Visit the arctic wilderness from Tromsø

Adventures are waiting near Tromsø

Only a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Tromsø takes you to untouched wilderness in Kilpisjärvi, Finland. Here the skies are darker and the Auroras dance brighter. Experience the true Arctic nature on our guided snowmobile and snowshoe tours. Come explore the Arctic tundra!

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How to get there

Why Travel from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi?

Tromsø is the Arctic capital, but Kilpisjärvi is the Arctic soul. Located just 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Tromsø, the village of Kilpisjärvi in Finnish Lapland offers a completely different Arctic experience in the profound silence of the wilderness. Here is why adding a day trip or an overnight stay in Kilpisjärvi is worth the journey:

Escape the Light Pollution for Better Northern Lights

In Tromsø, you often fight light pollution. In Kilpisjärvi, the nearest streetlamp is kilometers away. Our darkness makes the Northern Lights appear sharper, brighter, and more colorful.

Adventure in Finnish Lapland

Add a new country to your adventure: Cross the border to Finland. We offer safari experiences that city-based tours simply cannot match.

Exclusive Wilderness

No convoys of tourist buses. Just you, our local guides, and the vast, open tundra at the foot of Mount Saana. This will be a trip to remember.

The science behind the clear skies: coastal vs. inland climate

Many travelers ask: Why travel 160 km just to see the sky? The answer lies in geography. Tromsø is located on the coast and is subject to a maritime climate, which often brings cloud cover and moisture from the Atlantic.

Kilpisjärvi is different. Located inland, behind the shielding mountain range of the Lyngen Alps, our village sits in a drier, high-altitude microclimate. This geographical position often creates a “blue hole” effect: while the coast is cloudy, the skies over Kilpisjärvi and the Finnish tundra remain crystal clear. This dramatically increases your statistical probability of witnessing the Aurora Borealis during your stay.

Travel information

A road trip through the Lyngen Alps from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi

The transfer from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi is widely considered one of the most beautiful drives in Scandinavia. The route follows the E8 highway, winding through the dramatic valleys of Skibotn and along the base of the Lyngen Alps.

    • Photo Opportunities: The landscape transforms from steep Norwegian fjords to the rolling, snow-covered fells of the Finnish plateau.

    • Road Conditions: The E8 is a main international trucking route, meaning it is prioritized for snowplowing and maintenance throughout the winter.

Practical info: crossing the border to Finland

Visiting Kilpisjärvi means entering a new country, but the process is seamless.

    • Open Borders: Finland and Norway are both part of the Schengen area, so there are typically no border controls. You simply drive across.

    • Time Zone Change: Please note that Finland is 1 hour ahead of Norway (CET +1). When you cross the border, your phone will jump forward one hour. This is crucial to remember if you are booking scheduled safaris!

    • Currency: Finland uses the Euro (€), while Norway uses the Krone (NOK). However, cards are widely accepted at Kilpissafarit and in the village.

Learn to know Kilpisjärvi

Transport options from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi

1. The Arctic Route – Bus Connection

This is the most popular option for day-trippers and overnight guests without a car.

  • The Route: The bus connects Tromsø – Kilpisjärvi – Rovaniemi.
  • Schedule: Buses run daily during the winter season (approx. Dec–March). The bus departs from Tromsø Bus Terminal (Prostneset) in the morning (check current timetables) and arrives in Kilpisjärvi around midday, just in time for afternoon activities.
  • Comfort: The buses are equipped with toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.

Check the Bus schedule

2. Self-Drive – Rental Car

If you rent a car in Tromsø:

  • Follow signs for E8 towards Kilpisjärvi / Finland.
  • The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours in good weather.
  • Free Parking: We offer ample free parking space for our safari guests right at our office.

Check rental car companies in Tromsø

3. Private Transfer – Kilpistaxi

The most flexible and comfortable option, especially for families, groups, or travelers with a tight schedule.

  • Door-to-Door: Enjoy a stress-free journey. Our local partner, Kilpistaxi, picks you up directly from your hotel or the airport in Tromsø and brings you straight to Kilpisjärvi.
  • For Groups: Spacious minivans (1–8 passengers) are available, making this a cost-effective choice when splitting the fare among a group.
  • Schedule: You decide the timetable. No waiting for bus schedules—just a smooth 2.5-hour drive through the scenic landscapes.

