Ivalo, in the heart of Lapland, is a place where the natural world still holds sway. It’s a region that offers much more than the typical snowy postcard—here, you can paddle under the Midnight Sun, chase the elusive Aurora Borealis, and learn about Sami culture right from the source. One of the things that makes Ivalo stand out for tours and experiences is its combination of untouched wilderness and authentic local life. For example, a summer evening on a lake in the wild offers a peaceful escape that’s hard to beat. We love this trip because it combines quiet boating, fishing, and a campfire dinner on an island—an experience that captures the essence of Lapland’s natural beauty.
But Ivalo isn’t just about summer; it’s also a prime spot to see the Northern Lights, go reindeer sledding, or explore local farms. Whether you want a quick 1.5-hour visit to a farm or an intense snowmobile journey, you’ll find something that fits your schedule and interests. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top eight tours and experiences, so you can choose what best suits your adventure style.
1. Ivalo: Summer Evening on a Lake in the Wild
At number one, this summer evening boat adventure promises a quiet paddle through pristine waters with an electric outboard—no noisy motors here. You’ll fish under the Midnight Sun, which is an experience few places in the world offer. The boat trip lasts about 5 hours, starting from Rajajoosepintie 120a, and takes you to a secret lake where you can test different fishing techniques. The highlight, however, is docking on a small island around 9:30 pm, where Mika, your guide, fillets fresh fish, cooks it over an open fire, and serves it with reindeer, potatoes, and sauce—a meal worthy of a Finnish wilderness lodge.
This tour is a true immersion into Lapland’s natural rhythm—quiet, simple, and deeply authentic. Mika’s knowledge and friendliness shine through, and reviews praise the activity for its “real Finland” feel and the chance to unwind completely. It’s ideal for those who want to disconnect and experience nature in its purest form.
Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers wanting a peaceful, authentic fishing and wilderness experience with exceptional local hospitality.
2. IVALO: Experience Farm Visit | small group
A short but charming farm visit offers a hands-on look at rural life in Lapland. Lasting just 1.5 hours, this tour takes you through the farm and a mystical nature path, revealing seasonal tasks and local folklore. You’ll meet huskies, reindeer, and other domestic animals, with plenty of cuddling opportunities—ideal for families or animal lovers.
What makes this experience stand out is its seasonal focus. In winter, you might help with reindeer feeding; in summer, explore the farm’s gardens and folklore stories. The tour includes a drink and delicacy at the farm’s handicraft boutique, connecting you to local artisans.
Guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to learn about Finnish mythology through storytelling. It’s a great way to connect with Sami culture without long hours or strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: A warm, engaging introduction to farm life and folklore—perfect for those with limited time or traveling with kids.
3. Aurora Hunting with Reindeer
For those dreaming of seeing the Northern Lights, this reindeer fence aurora hunt offers an intimate experience that combines patience, culture, and natural spectacle. The 2-hour tour near Ivalo Airport involves waiting in a traditional Sámi hut, where you’ll enjoy creamy reindeer meat soup and hot berry juice as the sky darkens.
What makes this tour unique is the chance to learn about reindeer herding and Sámi traditions from guides who are passionate about their culture. You meet local reindeer, hear stories, and at the right moment, watch the sky for the Aurora Borealis to dance overhead.
While the timing depends on solar activity, guests love the cozy atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides. The soup and storytelling add a personal touch that elevates this from just a chance to see lights to a cultural experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a culturally rich, relaxed Northern Lights outing with good local storytelling.
4. Guided Fatbike Tour in Ivalo
This guided fatbike tour offers an energetic way to explore Ivalo’s wilderness. Over two hours, you’ll pedal through forests, along the Ivalo River, and past old riverbeds—known locally as “Vuopaja.” The heavy-duty bikes handle snow and uneven terrain comfortably, making this suitable even for beginners.
The guide shares insights into local history and ecology while leading you past flood-resistant infrastructure and scenic spots. The ride is brisk but manageable, with plenty of opportunities to stop, take photos, and learn about how locals adapt to Arctic conditions.
Reviewers mention the thrill of discovering hidden trails and the local knowledge that makes the experience more meaningful. It’s a good pick for active travelers who want to blend outdoor fun with cultural insights.
Bottom Line: An exhilarating, physically rewarding way to see Ivalo’s natural beauty and history—best suited for active small groups or couples.
5. Inari/Ivalo: Aurora Hunting Tour by Car with Warm Drinks
For a flexible, comfortable Northern Lights experience, this aurora hunting by car is ideal. Lasting four hours, it takes you to remote spots in the Lappish wilderness, with local guides who tailor the trip based on weather and aurora forecasts.
You’ll travel in a warm vehicle, stopping at spots with the best potential for sightings. Hot drinks and snacks keep you cozy, and the guide shares insights about auroras and local traditions. Guests find this tour offers a good balance of comfort and adventure, without sacrificing the thrill of the hunt.
While not as intense as snowmobile or minivan hunts, this tour is perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace and personalized attention. Reviewers appreciate the flexibility and the chance to see the lights in comfort.
Bottom Line: A good choice for travelers who want to maximize their chances with minimal effort, especially in colder weather.
6. Lapland: Aurora Hunting by Minivan with Guide and Transport
This minivan Aurora hunt offers a straightforward, comfortable way to chase the Northern Lights for three hours. It’s perfect if you prefer not to brave the cold outdoors for long but still want a chance to see the skies light up.
The guide takes you to carefully chosen viewing spots, where you can sip hot drinks and enjoy sausages cooked over an open fire. The small group size adds a personal touch, and guides are experts at optimizing your chances based on cloud cover and aurora activity.
Guests consistently rate this tour highly for its ease and excellent local knowledge, making it a safe bet for a relaxed yet exciting Lappish adventure.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a no-fuss, cozy experience with high success odds.
7. Wilderness Adventure by Snowmobile Sleigh
Take a ride through the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area on this snowmobile sleigh trip. Over three hours, you’ll glide through untouched Arctic scenery, listening to the silence broken only by the snowmobile’s hum. Afterward, you’ll warm up in a traditional Sámi hut with homemade reindeer soup.
This tour is highly rated for its immersive experience in Arctic nature, combining the thrill of snowmobiling with cultural elements like reindeer interactions and stories. It’s well suited for adventure seekers comfortable with snowmobiles and outdoor winter activities.
The highlight is not just the ride but the chance to witness the Arctic wilderness at its finest, especially if the Northern Lights decide to make an appearance overhead.
Bottom Line: Best for active, adventure-oriented travelers wanting to combine scenery, culture, and a bit of adrenaline.
8. Saariselkä/Kakslauttanen: Private Aurora Hunt in Premium Car
Finally, the private aurora hunt offers a personalized experience in a luxury setting. Over 3.5 hours, a local expert guides you in a cozy, climate-controlled vehicle, with your own guide and private pick-up and drop-off.
You’ll enjoy warm Arctic herbal tea as you chase the Aurora across carefully selected spots, based on weather forecasts. This tour is perfect for couples, families, or anyone who prefers a private, relaxed atmosphere while still maximizing chances for seeing the lights.
Guests find the combination of comfort, flexibility, and expert knowledge makes this the most exclusive way to experience the Northern Lights in Ivalo.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a tailored, intimate experience with the highest level of comfort.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ivalo
When selecting your ideal experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For example, if you’re short on time but want a quick fix, the 1.5-hour farm visit offers a lightweight local immersion. Conversely, if you’re serious about seeing the Aurora and don’t mind cozying up in a vehicle, the private aurora hunt distinguishes itself with comfort and exclusivity.
For active travelers craving an adrenaline rush, the snowmobile adventure provides both scenery and excitement. And if you want a blend of cultural insight and natural beauty, the reindeer Aurora hunt delivers storytelling with a chance to witness the Northern Lights.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours during peak Aurora season (late September to March). Be aware of weather conditions and choose tours with flexible cancellation policies if possible.
Final Thoughts
Ivalo offers a wide array of tours that cater to different interests and activity levels. For a peaceful lakeside experience, the Summer Evening on a Lake is unmatched. Adventure seekers will love the snowmobile safari, while culture enthusiasts can’t miss the farm visit. For those eager to chase the Northern Lights in comfort, the private aurora hunt provides a luxurious option.
Whatever your preference, planning ahead will ensure you secure the best experience for your trip to Lapland’s Ivalo region. Whether you want a quiet moment with nature, a cultural lesson, or a spectacular light show, Ivalo’s tours promise unforgettable memories.