Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls: Day Trips and Tours from Rovaniemi

Lapland is known to be a winter wonderland, and there’s no place you can witness this more than at the Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls.

With colossal ice formations carved out of an ancient gorge, snow-dusted pine forests and the possibility of sighting a bear, a day trip to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi is bound to excite you.

Take a gentle stroll along the canyon admiring the unique icicles or opt for a knuckle-biting ice-climbing adventure.

Here's all you need to know about the Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls, one of the most exciting day trips from Rovaniemi.

How to get to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi?

The Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls are situated within the Korouoma Nature Reserve in southern Lapland. They are located approximately 110 kilometers southeast of Rovaniemi.

From Rovaniemi to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls by car

The journey to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls takes around 1.5 hours by car and follows Route 81 the entire way.

Guided tour to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi

Alternatively, you can make the jaunt to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls via a guided excursion and allow your tour provider to take care of all the details. These trips usually begin around 8 AM to 9 AM and you’ll return to Rovaniemi 6 to 7 hours later.

What is the typical itinerary?

The majority of Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls excursions begin with a convenient and complimentary pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Rovaniemi.

From there, you'll drive through the scenic and undisturbed countryside of Lapland to Korouoma Nature Reserve.

On wintertime day trips, you’ll don your hiking boots and participate in an invigorating trek alongside the ancient canyon, viewing the frozen waterfalls along the way.

Alternatively, you may get geared up to try your hand at ice climbing. If you’re heading to the park during the summer months, you’ll hike a similar route, however, you’ll be able to witness the impressive falls flowing freely.

Once you’ve explored the most picturesque region of the gorge, you’ll sit around a fire, bonding with your group and trying traditional Lappish barbecue snacks.

From there, you’ll hop back on your bus and return to Rovaniemi where your Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls?

There are several different types of Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day trips available, depending on the types of activities you wish to partake in.

Guided tour to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi

Adventure enthusiasts will be in their element hiking along the trails of Korouoma Nature Reserve. You’ll wander alongside the canyon, and have the opportunity to marvel at the glistening rapids, frozen as they tumble over the cliffs.

Stop for a traditional Lappish lunch around a roaring fire, admiring the winter wonderland of Korouoma and keep an eye out for moose, reindeer, and the elusive lynx.

Ice climbing day trip to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi

Alternatively, opt for a more exhilarating activity in the nature reserve — ice climbing. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you can participate in this thrilling sport, descending into Korouoma’s snowy canyon to see the sparkling icicles up close.

You’ll be in the hands of a professional guide who will assist you in learning this extreme activity and most importantly, staying safe. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch surrounded by the beauty of the reserve.

Summer day tour to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi

If you want to hear the waterfalls roar, visit Korouoma Nature Reserve during the summer months, when the blanket of white gives way to verdant greenery and astounding blue waters. You’ll hike through the peaceful trails of the park, listening out for the harmonious trill of birdsong.

There are over 60 species of birds that call this corner of Lapland home, including the northern eagle owl. Admire the rocky surface of the canyon and witness the grandeur of its falls before relaxing around a campfire.

How much does a day trip to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls from Rovaniemi cost?

A basic Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day trip costs between €130 and €190 per person, and includes a tour guide, lunch and protective winter clothing. Summertime hiking tours are also within this price range.

Ice climbing Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day tours cost €350 each and include all equipment, as well as the services of an expert guide.

What will you see and do?

Korouoma is a towering canyon that cuts through 30 kilometers of the Lappish landscape and leads out to the Korojoki River. The canyon itself has formed over millions of years and drops over 100 meters at its highest point.

While the nature reserve that surrounds the gorge is worth a visit at any time of year, Korouoma becomes a haven for intrepid hikers and birdwatchers during the winter time. This is because the waterfalls that tumble down the canyon at various points freeze as the cold weather hits and stay frozen throughout the winter time, until the following spring. This natural phenomenon results in glistening ice formations that are a spectacle by themselves.

The most popular day trips to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls include trekking along the trails surrounding the gorge to witness this special winter event firsthand. However, you can also ice climb in the region if you’re feeling brave.

Brown bears (the national animal of Finland) are regularly sighted throughout the nature reserve, as well as moose. Other creatures that have been sighted include the lynx and the otter, although these are fairly elusive to visitors.

The area is home to 62 species of birds, most of which can be found within the forests of Korouoma. These include the golden eagle, rough-legged buzzard and northern house martin.

When is the best time to visit Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls?

The best time to play a day trip to Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls is during the wintertime, when the cold climate turns many of the falls into ice formations.

However, those who want to admire the scenery of Lapland may prefer to head to the nature reserve during summer, when the snow has melted and hiking is more pleasant.

What are the other day trips from Rovaniemi?

• Husky Park day trips from Rovaniemi
• Ranua Wildlife Park day tours from Rovaniemi
• Day trips to Amethyst Mines from Rovaniemi
• Kemi Snow Castle day tours from Rovaniemi

Travel tips

• Most Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day tours include a fair amount of walking. Wear durable hiking boots with a good grip on your excursion.
• The temperatures in Korouoma Nature Reserve sink well below 0 degrees Celsius during the winter months, so wrap up warm in thermal layers.
• The majority of Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls trips include a barbecued lunch. Let your tour provider know upon booking if you have any dietary requirements.
• Take a camera with you on your Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls day tour to capture the ice sculptures at their most magnificent.