Northern Ostrobothnia is a region that offers a remarkable mix of winter adventures, outdoor pursuits, and authentic Finnish experiences. Its vast snow-covered forests, pristine national parks, and unique cultural encounters make it an ideal destination for active travelers. Among the highlights we love are the Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure and the Reindeer Yoga in Kuusamo—both offering memorable ways to engage with the landscape and local traditions. These experiences stand out for their intimate nature and genuine connection to the region, perfect for travelers seeking something beyond the typical sightseeing tour.
If you’re wondering what to do in Northern Ostrobothnia, this guide covers the best options to help you choose. Whether you want to hike under the midnight sun, cozy up with a campfire, or practice yoga with reindeer around you, there’s a tour to match your interests.
Quick Overview
This list includes a variety of outdoor, cultural, and scenic experiences. For winter lovers, the Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure and Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park offer deep immersion into Finland’s snowy wilderness. The Reindeer Yoga in Kuusamo provides a calming, nature-based yoga session with reindeer as your companions. For those interested in photography, the Riisitunturi National Park Private Photoshoot & Hiking combines a scenic hike with professional photos. Finally, the Winter Walk in Oulanka National Park offers a serene trek along icy rapids and snowy trails. Each experience offers something unique—check out the details below.
1. Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure
At number 1, the Riisitunturi National Park Snowshoe Adventure stands out for its intimate exploration of the winter landscape on snowshoes. This private tour offers a chance to see how the trees at the top of the peak look like snow-covered creatures—an image that captures the magic of Finnish winter. The tour includes a trail lunch served by the campfire, giving you a true outdoor dining experience. The guide, a local Finnish expert, shares stories about the area’s natural history, adding depth to your adventure.
What makes this tour special is the flexibility and personalized approach. It’s designed for slow explorers, letting you set your own pace while discovering the park’s stunning scenery. The highlight is walking through a winter wonderland with snow-laden trees and panoramic views from the summit. The tour lasts four hours, with pickup options from Ruka, Kuusamo, or Holiday Club Kuusamo, making it convenient regardless of your accommodation.
Bottom Line: This is perfect for travelers who want an authentic, relaxed snowshoe trek with local insights and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a memorable way to connect with the Finnish wilderness.
2. Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park
For hikers, the Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park provides a deeper immersion into the region’s natural beauty. This private tour offers 4 hours of exploring magical forests and scenic fells, whether you’re under the midnight sun or in softer daylight. The highlight is the chance to experience midnight sun, where the sun stays above the horizon, bathing the landscape in a gentle glow.
Led by a local guide, the hike includes a cozy campfire snack while sharing stories about life in Finland’s north. The tour can be customized based on your interests and departure time, making it flexible for different schedules. Starting with options from Ruka or Kuusamo, this experience emphasizes the serene, bluish-green world of Finnish Lapland—an ideal choice for nature lovers.
Guests have noted the quiet, expansive atmosphere and the chance to learn about the region’s flora and fauna. While reviews are not quantified, the experience’s focus on personal attention and natural beauty makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for those who want a personalized, scenic hike with cultural stories and the chance to enjoy the tranquility of the Arctic landscape.
3. Reindeer yoga in Kuusamo
At number 3, Reindeer yoga in Kuusamo combines the calming benefits of yoga with the soothing presence of reindeer. This 1.5-hour session takes place outdoors in Northern Ostrobothnia, where nature becomes your yoga studio. Practicing yoga on reindeer hides, surrounded by calm reindeer grazing nearby, creates an immersive experience that’s both relaxing and grounding.
The instructor, described as very friendly, guides participants through yoga and nature therapy techniques, offering insights into reindeer behavior and northern living. After the session, you can visit the farm’s handicraft workshop, making this experience both physical and cultural. Reindeer yoga is accessible to everyone, regardless of yoga experience, and is highly praised for its unique atmosphere and connection to nature.
This experience is ideal for travelers looking for a calming activity that blends wellness with authentic Finnish wildlife. The single review gives it a perfect 5/5 score, emphasizing how enjoyable and memorable it is.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wellness seekers, animal lovers, or those wanting a peaceful activity amid the tundra’s calm.
4. Riisitunturi National Park Private Photoshoot & Hiking
For those wanting lasting memories of their visit, the Riisitunturi National Park Private Photoshoot & Hiking offers a combination of adventure and professional photography. This comprehensive 7-hour tour includes a guided 5-7 km hike through snowy forests and panoramic viewpoints, along with a professional photo shoot along the trail.
Your guide will help you pose against scenic backgrounds, capturing 20–40 high-quality, professionally edited photos delivered within three days. The tour also features a campfire BBQ, allowing you to relax and enjoy the winter landscape while savoring traditional Finnish fare.
Priced with a focus on quality and personalized service, this experience is ideal for travelers wanting a visual keepsake of their trip or those celebrating special occasions. The reviews are very positive, with a 4.6/5 rating reflecting the quality of the photos and the scenic route.
Bottom Line: Best for photography enthusiasts, couples, or families wanting professional photos in a stunning winter setting.
5. Winter Walk in Oulanka National Park
Rounding out the list is the Winter Walk in Oulanka National Park, a 3.5-hour guided trek along icy rapids and snowy trails. This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure and scenery, with stops at iconic locations like Myllykoski, Aallokkokoski, and Jyrävä. The guide shares stories about the park’s natural history and the importance of conservation, making the experience informative as well as scenic.
The tour includes a cozy break with campfire crepes and warm drinks — a perfect way to rejuvenate after walking in the crisp winter air. Pickup options from Holiday Club Kuusamo, Ruka Ski Resort, and SKI-INN Hotels & Apartments RukaValley make it accessible for various travelers.
While the review score isn’t specified, the focus on personalized pacing and stunning natural sights make it a solid choice for those who want a manageable walk that showcases the region’s winter magic.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a scenic, leisurely hike with tasty treats and local insights.
How to Choose
Picking the right tour in Northern Ostrobothnia depends on your interests, fitness level, and how much you want to spend. If you love snowy landscapes and outdoor adventure, the Riisitunturi Snowshoe Adventure offers a cozy, guided experience. For a more intimate, professional photograph with snowy backdrops, consider the Riisitunturi Private Photoshoot & Hiking.
Travelers seeking relaxation and wildlife encounters might prefer the Reindeer Yoga session, especially if wellness and animal interaction appeal to you. For those who want a scenic, leisurely walk combined with local stories, the Oulanka Winter Walk fits the bill.
Ultimately, your choice should consider your budget, time available, and interests—whether it’s photography, outdoor adventure, cultural connection, or simply soaking in the winter scenery.
Final Thoughts
Northern Ostrobothnia offers a wide range of memorable tours, from snowshoeing in pristine forests to peaceful reindeer yoga sessions. For active travelers, the snowshoe adventure provides an authentic way to explore the frozen landscape. For those wanting a keepsake, the private photoshoot turns your trip into art. Wellness seekers can find serenity in reindeer yoga, while scenic hikes along icy rapids showcase the region’s natural beauty.
To make the most of your trip, book early—especially during peak winter months—and tailor your choices based on your interests and fitness level. Whether you’re after adrenaline, relaxation, or cultural richness, Northern Ostrobothnia has an experience waiting that’s just right for you.