Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking

If you’re into winter that feels real, this is one of the best ways to spend a half day in Lapland. You’ll drill holes in the ice, fish the old way, then cook what you catch over an open fire. The setting is quiet, the work is hands-on, and the reward is a warm meal that tastes like cold-weather victory.

I especially love the traditional ice-fishing methods you get to try yourself, not just watch. And I like that the day ends with open fire cooking right there at camp, including comfort food like salmon soup and sweet treats like marshmallows. One thing to consider is the obvious one: you’re outdoors in winter conditions, so warm, windproof clothing really matters.

Key highlights

• Kairaaminen (drilling holes), pilkkiminen (ice fishing), juomustus (under-ice nets), all taught during the session
• A camp setup with an open fire, where you cook different styles of fish from your catch
• Food you build with your own hands, from hearty soup to warming fish dishes
• Family-friendly guidance, with demonstrations that help kids and grandparents keep up
• Safety gear included, plus a guide team focused on keeping things manageable

Why Rahajärvi Ice Fishing Feels Like a Winter Time Capsule

This experience works because it’s not just about catching fish. It’s about doing winter in Finland the practical way, with techniques that make sense when the lake is frozen solid and the day is all about patience.

Ivalo is in Finnish Lapland, and Rahajärvi is the kind of place where the cold is clear and the water is cold and clean. That matters. When you catch something fresh from the North waters and cook it quickly over fire, you notice the difference. The fish does not taste like “maybe it was fine.” It tastes like it was pulled from the lake and turned into food while you were still there.

The tone of the trip stays grounded. The guides focus on teaching, step by step, and they keep the group moving. In one of the groups I think about, even kids and older relatives were able to participate because the guidance was clear and the demonstrations were hands-on. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes “learn a skill, eat the result,” you’ll enjoy this a lot.

The cooking is part of the magic. Fish from an ice hole is one thing. Fish turned into something warm and comforting by an open fire is another. That transition is where the day becomes memorable.

Meet at Eräsoppi, Then Ride Out to the Lake

Plan on a half-day style outing. The trip starts at 10:00 at the Xwander meeting shop, Eräsoppi, at Ivalontie 12. They ask you to arrive by 9:45 so the group can do quick preparations before you head out.

From the shop, you take a car ride to the lake. That little transport step is helpful because it gets you out of town and onto the frozen water without you figuring out logistics in the cold. If you’re staying in Ivalo, there’s a complimentary pick-up. If you’re in Inari, Nellim, Saariselkä, or Kiilopää, you need to contact the operator ahead of time to arrange a transfer, since it’s not listed as automatically included for every area.

Total time is about 5 hours, with a return around 15:15. This is long enough to actually feel like you had a full activity, not just a photo stop. It also fits well with other Lapland plans that often happen later in the day, like northern lights hunting.

Drilling Holes, Line Fishing, and Under-Ice Nets

This is where the trip becomes more than “sit and wait.” You’ll get introduced to a set of traditional Lappish winter fishing methods, and you’ll understand what each one is doing.

First comes kairaaminen, drilling holes to reach the water under the ice. You’ll learn how the process works and what to watch for. Yes, it’s physical work. In winter, that drill time can be the moment you realize you’re not on a lazy vacation day, but it also feels empowering. You’re making the access point that turns the frozen lake into a fishing spot.

Then you move into pilkkiminen, ice fishing, using a line. This is where you can slow down and focus. You learn how to fish from a hole in the ice, and you start paying attention to what the water tells you.

Next is juomustus, net fishing under the ice. This adds variety because it’s a different technique and it changes the rhythm of the day. It’s also a good way to let different personalities enjoy the fishing. If one method is harder for you, you still have another way to be involved.

By the time you reach the cooking stage, you’re not just eating fish. You’re eating the result of the methods you helped carry out.

Staying Warm and Safe on the Ice

Cold turns bad quickly if you’re underdressed, so this part is not optional thinking. Winter in Lapland can vary fast, and wind makes everything feel harsher than the thermometer suggests. They recommend warm, windproof clothing, and I agree with that strongly. Bring layers you can adjust, and keep your outer layer ready to block wind.

The good news: safety equipment is included. That matters because the ice part of the day is taken seriously. You won’t be left to guess about what to do.

Also, don’t underestimate how quickly your body can get tired in cold conditions. If you plan snacks and water like you would on a hike, you’ll feel better during drilling and between fishing attempts. The tour suggests bringing snacks and water, which is practical advice.

What’s not included is winter clothing. If you’re traveling light or arriving from a warmer place, plan to rent or buy appropriate gear before you come, or you might end up using your trip budget to cover what you didn’t pack.

One more practical note: the trip is executed with a minimum of 2 participants. That doesn’t mean it will be huge, but it tells you the operator will be running it as long as there are enough people, which helps with scheduling confidence.

Open Fire Cooking, Salmon Soup, and Marshmallows

The best part of the day might be what happens after fishing. You cook and eat your catch on an open fire, and the food is built around what you caught.

They provide open fire food, along with cooking equipment and table wear. You’re not digging around for utensils in a snowbank. Your job is to learn how to cook fish over fire and enjoy the warmth once it’s in front of you.

Cooking on an open fire has a different feel than a restaurant meal. Smoke becomes part of the flavor. Waiting for the fire to do its job becomes part of the experience. And when you’re standing in a forest tent area around the fire, it feels like the day turns into a story you’ll remember.

