PERSONAL
EXPERIENCE

AUTHENTIC LAPLAND,
PERSONALLY GUIDED

100% LOCAL
GUIDE

EXPERIENCE LAPLAND

AURORA HUNTING - EXCURSIONS - TOURS

LOCAL LIVING - PRIVATE SERVICE

MEANINGFUL
MEMORIES

My name is Sami Kauppinen. I'm outdoor sports guide and host based in Ivalo,
Finland.

Do you want to have a meaningful vacation? It’s possible. But not with
everyone. I think once in a lifetime opportunity should be experienced with
locals who value and honor Lapland more than anyone else. That‘s how you
can get most out of the vacation.

I have born and lived most of my life in Ivalo, Northern Lapland. I feel most
alive when I’m adventuring outdoors. Kayaking, trail running, mountain
biking, hiking, orienteering, skiing and rope activities are my hobbies.

My time is also spend with my three kids and wife.

My mission is to help you prepare for and experience the adventure of a
lifetime in the beautiful and unique Finnish Lapland. I believe that a vacation
can be meaningful too. I’m here to give you a chance to really enjoy the
peacefulness and serenity of my home land. Vacation doesn’t need to be just
running from activities to other with hurry and stress.

​

My focus is on small groups and private parties. I am committed to treat you
like a VIP, providing an exclusive and personalized experience that you will
never forget. I’m here personally for you because I want you to spend the
most awesome vacation ever.

You can read here more about what I can offer to you.

Why to choose Ivalo Guide?

GET TO KNOW ME

“As my guide during my three days in northern Lapland, Sami made the experience wonderful. His willingness to share not just information
about nature and history but his views of the world around him was very special. He kindly answered ALL of my questions and focused our
activities on my specific interests. If I have the occasion to return, I hope to see him again as my guide.”

- Merit Shalett

“We visited Ivalo in September and were planning to go on aurora hunting arranged by our hotel, however it was fully booked on the day
when the chances of seeing the lights were high , then our random hunt to find someone at the last min as guide started , found Sami on
google search , his profile was interesting but there were no reviews about his services , we went with our gut feeling and we are happy we
did.

Sami is a local guide from ivalo very pleasing, accommodating , responsive and informed , we took his 4 hour tour which is great value for
money for a family of 3 , he took us to all possible places where he thought we can hunt the light . Although for the first few hours we
weren’t finding anything however towards the end of our journey he spotted the light and we were elated in joy as it was out of no where no
particular spot but the right spot.

In this whole trip he also took us to a dreamy cabin by the lake amidst the woods for a quick stop and offered hot tea which is worth
mentioning .

We highly recommend him !!”

- R.S

100 % truly local

100%

VIP

Ivalo Guide Sami has roots
in Ivalo for many
generations. He was born,
raised and moved back to
his homeland 5 years ago.

Read more about
Sami

Private tours

Every tour, activity and
excursion is private only.
This way I can focus only on
providing the best possible
service and also take
individual wishes into
account. This is something
that sets me apart from the
big mass-market
companies.

Personal experience

Due to the privacy, I can
guarantee a truly personal
experience. My clients are
not just clients among
others, but I am
interested in each one as
an individual. That being
said, I can call many of
my clients my friends.

No hurry and hustle

The lifestyle in Lapland is
relaxed and peaceful. We
don't rush around.

That's what Lapland is all
about. Getting away from
the hustle and bustle of life
and resting without a stress.
If you're stressed, you're on
the wrong vacation. With
me, you don't have to
stress.

NO

1. Truly Local - Born and Raised in Ivalo

You’re not just getting a guide, you’re getting a local host who knows the land, the people and hidden gems.
Ivalo Guide Sami has roots in Ivalo for many generations. He was born and raised in Ivalo. He spent 10 years
Southern Finland studying and working before moving back to the home land to raise his kids to raise children
in the peaceful environment of Lapland. This brings depth and authenticity no one else can offer.

7 reason why Ivalo Guide is the best tour
operator in Inari-Saariselkä region?

2. 100 % Private Tours - Just for You

No big groups, no rush, no stress. Each tour is completely private, offering space, comfort and full attention to
you and your group. Perfect for families, couples, friends and solo travelers seeking peace, personalization
and privacy. This allows even high-profile guests to feel safe and out of sight.

3. Tailor-Made Experiences - No Pre-Packaged Programs

Even though there is pre-packaged programs just to show you some examples how I can help you to
experience Northern Lapland most awesome way, every tour and excursion is designed based on your wishes. I
personally talk with each guests before the tour to understand what matters most. The result? A tour that feels
custom-built for you. This means that the route of the snowmobile excursion could chance if we want to and
it’s safe and legal. The open fire cooked food can be vegetarian food if you don’t eat meat, even a reindeer
meat. My mission is to make your trip meaningful and enjoyable.

4. