Arctic Forest Adventure
Step into a snowy Lapland forest and experience winter nature in a slightly different way. Arctic Forest Adventure takes you by headlamp through Karu Lodge’s private forest area, following old woodland and a natural reindeer trail deeper into the winter landscape.
Along the way, we stop on reindeer hides in the snow and switch off our headlamps for a moment. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you are left with the silence of the forest and the winter night around you. On a clear evening, the stars and the Milky Way may appear overhead – and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights as well.
At the end of the adventure, the route leads to a sledding hill and finally to a traditional kota hut by the open fire. There is time to warm up, enjoy a hot drink and spend an unhurried moment together.
A Winter Forest Adventure by Headlamp
Arctic Forest Adventure takes you on snowshoes through Karu Lodge’s private forest area, surrounded by the snowy winter nature of Lapland. The route leads through old forest and along a natural reindeer trail deeper into the woods, where movement, silence and the small details of winter nature all become part of the experience.
The experience begins by meeting at Karu Lodge’s red main building. Your guide will introduce the equipment, explain how to move with snowshoes and go through the safety instructions for the route. From there, we head into the forest by headlamp.
The route takes you through varied winter forest terrain and includes some uphill sections. No previous snowshoeing experience is required. Your guide will show you the basic technique before setting out and assist you along the way when needed.
Part of the route follows a natural reindeer trail used by reindeer in the area during the snow-free season. The trail leads us through the old forest and deeper into the winter landscape.
Along the way, we stop and lie down on reindeer hides in the snow. We switch off our headlamps for a moment and allow our eyes to adjust to the darkness. On a clear evening, you may see the stars and the Milky Way above – and, with a little luck, the Northern Lights as well. We cannot promise stars or Northern Lights, but the darkness and silence of the winter forest can be experienced whatever the weather.
At the end of the forest route, we reach the sledding hill, where there is time to enjoy some speed and winter fun.
After sledding, we head into a warm traditional kota hut by the open fire. There, we enjoy a hot drink and spend an unhurried moment by the fire before the experience comes to an end.
What to Wear
Arctic Forest Adventure takes place entirely in winter conditions, so warm clothing is an important part of a comfortable experience.
We recommend:
- a warm winter overall, or winter trousers and a winter jacket
- warm winter boots, preferably with wool socks
- a warm hat
- warm gloves or mittens
- a neck warmer or scarf
- warm layers underneath your outerwear
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Physical level: moderate – the route is travelled on snowshoes through winter forest terrain and includes some uphill sections.
Group size: maximum 10 guests.
Minimum age: 12 years.
The experience includes snowshoeing through winter forest terrain with some uphill sections. Participants should be comfortable moving on snowshoes during the approximately two-hour experience.
What’s Included
- guided forest adventure on Karu Lodge’s private grounds
- snowshoes
- headlamp
- reindeer hides
- sleds and use of the sledding hill
- traditional kota hut and open fire
- hot drink
- guide services
Price:
- 99€/person
Optional Extras for Private Groups
For private groups, the experience can be combined with additional services such as:
- dining at Karu Lodge
- private smoke sauna and ice hole
Transportation
Transportation to Karu Lodge is not included in the price of the experience. If needed, transportation can be arranged at an additional cost through a local transport provider.
Distances
- Approximately 8 km from Luosto
- Approximately 40 km from Pyhä
- Approximately 35 km from Sodankylä
- Approximately 110 km from Rovaniemi