At the far north of Europe, Cahkal Hotel sits at the meeting point of three Nordic countries – Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Located in Kilpisjärvi, deep in Finnish Lapland, the hotel is surrounded by open fells, vast skies, and plenty of nature providing many opportunities for adventure and active discoveries.
Ice fishing with nets: a living Lapland tradition
Imagine stepping onto a vast frozen lake in Finnish Lapland. The air is crisp and clean, the forests around you heavy with snow, and the low winter sun paints the ice in soft hues of blue and pink.
Here, ice fishing is not a passive pastime. Using traditional net-fishing methods, guests actively take part in drilling holes through the thick ice and guiding long nets beneath the frozen surface—just as locals have done for generations. When the net is finally lifted, fish shimmer against the white snow, revealing the hidden life beneath the ice.
This experience is about more than fishing. It is about teamwork, patience, and respect for the Arctic environment. And in true Cahkal spirit, the journey may continue all the way to the dinner table, where the day’s catch can be prepared by the hotel’s chefs and enjoyed as part of an unforgettable evening.
Deep into the wilderness: with snowmobile, sleigh and snowshoes
For those who want to explore further afield, winter adventures begin with a snowmobile sleigh ride that carries you deep into untouched tundra. From there, snowshoes take over, allowing you to walk across untracked terrain where the only signs of life may be reindeer tracks, Arctic hares, foxes, or grouse.
Each step feels like a quiet discovery. With some luck, you may even encounter wildlife along the way. As spring approaches and daylight grows, these excursions can include a simple lunch outdoors—hot soup from a thermos, enjoyed in the stillness of the wilderness.
Ski touring in places untouched
For skiers and snowboarders who crave freedom and natural snow, ski touring around Cahkal is a highlight. Guided by experienced professionals who know the local mountains intimately, guests venture into pristine backcountry terrain in Finland or nearby Norway, depending on conditions.
Access to the mountains is part of the adventure - by snowmobile-pulled sleigh or activity van, with sweeping Arctic views along the way. From the valley, the ascent begins under your own power, followed by long, rewarding descents through untouched snow. A typical day includes multiple climbs and runs, adapted to the group and weather.
After hours in the mountains, the return to Cahkal Hotel is a pleasure in itself: warm sauna, relaxed après-ski moments, and a refined dinner that celebrates Northern ingredients.
Winter, the Cahkal way
What makes winter at Cahkal Hotel special is not only the range of activities, but the way they are experienced. Each outing is rooted in authenticity, guided by local professional knowledge for out-of-the-box stories as well as safety, and designed to create a genuine connection with the Arctic landscape. So - let´s go! :)
Find out more @ https://cahkalhotel.fi and visit https://www.metsa.ai to sign up for next inspirational stories and discoveries!
