Snowmobile tour Sámi Historical Sights with Visit Inari

If you’re visiting Finnish Lapland, one experience you simply cannot miss is the Snowmobile Tour to Sámi Sights offered by Visit Inari. This incredible adventure takes you across the frozen Lake Inari, often called the "Sámi Sea," combining adrenaline-pumping snowmobile rides with a fascinating dive into the history and culture of the Sámi people.

Exploring Lake Inari and Beyond

Lake Inari, one of Finland’s largest lakes, is breathtaking when completely frozen in winter. Lake Inari is an impressive 80 kilometers long, 40 kilometers wide, and reaches depths of up to 61 meters. Imagine how exciting it would be to drive a snowmobile across this enormous, snowy area. The frozen surface turns into a spotless playground where adventure and the beauty of nature coexist. The adrenaline rush was thrilling, and our guide even urged us to accelerate on the lake!

But be prepared—it’s cold out there! While the operator provides warm gear, you’ll want to bring extra layers like thermal socks, gloves, heat pads, and a good scarf. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Cultural Highlights: Pielpajärvi and Ukko’s Rock

The tour also includes stops at two remarkable historical sites:

• Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church: This wooden church, built in 1760, is the only remnant of the old Sámi winter village. It's simple to envision the strong bond the Sámi people had with this region when you're standing there surrounded by unspoiled environment. It's a calm, almost spiritual atmosphere. You are permitted to enter the church, where you may still appreciate its beauty despite the extreme cold. When you consider that this church has been there since 1760 and has withstood everything that nature has thrown at it, I think it's really amazing to see a structure standing in the cold.

• Ukko’s Rock: Known as an ancient Sámi sacrificial island, this rugged formation holds spiritual significance. It’s fascinating to learn how the Sámi used this site for rituals and offerings, honoring their deep connection with nature and their beliefs.

 

Our guide, a very nice and informed native, told us fascinating information about the lake, the Sámi culture, and these sites. The discussions elevated the experience above a simple snowmobile trip by adding a deep level of complexity.

My Experience on the Snowmobile

I’ll admit, I was nervous about driving the snowmobile. I initially let my husband to take the lead while I sat back and enjoyed the ride. He absolutely loved it, and his excitement convinced me to give it a try. Once I got the hang of it, it was incredible! An amazing adventure was created by the mix of the breathtaking scenery, the chilly wind whipping by, and the excitement of riding across the frozen lake.

Another magical aspect of this experience is being completely surrounded by pristine nature. The silence of the Arctic wilderness is only broken by the hum of your snowmobile. The only “traffic” you might encounter are reindeer, gracefully making their way through the snowy landscape. These animals are so accustomed to snowmobiles that you can ride slowly past them, getting an up-close view of their beauty.

Lunch by the Fire

After all the excitement, we stopped for a well-deserved break. Lunch was a delicious salmon soup served by an open campfire. The warm food and fire were perfect for thawing out cold fingers and toes, and we had great conversations with our guide about the Sámi culture and life in Lapland.

Why This Tour is Worth It

This snowmobile safari offers the perfect mix of adventure and culture. At 4–5 hours, the activity is long enough to feel immersive but still reasonably priced compared to full-day snowmobile tours. It’s an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Lapland while learning about its rich history.

So, if you’re looking for a unique way to combine adrenaline and culture, this tour is a must. Just remember to dress warmly, bring extra layers, and prepare for an unforgettable day on the ice!

Tour Details

• Name: Snowmobile Historical Sámi Sights

• Provider: Visit Inari

• Duration: 4–5 hours

• What’s Included: Snowmobile ride, cultural stops, and a picnic lunch by the fire.

Don’t hesitate—this tour is worth every penny and will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime!