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.

Looking for more insider tips, travel inspiration or ideas for activities?

Contact our Arctic experts by phone or WhatsApp (+358 50 323 1090) or email (contact@beyondarctic.com)

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