King Crab Safari in Lapland

A King Crab Safari in Lapland is a unique Arctic adventure that combines wildlife, nature, and traditional fishing techniques. This excursion takes you to the icy waters of the Lapland coast, where you’ll embark on a boat trip to catch the mighty king crabs weighing up to 10 kg or more.

The safari usually starts with a ride in a snowmobile or a reindeer-drawn sled to the fishing site. You’ll then venture onto the frozen sea in specially designed boats or walk across the ice. Guides, often dressed in traditional Sami clothing, will teach you how to fish for the king crabs using large traps.

After catching the crabs, you enjoy a delicious seafood meal, often prepared in a rustic, cozy environment. The meal typically features freshly cooked king crab legs, served with butter and other local delicacies. Some tours also include relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna afterward.

This experience offers stunning views of the snow-covered landscape and the chance to get close to nature in one of Europe’s most remote and pristine areas. It's a fun and educational adventure for all ages, especially King Crab Safari excursions are typically offered in the northernmost regions of Finland and Norway, specifically in the Lapland area. Popular locations where you can find these tours include:

1. Rovaniemi (Finland) – As the capital of Finnish Lapland and close to the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is a common starting point for various Arctic adventures, including King Crab Safaris.
2. Kemi (Finland)—Situated along the Gulf of Bothnia, Kemi offers a variety of ice-related activities, including King Crab safaris. It’s also known for its icebreaker cruises and Arctic experiences.
3. Utsjoki (Finland) – Located in the far north, near the Finnish-Norwegian border, Utsjoki provides a more remote and serene setting for such excursions.
4. Kirkenes (Norway) – Just across the border in Norway, Kirkenes is a famous destination for King Crab Safaris, where you can embark on boat trips to catch these considerable crustaceans in the Barents Sea.
5. Sami regions in Norway and Finland – You may also find local Sami guides offering King Crab Safari experiences combined with cultural insight.

Many of these tours are offered by local companies that specialize in Arctic wilderness adventures. These companies often operate during the winter and early spring months, when the sea is frozen enough to walk on or travel across by boat.