INARI GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Hauling Giants from the Arctic: A Day Trip to Pykeija’s King Crab Grounds
A full-day guided outing from Ivalo or Inari that pairs a 2-hour king-crab boat safari with a traditional sauna, an icy ocean dip option, and a freshly prepared crab platter.
Hauling Giants from the Arctic: A Day Trip to Pykeija’s King Crab Grounds.
The King Crab Safari to Pykeija is a day-long journey through Lapland to the Norwegian-border village known as “Little Finland,” where you board guides for a 2‑hour outing on the Arctic Ocean to catch giant king crabs, then warm up in a 2‑hour sauna and finish with a local crab platter, all wrapped into an approximately 12–13 hour trip.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hauling king crabs on the Arctic Ocean
The centerpiece is a 2‑hour guided king crab safari on the Arctic Ocean where participants help haul traps and see the enormous crabs—individuals can weigh up to 10 kg—bringing the region’s marine life into immediate focus.
Sauna and polar dip
After the sea, the itinerary includes a 2‑hour sauna experience with the option to take a refreshing dip in the icy Arctic Ocean—an elemental contrast of heat and cold that’s built into the day’s rhythm.
Fresh king crab platter in Pykeija
The day concludes with a leisurely 1.5–2 hour dinner at a local bistro where the freshly caught king crab is prepared and served, framed by stories of Pykeija’s culture and cross‑border history.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
From a morning departure through Lapland to the Norwegian border, the day unfolds as a sequence of distinct moods: the focused work of a 2‑hour crab safari on the Arctic Ocean, the slow recovery of a 2‑hour sauna with an optional icy dip, and a relaxed 1.5–2 hour dinner in Pykeija—all packed into an approximately 12–13 hour guided outing.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day trip is for—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a full‑day outing; the entire program including travel, activities, sauna and dinner runs approximately 12–13 hours.
Bring swimwear if you intend to take the optional dip during the sauna portion, and dress for Arctic conditions for time on the water and outdoors.
The trip departs from Ivalo or Inari; confirm the exact meeting location with the operator before the outing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the King Crab Safari portion of the trip?
The king crab boat safari lasts approximately 2 hours.
How long is the sauna and is an ocean dip possible?
The sauna portion is about 2 hours and includes the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in the icy Arctic Ocean.
How long does the dinner last?
Dinner at the local bistro lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours.
Where does the trip start and how long is the full day?
The outing starts from Ivalo or Inari and the full trip, including travel and activities, is approximately 12–13 hours.
Will I see wildlife on the trip?
There is a chance to spot wildlife such as seals, eagles, or even whales during the journey and at sea.
How large can the king crabs be?
The king crabs encountered on the safari can weigh up to 10 kg.