Far beyond the city lights and everyday routines lies a wilderness that feels timeless, untouched, and profoundly peaceful. Riisitunturi National Park, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is one of those rare places where the natural world still reigns supreme. Here, rolling hills meet endless forests, and in winter, snow-laden trees form surreal shapes, each one sculpted by the Arctic winds into a silent guardian of the wilderness. Joining our guided hike through Riisitunturi with a traditional campfire and BBQ is more than just a tour—it’s a journey into the soul of Lapland. It is a story told not only through the crunch of snow beneath your boots, but also through the taste of fire-grilled food, the warmth of shared laughter, and the serenity of Arctic landscapes that leave you humbled by their scale and beauty.

The Journey to Riisitunturi

The adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Rovaniemi. Your guide welcomes you warmly and soon you’re traveling north through the pristine heart of Lapland. The drive, which lasts around two hours, feels like its own part of the experience: frozen rivers, tiny villages with red wooden houses, and herds of reindeer wandering freely across snow-blanketed fields. As the landscape changes from flatlands to rising fells, anticipation builds. Guests often remark that the journey feels cinematic, as if they are entering a new world—one that seems untouched by time.

Arrival and First Impressions

When the van stops and you step out into the fresh Arctic air, you’ll notice immediately how quiet it is. The silence of Riisitunturi is not empty but full—full of whispers from the wind, the occasional call of a raven, and the soft rhythm of your own breathing. In winter, the snow weighs heavily on the spruce trees, bending them into fantastical shapes known locally as ‘tykky’. These frozen figures create one of the most iconic sights of Lapland, often compared to a natural sculpture park. In autumn, the same landscape glows with fiery reds, yellows, and oranges, painting the hillsides in vibrant colors. Each season offers a different first impression, but all of them are unforgettable.

The Guided Hike

The hike begins gently, following well-marked trails that wind through the forest and up toward the open fells. Our guides ensure the pace is steady and enjoyable, making this tour suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll learn about the geology of Riisitunturi, how the land was shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age, and how the Sámi people have traditionally moved through these lands. In winter, the trail is covered in a thick carpet of snow, and snowshoes may be provided to make the journey easier. Each step feels like entering deeper into a story—one where you are both the traveler and the narrator, writing your own chapter in the Arctic wilderness.

Scenic Views and Hidden Wonders

As you ascend higher into the park, the trees begin to thin, revealing sweeping panoramas that seem endless. From the ridges of Riisitunturi, you can gaze out over Lake Kitkajärvi, one of Finland’s most beautiful bodies of water, which in winter is frozen solid and shimmering under the pale sun. On clear days, the horizon feels infinite, with layer upon layer of snowy forests stretching as far as the eye can see. In summer, the same view reveals a patchwork of deep green forests, sparkling lakes, and wildflower meadows. For photographers, this is paradise. For dreamers, it’s proof that magic truly exists on Earth.

Campfire and Lapland BBQ

After working up an appetite, the group gathers around a campfire prepared by the guide. The flames crackle cheerfully, sending sparks into the cold air, while the scent of smoke and grilled food fills the forest. A Lapland BBQ is not only a meal—it is a cultural tradition, a way to connect with the land and with one another. Guests are treated to local delicacies, such as juicy sausages, fresh bread, and sometimes salmon, all grilled over open flames. Nothing tastes quite like food cooked in the wilderness, where the contrast between the warm fire and the cool Arctic air heightens every flavor. To drink, you’ll enjoy steaming cups of hot berry juice, a sweet and comforting Lapland classic. It warms your hands, your body, and your soul.

Seasons in Riisitunturi

Riisitunturi is a park of many faces. In winter, it is a world of snow and silence, where the trees transform into ghostly figures under their icy coats. Spring brings renewal, as melting snow reveals trickling streams and the return of birdsong. Summer fills the park with vibrant greens, endless daylight, and wildflowers dancing in the wind. Autumn is perhaps the most dramatic, as the ruska season paints the hillsides in shades of crimson, amber, and gold. Each visit to Riisitunturi is different, and many travelers return in multiple seasons to witness its ever-changing beauty. This tour is carefully designed to showcase the highlights of each season, ensuring you always experience the park at its most magical.

Wildlife and Nature

Although the park feels still and quiet, it is alive with wildlife. In the snow, you may see tracks of foxes, hares, or even lynx. Reindeer often wander nearby, their antlers frosted with snow, adding to the fairy-tale atmosphere. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting species such as Siberian jays, willow grouse, or the elusive golden eagle soaring high above the ridges. Our guides know how to read the signs of the forest, and even if you don’t spot an animal directly, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how life thrives in these northern latitudes.

Connection to Local Traditions

Fire has always been central to life in Lapland. For the Sámi people, and for generations of Laplanders, gathering around a fire was not just about warmth or food—it was about community and storytelling. During this tour, as you sit by the campfire, you are part of that tradition. Stories are shared, laughter echoes into the night, and strangers become companions. It’s a reminder that adventure is not only about where you go, but also about who you share it with.

A Tour for Adventure Seekers

This tour is ideal for travelers who seek more than passive sightseeing. It invites you to be active, to hike, to engage your senses, and to reward yourself with the simple joys of fire and food. For photographers, Riisitunturi provides some of the most spectacular backdrops in Lapland. For families, it is a chance to share an adventure that children will remember for years. For solo travelers, it is an opportunity to connect with others while finding peace in nature. No matter who you are, this hike offers something deeply personal and unforgettable.



Memories That Last a Lifetime

As you return to Rovaniemi at the end of the day, your camera will be filled with images, but it is the feelings that linger the most. The warmth of the fire on your face, the taste of grilled food in the fresh air, the sight of snow-covered trees standing silent against the horizon—these are the memories that stay with you long after the trip. Hiking in Riisitunturi with a campfire and BBQ is not simply a tour to check off your list. It is an encounter with nature in its purest form, a celebration of tradition, and an adventure that will stay etched in your heart. For many, it becomes the story they tell when they remember Lapland—the day they stepped into a living fairytale.