Check prices and book a taxi

Kilpissafaris – Trusted Local Experts Since 1995

Your safety is our priority. Founded by a local border guard and run as a family business for over 30 years, Kilpissafarit is the region’s most experienced activity provider.

Our professional guides possess deep local knowledge of the Arctic terrain and weather conditions, ensuring a safe adventure for every guest.

We are committed to responsible tourism, holding the Sustainable Travel Finland label and using modern, low-emission snowmobiles to protect the wilderness we call home.

Aurora hunting tours

Come chasing the Northern Lights! We take you to our secret viewing spots by snowmobile or snow shoes. With statistically clearer skies than the coast in Tromsø, your chances of seeing the Auroras are maximized here. Auroras can be seen from autumn to early spring. The best spot for spotting them is far away from streetlights. Join our guided aurora tours!

Northern Lights and the Magical Night Sky

Snowmobile
Night tour by snowmobile, chance to see the northern lights, campfire
Activity level: 1/3
Photos by the guide
3 h: 20.00–23.00
Available from 1.December to 31.March
110 € / person on sleigh
180 € / person on single driving
135 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Chasing the Northern Lights

Minibus
Night tour with minibus, chance to see the northern lights
Activity level: 1/3
Photos by the guide
4 h: 19.30–23.30
Available from 20.November to 31.March
110 € / person

Book now

Snowshoe Adventure at Night

Snowshoeing
Night tour by snowshoes, chance to see the northern lights
Activity level 1/3
3 h: 19.00–22.00
Available from 20.November to 31.March
110 € / person

Book now

Chasing the Northern Lights in autumn

Minibus
Night tour with minibus, chance to see the northern lights
Activity level 1/3
Photos by the guide
4 h: 19.30–23.30
1.9.–30.11.
Tour by minibus 99€ per person

Book now

Snowmobile Safaris

Ride the Tundra. Unlike restricted city trails in Tromsø, our snowmobile safaris take you deep into the true wild. Drive across vast frozen lakes and through snowy birch forests all the way to the border of three countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland). Here, you aren’t just following a track; you are exploring the open Arctic wilderness at the foot of the sacred Saana fell.

Hop on a snowmobile with us!

Choose your winter adventure! Never driven a snowmobile before? No problem. All our tours are suitable for beginners, and we provide full driving instructions before heading out. Our skilled guides ensure your safety, and the rates always include premium thermal outfits and helmets to keep you warm. Whether you want a gentle scenic ride or a full-day expedition to Halti, the snowy fells are waiting for you!

Border of Three Countries

Snowmobile
Visit three countries
Activity level 1/3
Photos by the guide
3 h: 09:00 – 12:00 OR 13:00 – 16:00
Available from 20. November to 10. May
120 € / person on sleigh
205 € / person on single driving
145 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Tour of Kilpis

Snowmobile
Visit three countries, scenic trail
Activity level 1/3
Photos by the guide
4 h: 11.00–15.00
Available from 1.December to 10.May
175 € / person on sleigh
255 € / person on single driving
175 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Conquering Halti

Snowmobile
Amazing scenery, see the highest peaks of Finland
Activity level: 2/3
6 h: 10.00–16.00
Available from 1.March to 10.May
145 € / person on sleigh
300 € / person on single driving
210 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Tundra Adventure

Snowmobile
Tundra wilderness experience, scenic trail
Activity level 2/3
Photos by the guide
3 h: 12.45–15.45
Available from 6.January to 30.April
175 € / person on sleigh
255 € / person on single driving
175 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Snowmobiling 101

Snowmobile
Very easy activity level
Activity level 1/3
2 h: 15.30–17.30
Available from 20.November to 10.May
115 € / person on sleigh
175 € / person on single driving
115 € / person on shared driving

Book now

Ice Fishing Experience

Snowmobile
Fishing, relaxing
Activity level 1/3
3 h: 11.15–14.15
Available from 20.November to 10.May
110 € / person on sleigh
185 € / person on single driving
140 € / person on shared driving

Book now

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