In particular, I’d be excited about dishes like salmon soup and the simple joy of marshmallows by the fire. There’s also mention of warming fish dishes such as a cream stew with bread and fish, so you’re not limited to one style. Different cooking styles keep it interesting even if you’re not a die-hard foodie. You’ll likely taste more than you expected for a 5-hour winter outing.

One nice detail: the guides don’t just hand you food. They help with demonstrations and support, including with families. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a big deal. Kids tend to do better when there’s a clear job to watch, try, or help with.

What You Should Bring (and What You Can Skip)

Let’s talk real packing. The tour specifically suggests bringing:

• Warm clothing
• Camera
• Snacks
• Water

That’s the core. Here’s how I’d translate it into a smart kit for the day.

Wear layers you can move in, and make sure your outer layer is windproof. You’ll probably work with your hands during drilling and fishing, so avoid bulky clothes that restrict movement. If your gloves keep slipping or your sleeves expose skin, cold will find that gap fast.

Bring a camera because the lake holes, the forest camp feel, and the moment food hits your hands are all photo-worthy. Just plan for battery drain. Cold kills battery life. Keeping your camera inside a pocket until you need it helps.

Snacks and water might seem minor, but they keep energy stable. Cold makes hunger sneak up, and you don’t want to rely only on the included meal.

If you don’t have winter clothing, remember it’s not included. If you’re asking yourself whether you should rent gear, I’d lean toward yes if you’re not already set up for cold weather.

Price and Value: Is $167 Worth It?

At $167 per person, this isn’t a “grab and go” activity. The value depends on what you want from Lapland.

Here’s what you’re paying for that you can’t easily DIY:

• Guided teaching of multiple ice-fishing techniques
• Safety equipment included
• A full half-day outdoor setup where you cook and eat what you catch
• Cooking equipment and table wear provided, plus open fire food

For many visitors, that’s the real bargain. The hidden costs of trying to recreate this on your own include transport, equipment, local know-how, and the time cost of figuring out how to fish safely. Here, the guides handle the tricky parts so you can focus on the experience.

The main “value risk” is what’s not included: transfer to the meeting place and winter clothing. If you already have warm gear and can easily reach the shop (or you’re in Ivalo where pick-up is available), the price feels more justified. If you need to rent clothing or pay for extra transport, budget a bit more.

One more practical angle: this is a 5-hour activity, so it’s substantial enough to replace a meal and an excursion. You’re not just paying for fish. You’re paying for a skill lesson plus a full outdoor cooking session.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Skip It)

This trip is ideal if you:

• Want a hands-on winter activity, not just a sightseeing drive
• Like traditional skills and learning how local people fish and cook in winter
• Are okay with being outside for a few hours in cold weather
• Want a meal that feels connected to your effort

It also works well for mixed groups. One family group included young kids and older relatives, and the guides supported everyone with detailed explanations and demonstrations. If you’re traveling with people who want a shared activity, this can be a strong choice.

Who might reconsider:

• Anyone who hates cold outdoor time or can’t manage windproof layering
• People who have trouble doing physical tasks like drilling holes
• Travelers who are very uncomfortable with eating fish you caught yourself

That’s not a “gotcha.” It’s just honest fit. The experience is meant to be active.

Quick Timing Tips for a Smooth 5 Hours

Since you’re meeting at 9:45 for a 10:00 start, arrive on time. Those first minutes matter because the cold makes “figuring it out later” a bad plan.

Once you’re at the lake, remember the day is paced by technique. You’ll switch between drilling, line fishing, and net fishing, then shift to cooking. If you try to treat it like a one-method event, you might miss how the rhythm keeps the day fun.

Also, don’t forget to pace yourself between warm and cold moments. When you get to the fire area, take a real moment to warm up. You’ll enjoy the meal more if you’re not rushing.

And if you get a guide like Julien (mentioned by a guest who appreciated careful, kind guidance during cooking and net fishing), expect that the best moments will happen when you ask questions and follow the demos.

Should You Book Arctic Fishing and Open Fire Cooking in Ivalo?

Book it if you want a memorable Lapland day that blends traditional ice fishing with real open fire cooking, and you’re comfortable dressing properly for winter. The included safety gear, the hands-on methods, and the fact that you cook and eat your catch make it feel like more than a one-off tour.

Skip it or be cautious if you’re short on winter gear, hate being outside in windy cold, or can’t handle the physical side of drilling and fishing. This is a winter activity that asks for a bit of participation, not just watching.

If you’re on the fence, my advice is simple: plan your clothing first, then commit. When you’re warm enough, the whole experience clicks into place, and you’ll leave with that rare combo, knowledge in your head and a warm meal in your hands.

FAQ

How long is the Arctic Fishing & Open Fire Cooking trip?

The duration is around 5 hours.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Eräsoppi / Xwander shop at Ivalontie 12. Please be there no later than 9:45 for a 10:00 start.

Is pick-up included?

There is a complimentary pick up service for Ivalo. For Inari, Nellim, Saariselkä, and Kiilopää, you need to contact the operator ahead to book a transfer.

What fishing methods are included?

You’ll experience traditional methods such as drilling holes in the ice (kairaaminen), ice fishing (pilkkiminen), and net fishing under the ice (juomustus).

What is included in the price?

Open fire food, cooking equipment and table wear, and safety equipment are included.

What should I bring?

Bring warm clothing, a camera, snacks, and water.

Is winter clothing provided?

No. Winter clothing is not included.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live guide speaks Finnish, English, and French.