Ice, Snow and Saunas in Arctic Finland

What an incredible life experience! Finland and the area in which we stayed in phya was absolutely astounding, I felt like I was on a film set from the moment of arrival. The wooden log cabin is a really well laid out communal living space. The showers and sauna are all in the same space, although set times for men, women and unisex were given. The beds were really comfortable and it has a beautiful traditional feel.

We had two of the team members Kalev and Joonatan with us from breakfast till bed time and they were great, really knowledgeable and helpful friendly guys, we also had a few other instructors for the climbs who were also absolutely brilliant.

We were lucky to have a lucky group, with some really fun, like minded people. My husband and I were the only couple but MBA really work for everyone!

The snow shoeing and ice climbing were AWESOME!! I’m not a fan of heights but the team were absolutely brilliant instructors, so supportive! Each time I went up the instructors nicely but firmly encouraged me to keep going even when I wanted to give up, which I was really really pleased with after! Such a buzz!!

The sauna and ice dip were so relaxing and exhilarating at the same time!!

All the food was fantastic!!

Book this trip, if you want to experience artic sports and outdoor activities with the support and guidance of a brilliant team with quality gear and abundance of knowledge!!!

My advice, book day either side if you can as there are so many other things to do in area. Practical kit advice, layers!! Glove liners but not the really skinny ones and really thick mittens, we bought artic gloves but the independent finger thing doesn’t work at -30!!! Also your face coverings will freeze with your breath so have a couple of fresh ones.

Thanks again to the bliss team and much better adventures you have organised another great trip! This was our second and now looking to book our third!!

The best time having an authentic Finnish experience - amazing food, experiences and a brilliant group! Joonatan and Kalev brought the whole experience to life and are amazing guides and hosts. Would definitely come back again!

A fantastic experience in Finland, the guides were exceptionally knowledgeable friendly and supportive of our adventure. The accommodation was cosy and the equipment provided was very good.

Impeccably organised. We didn’t need to worry about a thing and could fully emerse ourselves in the activities. The guides were amazing and super helpful and friendly. I don’t know how you’d improve on this adventure. The snowshoeing was beautiful, ice climbing equal parts terrifying and rewarding and cold plunging under the northern lights was surreal. Thank you, we look forward to more much better adventures in the future.

I had the best time trying ice climbing, exploring Pyha , and learning about the best finnish pass times and local cuisines. The guides - Tiina and Reidar were phenomenal! On top of being great teachers, they gave us great suggestions for the rest of our time in Pyha.

What an unforgettable, inspiring trip. The whole team were fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely passionate about what they do.

One of the biggest highlights for me was meeting such an amazing group of people, which really made the experience special. The instructors were excellent throughout and created such a supportive environment, especially during the ice climbing. They took time to go over technique, encouraged everyone, and it was amazing to see your own confidence grow, as well as everyone else’s.

At Korouoma Canyon, the guides took the initiative to split the group in two, with half ice climbing while the others hiked and explored the area. It kept everyone warm, active, and engaged, which i definitely think they should implement in every trip!

The accommodation was cosy and comfortable, and they catered brilliantly for me as a vegetarian, the food was genuinely great!

This truly felt like a once in a lifetime time experience. I’d return in a heartbeat and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

Wow. What a trip!

Prior to this, I had never experienced a “winter holiday” - so, if you have any concerns about how you will do in the snow and ice, do not let it put you off. The team of guides are incredibly knowledgeable and take very good care in making sure you are well equipped and aware of your environment.

I completely trusted Reidar and Sergi as our guides and they fit into our group very well, enjoying banter and communicating very easily. They had a massive positive impact on the running of the trip and enhancing experiences! Especially suggesting that we go on a hike when waiting to exchange turns at ice climbing in the canyon - the experience of running through the winter wonderland will not be forgotten.

The ice climbing itself is not so difficult and can be managed for a range of abilities. Just be sure to prepare your equipment properly - the packing list suggests Merino wool for very good reason ;)

Logistics were all well considered and executed, with very clear instructions. I’ve come away with many new friends & future adventures - truly an unforgettable trip with the highest praises to the team involved. Thoroughly enjoyed their passion for what they do, and teachings of Finnish traditions/culture - especially Sauna & ice plunges!

(Seeing the Northern lights was a cool bonus, but the group of people was definitely the highlight)

Wow. What an incredible trip! Signing up, I expected simply to try my hand at a new experience - I did not expect to walk away with my ribs hurting from laughing so much and a new outlook on life from the positive and collaborative group I got to form friendships with!

I discovered a love for snow and ice that I hadn’t previously realised, now actively seeking out more arctic inspired adventures!

The guides became friends to us too, providing expert technical guidance but also joining our banter and personalising the experience for our group dynamic. Safe to say, they were the best guides I have come across in any trip so far and I would return in a heartbeat.

