Rovaniemi: Forest Elf Treasure Hunt in Santa Claus Forest

Follow the Forest Elf's Secret Trail

The Forest Elf has hidden clues and treasures throughout the Arctic forest — but only the most curious explorers will find them all.

Armed with a treasure map and lanterns, families follow secret signs, solve simple clues and search for hidden surprises along peaceful forest trails. Every adventure is different, and nobody knows exactly what treasures the Forest Elf has left behind.

Small Groups, Big Adventures

With a maximum of 16 guests, every treasure hunt feels personal and relaxed. Families have time to explore at their own pace, search for clues together and enjoy the magic of the forest without crowds or rushing.

The smaller group size helps create a warm atmosphere where children can fully immerse themselves in the adventure and every discovery feels special.

Created by Locals, Designed for Families

This experience was created by local people who understand what makes family adventures truly memorable. Every clue, hidden treasure and campfire moment has been carefully designed to create excitement, laughter and shared memories for children and adults alike.

Rather than following a scripted tourist attraction, you'll experience a genuine outdoor adventure inspired by the forests, traditions and storytelling culture of Finnish Lapland.

READY TO HUNT THE TREASURES IN SANTA CLAUS FOREST?

A Chance to See the Northern Lights

As darkness settles over the Arctic forest, we also keep an eye on the northern sky. While this is not a Northern Lights hunting tour, guests occasionally have the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing above the treetops during the adventure.

To maximise the chances of darkness and create the most magical atmosphere possible, departure times are adjusted throughout the season. This allows families to enjoy the experience under the stars without keeping young adventurers out too late.

A Magical Campfire Dinner in Santa Claus Forest

One of the most magical moments of the evening is the lantern walk across Vikaköngäs' famous Bridge of Friendship.

Guided only by lantern light, families cross the bridge together before continuing deeper into the forest in search of the Forest Elf's hidden clues and treasures. Surrounded by the sounds of nature and the glow of the Arctic twilight, the crossing becomes an unforgettable part of the adventure itself.

HOW GUESTS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE FOREST ELF TREASURE HUNT

⭐ 5/5 based on 4 reviews
New experience for the 2026–2027 season

*****
“We took part in the very first Forest Elf Treasure Hunt ever, and even though it was at the end of summer, it still felt truly magical. With lanterns glowing among the Christmas trees, we followed the clues together with a Forest Elf and searched for hidden treasure bags in the forest.

At the end, we enjoyed a BBQ with traditional Finnish sausages, cheese with homemade jam, and marshmallows for the children.

If you visit in summer, make sure to bring mosquito repellent — there are plenty of mosquitoes!”

- Chantal - Netherlands

*****
”Thank you very much for the lovely tour. We really enjoyed it and thought it was magical! If you hadn’t told us that this was a brand-new experience, we would never have guessed it.”

GYG Guest

*****
”“Thank you for such a wonderful evening. We have never done anything like this with our children before (aged 2, 3 and 6). Wishing you lots of success with all the treasure hunts to come!””

Cory - United States

*****
”Thank you for the amazing treasure hunt, Dad. I can’t understand how you have this special ability to bring Christmas into the middle of summer. I’m amazed — the whole time, I felt just like I do at Christmas, even though there isn’t even any snow yet.”

Patrick, age 12, after the pilot experience

ℹ️ Some of the images on this page have been enhanced with AI-generated elements to better illustrate the atmosphere and experience of the program. The original photographs are authentic images captured during real experiences, and the enhancements are intended only to reflect the actual look and feel of the activity.

Frequently asked questions

Is this experience suitable for young children?

Yes. The Forest Elf Treasure Hunt has been created especially for children and families. Before the experience, we ask families for a little information about the participating children so that we can do our best to make the treasure hunt suitable for their ages and interests.

The activities are simple, playful and designed to let children explore at their own pace. We have also planned the campfire BBQ with children in mind, making the whole experience enjoyable for the entire family.

Who is Tuikku the Forest Elf?

