Riisitunturi Wilderness Adventure and Winter Sports in Rovaniemi

The shortest winter days are now in the rear-view mirror. From January onwards, winter in Rovaniemi takes on a new rhythm. Daylight stretches a little further each day, and the snowy landscapes of Finnish Lapland become easier to explore.

More daylight means better opportunities for winter photography, and a time many travellers to Rovaniemi and Levi consider ideal: crisp air, reliable snow conditions, and enough light to appreciate the details of forests, fells, and frozen wetlands. For visitors staying in Rovaniemi, this period opens the door to some of the region’s most rewarding winter experiences, with Riisitunturi National Park high on the list.

Riisitunturi National Park: A Classic Winter Hike from Rovaniemi
Located about two hours from Rovaniemi, Riisitunturi National Park is known for its open fell (that’s what we call our little mountains here in Finland) landscapes, snow-covered spruce trees, and wide views across frozen mires and forests. In winter, heavy snow and rime ice shape the trees into distinctive forms, making the park a favourite destination for winter hiking.

Read more about Beyond Arctic’s Riisitunturi Wilderness Adventure and book your seats now! From February onwards, we are offering this unique hike 6 days a week – from Monday to Saturday.

A guided visit to Riisitunturi is not about rushing from viewpoint to viewpoint. It’s about moving steadily through the terrain, learning how to travel safely in winter conditions, and taking time to stop and observe. From January onward, longer daylight hours mean more opportunities to enjoy the scenery without feeling pressed for time, and clearer light often makes photography easier. Beyond Arctic’s wilderness guides are accomplished nature photographers, and the photos captured during the day will be available for downloading after the tours – it’s all included in the price when booking with us.

Starting from the beginning of February, we will be offering Riisitunturi tours six days a week, from Monday to Saturday. This flexible schedule makes it easier for you to tick a visit to Riisitunturi National Park off your bucket list, whether you are in Rovaniemi for a short break or a longer stay.

Try all the Arctic Winter Sports
Finnish Lapland’s popularity as a winter destination has grown, and with it the number of tours on offer. Choosing a responsible supplier matters, especially when activities take place in national parks and sensitive natural environments. Beyond Arctic is Green Activities certified, which means environmental responsibility is built into how our tours are planned and operated. This includes group sizes (max 8 persons per guide), routes, transport, and how visitors are guided to respect the landscape.

For travellers, this approach results in a calmer and more meaningful experience. Instead of focusing on quantity, the emphasis is on quality: time to walk, time to ask questions, and time to understand how nature and local life are connected. In places like Riisitunturi National Park, this mindset helps us to work towards more sustainable practices in winter tourism.

Winter Favorites around Rovaniemi
While Riisitunturi National Park is a highlight, it’s far from the only winter experience worth considering from January onwards. Snowshoeing in forests closer to Rovaniemi offers a different perspective, with sheltered trails, frozen rivers, and chances to learn about animal tracks and winter survival techniques. These outings are well suited to travellers who want to stay closer to town while still experiencing the quiet side of Lapland.

Back-country skiing (with short, wide forest skis) is another way to move in the nature – and is perfectly suitable to even total beginners.

Another popular option is combining winter travel with evening activities, such as Northern Lights tours. As days get longer, nights remain dark enough for aurora viewing, and clearer skies later in the season can improve chances. Pairing daytime wilderness exploration with an evening under the stars creates a balanced winter schedule without feeling rushed.

For those looking for a more relaxed and local experience, why not try Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake? Ice fishing is a popular pastime among Rovaniemi locals, and you often see people fishing on lakes and even on the river ice near the city center.

Why photos matter on winter tours
Winter landscapes can be visually striking but photographing them can be challenging. Cold temperatures affect batteries, light conditions change quickly, and it can be difficult to capture moments while wearing gloves or moving on snowshoes. Choosing a tour that includes guidance and a professional photographer can make a real difference.

Beyond Arctic includes photos on all the tours we offer, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the experience rather than trying to figure out camera settings. Having a guide who understands both the environment and photography means key moments are captured naturally, whether it’s a quiet pause on a fell top or a shared moment on the trail. For many visitors, these photos become a lasting record of their time in Lapland, without the stress of trying to manage equipment in winter conditions. See our Instagram feed more some winter inspiration or contact us for details and advice!

Making the most of late winter in Lapland
January and the months that follow are often described as a turning point in the Arctic winter. Light returns, temperatures are usually stable, and snow conditions are at their best for outdoor travel.

By choosing responsible operators, well-planned tours, and experiences that allow you to be present in the moment, winter travel in Rovaniemi becomes less about ticking boxes and more about understanding the place you are visiting. Whether it’s a full day in Riisitunturi or a shorter snowshoe walk near town, our selection of winter sports offers a clear and memorable way to experience Lapland at its best.