During the ice climb in Kourouma Canyon, they took the initiative to change up the activities a bit and encouraged half of the group waiting to climb to go hiking and explore the surrounding area. It was a joy to discover more of the beautiful scenery, challenge ourselves with the hiking, stay warm and to even run through the snowy landscape. A winter wonderland. I would strongly encourage this to be replicated for future trips.

Who knew a few days in the ice and snow could feel so life changing? New perspectives and new horizons to reach…

The whole trip was awesome. Reidar and the rest of the team were professional, caring and really looked after us. Reidar especially was really passionate about his job and country and at times I needed some reassurance and I got it. Without him I'm not sure I'd have succeeded to the same level and for that I'm grateful. The lodge is beautiful. There's shared showers etc and I found it hard to sleep due to the set up but I'm a light sleeper. We had food cooked for us which was amazing and even lunches were cooked on outdoor firepits! The activities were great and you can hire kit if you don't have it so don't worry about buying loads of winter outwear. Good baselayers, gloves and wool/merino is essential but again there are shops if you need to buy there just might be cheaper in UK. It's a tough few days but the reward is you get to experience some amazing activities in the most stunning surroundings. Topping it off with the northern lights! I would recommend this trip you won't be disappointed.

Beautiful Lapland, an absolutely magical winter landscape. I travelled in December, and it was fun to experience the very short days — only about four hours of daylight, where the sun just popped up to say hello… and then disappeared again.

Ice climbing was — surprisingly — really fun. I hadn’t expected that and was probably a bit sceptical about that activity in particular. The sauna and ice bath were also a great experience — I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to get into the freezing water, but I did it! Three times 😄

I felt the group was a bit on the large side — 12 people — and I didn’t quite get the chance to talk to everyone.

The guides were fantastic, all of them so kind. You really get a wonderful impression of Finland and the Finnish people — such a lovely nation. Kiitos ❤️

Tiina, Reidar and the rest of the crew were great. Lodge is really lovely and the activities were great fun. For ice climbing definitely get your hips back when stepping up!

I had so much fun learning to ice climb. I think it’s particularly special as there aren’t that many places in the world where you can do it. I also found the ice plunge and sauna to be an amazing new experience that I enjoyed a lot, even though I kind of thought I might hate it 😅. Drinking hot berry juice under the Aurora Borealis was magical. I really loved learning about the forest plants and animals and local geology while snowshoeing, followed by delicious lunch by the fire.

The staff at Bliss Adventures were so welcoming, knowledgable and fun, I can’t speak highly enough of them. The lodge accommodation was comfortable and homey, it’s very new and has important additions like a washing machine and its own sauna!

I can’t recommend this trip highly enough!

It was a fantastic short trip with a great mix of experiences. You could feel that the guides really cared about creating good memories while sharing knowledge. I can recommend the trip to everyone who loves the cold and wants to explore the stunning nature in the north.

Brilliant trip here! Amazing guides (Inessa and Jeppe) who couldn't do enough for us, properly knew their stuff and were just great to chat to. The highlights for me were seeing the auroras, climbing the frozen waterfalls and finishing off with a dip in a frozen lake followed swiftly by the traditional Finnish sauna. Can't recommend this one enough.

Excellent trip, highly recommend. Our guides, Jeppe and Susana, have been great.

My trip to Arctic Finland was an absolute winter dream come true. Susanna and Juan Pablo were fantastic guides—engaging, fun, and full of energy. Their enthusiasm made the entire experience even more memorable. They really knew how to balance adventure with enjoyment and safety, making sure everyone was involved and having the time of their lives.

The ice climbing was, without a doubt, the highlight. There’s something magical about scaling frozen waterfalls in the middle of a snowy forest. The rush you get from conquering those icy cliffs was a unique experience. Plus, the guides ensured we felt safe and confident every step of the way, making it exciting but also accessible for all levels.

Besides some nice snowshoe walks - A truly unforgettable part of the trip was the dip into the magical ICE hole—a classic Finnish experience ?! After all the adrenaline from the ice climbing, plunging into the freezing water was both invigorating and surreal and whilst some group members could sit there for what felt like hours I could hardly make it for 10secs but I tried :) . There’s something incredibly refreshing about that sharp contrast between the icy water and the warmth of the sauna waiting for you afterwards. likely the perfect way to truly embrace the Finnish winter.

I highly recommend extending your stay if you can. There’s so much more to do in the area—from cross-country skiing, downhill slopes, fat biking, Sami style wilderness skiing (which to my opinion is much more fun than snowshoeing!) and cozying up in a cabin by the fire waiting for the auroras to come. You’ll want to take the time to fully experience this winter wonderland.

Susanna, JP and the amazing and unique group of people we were on this trip made this it unforgettable, and if you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, and a bit of Finnish magic, this is definitely the trip to take!

