Bucket list experience:
Lapland, Finland
Snowmobiling is the ultimate high-octane way to get out and experience the great outdoors. Speeding at up to 100km/h, they allow you to cover vast distances, even on the short tours.
Lapland, being a vast, unspoilt wilderness with spectacular scenery and miles and miles of empty trails º is perfect for it. No wonder, then, it’s recognised one of the best places in the world to snowmobile.
Tour options will range from ‘try it out’ experiences lasting several hours, to authentic adventures lasting several days or even a week that often also include experience of the traditional Sami way of life. Some tours are aimed specifically at seeing the Northern Lights
There are countless variations of times, locations and add-on experiences, but see our recommendations below of specific snowmobiling-inspired experiences and organised tours (provided by our partner Viator).
All equipment, including vehicle, protective clothing, helmet and often subsistence is included in the tours. Snowmobiling can be tough on your lower arms and wrists. Make sure you have adequate gloved protection.
You must be age 18 or over to drive. Kids must be accompanied by an adult; if they are under 15, they can travel on the snowmobile if they are 140cm tall, or alternatively behind in a sled. There’s usually a minimum age of 3 year, though some operators provided child seats.
Snowmobiling only takes place when there’s snow; depending on the conditions, this tends to be from early December to mid-April. Start times vary by trip and by operator.
Kemi, Lapland, Finland
This retired, 3,500 icebreaker carries guests as it ploughs through the Bothnian icefields. During the tour, daredevils can don a bright-orange puffy rubber survival suit for a float in the icy waters. Complete the experience by snowmobiling back to Kemi for dinner or sleep-over at the Ice Castle.
Best for ages: 6+ | £280 | 3 hours
Saariselka, Lapland, Finland
The iconic igloo has been used by generations of Inuit for shelter. Air pockets in the ice insulate the inside, which can reach temperatures of 16°C degrees. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort offers you the chance to sleep in one.
Best for ages: 13+ | £60 | 1 night
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Rovaniemi
€89 | Rating 4.76 / 5 [21 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Rovaniemi
€104 | Rating 4.47 / 5 [46 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Rovaniemi
€119 | Rating 4.68 / 5 [141 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Rovaniemi
€139 | Rating 4.83 / 5 [12 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Round-ups that include this experience
Multiple countries
A remarkable, ethereal light display that’s one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. Pair it with other bucket list experiences – a thrilling husky ride, a cruise on the Norwegian fjords, or gazing up from bed in a luxury glass igloo. Unmissable.
