Rovaniemi: Family Treasure Hunt & Lapland BBQ

A TREASURE HUNT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Someone has been here before you — and hidden treasures are waiting to be found.

With a treasure map and lanterns in hand, families follow clues, search for hidden surprises and explore the peaceful surroundings together. Children can take the lead, while parents join the adventure and help solve the clues along the way.

And who hid the treasures? Our guides know a little elf called Tuikku, who has a habit of leaving surprises 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 experience without crowds or rushing.

The small group size creates a warm atmosphere where children can immerse themselves in the adventure and every discovery feels special.

TREASURES, STORIES & LAPLAND BBQ

The treasure hunt is only part of the experience. After the adventure, gather around the fire for a Lapland-style BBQ with grilled sausages, Finnish squeaky cheese with cloudberry jam, and marshmallows to roast over the fire.

Lanterns, stories, hidden treasures and time together around the fire create a warm family experience inspired by the traditions and atmosphere of Lapland.

READY TO HUNT THE TREASURES?

Partially AI-Modified

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.

Partially AI-Modified

A WARM LAPLAND BBQ BY THE FIRE

After the treasure hunt, families gather around the fire for a relaxed Lapland-style BBQ — a warm and cosy moment to enjoy together after the adventure.

Grill sausages over the fire, with a vegan option available, and taste traditional Finnish cheese leipäjuusto served with our homemade cloudberry jam.

And of course, there is something especially fun for the children: roasting marshmallows over the fire until they are warm, soft and perfectly toasted.

With glowing lanterns, a crackling fire and good food to share, it's a simple but memorable way to end your family treasure hunt in Lapland.

Partially AI-Modified

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

*****
It was a great experience that I can 100% recommend. We were greeted very warmly, and a lot was explained to us about the Santa Claus Forest. The treasure hunt itself was perfect for our son. He had so much fun looking for the clues with his lantern and also going a little deeper into the forest. And, of course, opening each little bag and seeing what surprise was inside. The surprises themselves are great. And the campfire was great too, and the food was very tasty. We'd love to come back.

Kathrin– Germany

Frequently asked questions

Is this experience suitable for young children?

Yes. The experience has been designed 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 and playful, and children can explore at their own pace. Parents are encouraged to join the adventure, solve clues and search for treasures together.

Who is Tuikku?

Tuikku is a shy little character who loves hiding treasures and leaving clues for children to discover.

Our Arctic Safari Guides know Tuikku and some of Tuikku's favourite hiding places — but Tuikku is far too shy to join the treasure hunt in person.

You won't meet Tuikku during the experience, but you may discover plenty of signs that Tuikku has been there before you.

How does the treasure search work?

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

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

Is the campfire experience included?

Yes. After the treasure hunt, everyone gathers around the fire for a relaxed Lapland-style BBQ.

The BBQ includes sausages grilled over the fire, with a vegan option available, traditional Finnish leipäjuusto with our homemade cloudberry jam, and marshmallows to roast over the fire.

It's an important part of the experience — a chance for families to relax, warm up and enjoy some time together after the treasure hunt.

Will we find all 8 treasures?

Yes — if you want to! The treasure hunt is designed to be exciting and playful rather than frustratingly difficult.

If you need a little help along the way, your Arctic Safari Guide will be there to help with the clues. Every family has the opportunity to complete the treasure hunt and find all 8 treasures.

How large are the groups?

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

Even when several families participate, each family works as its own team and has its own 8 treasures in separate hiding places. This allows children and parents to enjoy the adventure together without everyone searching for the same treasure.

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

No. Family Treasure Hunt & Lapland BBQ can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Snow creates a beautiful winter atmosphere, while the snow-free season brings its own colours, sounds and scents. Lanterns, hidden treasures, stories and time together around the fire make the experience special in every season.

Tässä poistaisin kokonaan pitkän “Christmas is not only a season. Christmas is a feeling.” -osuuden. Se oli järkevä vanhalle tuotteelle, mutta nyt yritämme nimenomaan tehdä tästä Family Treasure Hunt & Lapland BBQ:n, joka toimii ilman joulukonseptia.

Can adults join without children?

Absolutely. Although the experience has been designed especially with families and children in mind, you don't need to be travelling with children to join.

Couples and groups of adults are welcome to enjoy the treasure hunt, lanterns, stories and Lapland BBQ too.

Sometimes it's simply fun to forget about being an adult for a while and go looking for hidden treasures.

How much walking is involved?

The adventure follows easy paths and boardwalks, with plenty of stops while searching for treasures. No special hiking experience is required.

The focus is on exploring, observing and searching for clues 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 waterproof clothing is a good idea when rain is expected.

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

This isn't about rushing from one attraction to another. The experience is built around imagination, discovery and spending time together as a family.

Children follow clues, search for their family's 8 hidden treasures and carry their lanterns along the way, while parents become part of the adventure too.

After the treasure hunt, everyone slows down around the fire for a Lapland BBQ with sausages, Finnish leipäjuusto with homemade cloudberry jam and marshmallows to roast together.

It's a simple idea: treasures to find, stories to discover, good food by the fire and time together as a family.

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.

🌲 Family Treasure Hunt & Lapland BBQ

Privacy Policy