemi, you can find landscapes that feel untouched by time: the deep Korouoma canyon, frozen lakes and rivers, old-growth forests, and waterfalls that defy the cold by continuing to flow even in the middle of winter.

Rovaniemi is often described as the gateway to the Finnish Lapland – with good reason. Just a short drive from Rovaniemi, you can find landscapes that feel untouched by time: deep canyons, frozen lakes and rivers, old-growth forests, and waterfalls that defy the cold by continuing to flow even in the middle of winter. Among the highlights of Rovaniemi are unforgettable hiking tours that take you into the Korouoma canyon system: the Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls photography tour and the nearby Auttiköngäs Canyon and Waterfall adventure. Check the available dates to visit Korouoma Canyon and book your tour here!

Beyond Arctic’s hiking adventures take place in the geological formation of Korouoma Canyon. Korouoma Canyon is a dramatic, vast, and rugged natural formation, while other parts of the area offer quieter, more intimate routes often overlooked by visitors. Exploring and hiking in the Korouoma Canyon area is the best of experiencing the grandeur of Lapland’s winter landscapes while hiking.

The Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls Adventure

Korouoma Canyon, which was formed thousands of years ago, is located just a 90-minute drive from Rovaniemi. At the bottom of the canyon flows the Korojoki River, flanked by granite cliffs more than 100 meters high. In winter, streams trickle down the cliffs and freeze into massive ice walls, creating one of the most spectacular natural sights in all of Finland.

A pro photographer guides the group, helping you to find the best spots and giving you the chance to have your photo taken with the impressive ice waterfalls in the background. ‘

Great views in Korouoma Canyon

The hike in Korouoma Canyon is a moderately challenging but rewarding experience, with a steep path descending to the canyon. The first part of the trail leads to a viewpoint, where sweeping views open across the valley. From here, the frozen waterfalls below can be seen on the other side of the canyon. Further along the trail, we’ll encounter three monumental frozen waterfalls, each unique in shape and size: Charlie Brown, Mammoth Fall and Brown River. The surrounding scenery of frozen rivers, jagged rocks, and pine trees heavy with snow all add to the experience.

To balance the physical effort of the hike, the tour includes a break at a traditional lean-to shelter. Here, the guide builds a fire and prepares a light lunch, while you warm up with hot drinks. This moment around the fire before hiking back to the starting point is often one of the day’s highlights.

Is the Korouoma Canyon suitable for everyone?

The Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls tour is perfect for travellers who want to witness and photograph one of Lapland’s most dramatic winter landscapes. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the expertise of the guide helps every participant return with both great memories and photographs to match.

Exploring the Korouoma Canyon area

While the frozen waterfalls in Korouoma Canyon may steal the spotlight, another part of the same canyon formation in Auttiköngäs offers equally fascinating but more tranquil experiences. Like Korouoma, it is part of the same canyon system, with a gentler atmosphere and less physically demanding trails with no steep climbs or descents. For some, this can an appealing alternative to Korouoma Canyon: the same geological drama, without the crowds. Contact our travel experts for suggestions and more information!

All Beyond Arctic hiking adventures in the Korouoma area are guided by a pro photographer, who highlights the best opportunities for capturing the unique features of this wilderness. Hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoint and to rushing rivers unfold along the way. Traces of ancient seashores etched in the bedrock remind visitors that this landscape was once shaped by the forces of the last ice age, roughly ten thousand years ago.

Enjoying a relaxing campfire lunch at a riverside shelter, right next to a picturesque hanging bridge, offers another chance to enjoy Lapland’s outdoor traditions. Here, steaming cups of hot berry juice are shared over the warmth of the fire—simple comforts that feel especially rewarding in the crisp Arctic air.

Perhaps the greatest advantage of Auttiköngäs Canyon is the sense of calm it offers. The trail is less frequented than Korouoma Canyon, allowing you to move at a relaxed pace and immerse yourself in the nature without distractions. If you want to experience Lapland’s canyons but prefer a gentler hike, Auttiköngäs is the ideal choice.

Book your tour to Korouoma Canyon and explore the surrounding areas

Both tours provide memorable ways to explore Lapland’s canyon landscapes, each with its own character:

• Korouoma Canyon Frozen Waterfalls: best for those seeking dramatic views, more challenging terrain, and the chance to photograph monumental frozen waterfalls.
• Auttiköngäs Canyon: ideal for travellers looking for a quieter, less demanding trail, with rich forest scenery and a powerful flowing waterfall.

Whichever adventure you choose, you are in for an authentic nature experience with the guidance of pro photographer-guides. Natural Arctic beauty isn’t found in just one location. Instead, it is a whole landscape waiting to be discovered, one canyon at a time.

Do you need inspiration or help booking a tour? Follow us on Instagram (@beyondarctic) and TikTok (@beyondarctic) for more content. Got questions? Contact our Arctic experts by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com)

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