Tuikku is a shy Forest Elf who lives in the world of Santa Claus Forest. She loves children, but she is far too shy to come and meet them herself.

Instead, Tuikku has her own special way of playing with children: she hides treasures around the forest, leaves clues and gives them little tasks to complete.

You may not see Tuikku during your adventure — but you will certainly see signs that she has been there.

How does the treasure hunt work?

Each family has its own treasure hunt with 8 hidden treasures to discover in Santa Claus Forest. Families search together as their own little team, following clues and completing small tasks along the way.

Different families have their treasures hidden in different locations, so everyone can enjoy their own adventure even when several families participate at the same time.

Is the campfire experience included?

Yes. After the treasure hunt, we gather around a campfire at a traditional Finnish wilderness shelter.

The campfire is an important part of the experience rather than simply a meal stop. Guests can relax together, enjoy a traditional Finnish BBQ, roast marshmallows and have warm drinks while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the forest.

Will we find all 8 treasures?

Yes — if you want to! The idea is not to make the treasures frustratingly difficult to find. The fun comes from following Tuikku's clues, exploring the forest and discovering what she has hidden for you.

If you need a little help along the way, your guide elf will be there to help. Every family can complete their treasure hunt and find all 8 treasures.

How large are the groups?

The maximum group size is 16 participants, although groups are often much smaller.

Even when several families participate, the treasure hunt is designed so that each family works as its own team. Every family has its own 8 treasures in its own hiding places, allowing children and parents to enjoy the adventure together rather than everyone rushing towards the same treasure.

Is the experience only for winter, or can we join in summer too?

The Forest Elf Treasure Hunt works in every season.

Based on the experiences of our first guests, we have discovered something rather special: the magic of Christmas does not need snow.

Lanterns among the trees, Tuikku's hidden treasures, Santa Claus Forest and a peaceful moment together around the campfire create their own atmosphere whether the forest is covered in deep snow or surrounded by the colours and scents of the snow-free season.

For us, Christmas is not only a season. Christmas is a feeling.

And that feeling can be found in Santa Claus Forest throughout the year.

Can adults join without children?

Absolutely. Although the experience has been designed especially with children and families in mind, you do not need to be travelling with children to enjoy it.

Couples and groups of adults can also enjoy the lantern-lit forest, Tuikku's treasure hunt, the Christmas atmosphere and a peaceful moment together around the campfire.

Sometimes it is simply nice to forget about being an adult for a while and go looking for hidden treasures in Santa Claus Forest.

How much walking is involved?

The adventure takes place along easy forest paths and boardwalks, with many stops while searching for treasures. No special hiking experience is required.

The treasure hunt is about exploring, observing and enjoying the forest rather than walking long distances.

What should we wear?

In winter: Warm winter clothing, winter boots, gloves and a hat are essential. The experience takes place outdoors in Arctic conditions, so dressing warmly is important for your comfort.

During the snow-free season: Dress according to the weather. Comfortable outdoor shoes are recommended, and if rain is forecast, please bring suitable waterproof clothing.

What makes this experience different from other family activities in Lapland?

How often do you get the chance to go on a real treasure hunt in Santa Claus Forest?

Instead of focusing on speed, vehicles or sightseeing, this experience is built around imagination, exploration and spending time together. Children follow clues left by Tuikku the Forest Elf, search for their family's 8 hidden treasures and experience the forest through a story created especially for them.

The adventure ends not with another attraction, but with everyone slowing down together around a traditional Finnish campfire.

Our first guests have repeatedly described the experience and Santa Claus Forest with the same word: magical.

Perhaps that is what makes this adventure different. You don't simply visit Santa Claus Forest — for a little while, you become part of its story.

Is there a chance to see the Northern Lights?

Possibly. During the darker part of the year, departure times are planned to make the most of the evening atmosphere.

This is not a Northern Lights tour and Aurora sightings can never be guaranteed, but when the sky is clear and conditions are right, the Northern Lights may appear above Santa Claus Forest during your adventure.

🌲 Book Forest Elf Treasure Hunt

Privacy Policy