Our trip to Finland was nothing short of spectacular! From start to finish, we were immersed in the stunning winter landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities. The snow shoe trek through pristine, snow covered forests was truly magical. Then the unforgettable experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones in the best way possible. The scenery was breathtaking and the sense of accomplishment was amazing. The hospitality, was wonderful, Tomas and Suzanna were super guides, with endless energy and support. Working hard for long days, their enthusiasm was contagious. A massive thank you to them. For anyone looking to go on this trip, it is full on and quite a challenge, but there is plenty of time and no pressure. I managed the ice climbing, with no prior training or experience in any climbing. I didn’t prepare in anyway for the trip, and was worrying before hand that I wouldn’t be strong enough. So don’t worry. . it will be great.

What a magical trip . . Super awesome guides Thomas, Susannah and Giuseppe Great food Great company Excellent instruction with the ice climbing The only thing I’d say that could be better is the beds. . very narrow and very soft mattresses. . but I know they are typical of Finland

Absolutely fantastic, Susanna and Juan Pablo were amazing, very knowledgeable and fun. Really well organised trip with a lot of great things to try and met some great people I would 100% recommend this trip

Really brilliant trip, you see and do so much in such a short time. I would highly recommend, we had such a great group and I’d give a special shoutout to our amazing guides Thomas and Susanna.

First Lapland is amazing and well worth the trip. The guides were great at guiding however not so great at managing and handling the customer experience aspect of the trip. The lodge is very basic, showers need more privacy, having an onsite sauna was great. Last but not least I’d change the moderate rating to demanding. The activities are not for the faint of the heart.

This was our second trip with MBA, after hiking in Jordan in 2023.

Equally impressed this time around. Incredible guides, well organised and lucky to have another great group.

Finland didn’t disappoint either, beautiful place with plenty of activities.

Will 100% be booking another trip with MBA soon.

I had the most incredible few days, with the most gorgeous bunch or people, of hiking, ice climbing, and trying out a Finnish sauna for the first time! Inessa and Yeppa (Juan) are delightful balls of energy and never stopped looking after us! They made the trip so much fun and went above and beyond their call of duties. The lodge was stunning and the food super tasty. Would highly recommend for solo travellers like me or indeed couples. Thank you! :)

The activities and natural environment were incredible and well worth it. You need a good level of fitness and stamina for such long and intense days, potentially in extreme cold; I’m not sure I’d rate this trip as “moderate”. The lodge was lovely and cosy (subject to the comment below) and the food and some of the guides were excellent.

However, other guides were patronising and disorganised at times, including starting an activity 40 minutes late with no explanation or apology. The open, unisex showering facilities at the lodge - with no cubicles or curtains for privacy, and the sauna in the same large room - were not made clear when booking and were unacceptable.

Belter of a trip. Amazing guides, beautiful cosy lodge, delicious food, perfect itinerary. The walking and climbing was as expected, but a real bonus was learning so much about Finnish culture and outdoors life, as well as survival and how to keep warms at -25 skills!! Hard recommend, you won't regret it and will be bussing afterwards.

Expertly organised trip with breathtaking scenery and unique activities. Lots of experiences packed into three days. Inessa and Jeppe are inspiring, professional instructors with considerable patience and enthusiasm, generously sharing their expertise and knowledge throughout the trip. Highly recommend.

What an amazing 3 days - it felt like a week of adventure and exploration. From the moment we left the airport everything was taken care of, with an easy bus ride, pick up by the wonderful Tina, and being shown around the stunning, brand new lodge before the first night. Every meal was incredible; hearty, filling and delicious, with amazing vegan options each time. The team made the trip unforgettable, with endless energy, enthusiasm, and expertise. They adapted the trip when needed due to snow conditions, providing a fantastic alternative of fat biking. The gear provided was high quality, with extra layers available when needed. The ice climbing tuition was clear and easy to follow, and everyone made huge leaps in ability by the second day, all thanks to Tiina, Max, Jeppe and Inessa. A truly memorable experience. Shout out to Niika.

Our recent trip to Finland was incredible. From the moment we arrived, we were amazed by the stunning scenery of Phya! I loved our fat biking adventure but the highlight of the trip was the ice climbing day. And it was topped off my an authentic Finnish sauna experience, followed by a plunge into the lake water. Tiina, Max, and Jeppe were incredible guides. Their knowledge of the region, their passion for the outdoors, and their dedication to ensuring our safety and enjoyment made this trip truly unforgettable. We highly recommend this trip!!

Tiina, Max and Jeppe was amazing, helpful and made every moment of the trip unforgettable. I enjoyed everything and the organization of the program was perfect. I really wish to be maybe one more extra day. But if you want to experience the real wild North, then this is the right choice. And trust me the team there will make you want to go back for sure 💯💯✅

Great team and experience, thanks to Tina, Thomas and co, snowshoeing through the national park was great and the ice climbing was definitely a unique experience! Loved the Finnish sauna and sauna in the cabin.