Heritage Ice Fishing at Saariniemi Estate
Step into the silence of the Arctic and discover one of Lapland's oldest winter traditions.
At Saariniemi Estate, ice fishing is more than a recreational activity — it is part of a way of life that has sustained people in the North for generations.
Your private experience begins at the historic Saariniemi Estate, where you meet your guide and learn about local fishing traditions. We then travel across the frozen lake by snowmobile sled to carefully selected fishing locations on Lake Vanttausjärvi.
Along the way, you will experience both traditional ice fishing and the unique practice of under-ice net fishing, a method that has been used in northern Finland for centuries.
Far from roads, crowds and artificial lights, the frozen lake offers something increasingly rare: silence, space and time to slow down.
A private experience on the frozen lake
We guide you in preparing the equipment, drilling through the ice and understanding the traditional methods used by local fishermen.
Whether the catch is plentiful or modest, the experience is never only about the fish.
It is about listening to the winter landscape, learning traditional skills and experiencing the rhythm of life in the Arctic.
During the excursion, we gather around a campfire on the ice, enjoy warm drinks and light snacks, and share stories of local life, history and fishing traditions in Finnish Lapland.
No rush, no crowds — just you, your guide and the vast winter landscape.
Complete the Experience at Saariniemi Estate
After your time on the frozen lake, the experience can be extended with a private lunch or Heritage Dining experience in Saariniemi Estate's historic 19th-century log house.
Gather around the old wooden table, enjoy traditional northern flavours and hear stories of local life, history and the traditions that have shaped Finnish Lapland for generations.
Moving from the silence of the frozen lake to the warmth of the estate creates a unique journey through Arctic nature, culture and hospitality.
Private dining can be arranged separately upon request, creating a seamless transition from Arctic wilderness to authentic Finnish hospitality.
Also Traditional Finnish sauna availabe as an optional add-on experience.
Ethical Fishing at Saariniemi Estate
Fishing is an important part of Finnish culture and a deep connection with nature.
At Saariniemi Estate, we fish responsibly and with respect for the rhythms of nature.
For us, it is important to:
• Handle fish respectfully and as gently as possible
• Use the catch for food, not for sport
• Follow fishing seasons, regulations and permits
• Preserve traditional methods and local knowledge
• Take only what we need
Ice fishing is not only about the catch — it is about understanding the northern way of life.
Included
• Private guided experience
• Snowmobile sled transport across the lake
• Traditional ice fishing
• Traditional under-ice net fishing experience
• Fishing equipment
• Warm outdoor clothing if needed
• Campfire on the frozen lake
• Warm drinks and light snacks
Practical Information
Price: €2,290 per private group (2-8 guests)
Duration: approximately 2–3 hours
Season: December–March
Location: Saariniemi Estate, Lake Vanttausjärvi
Availability: Subject to weather and ice conditions
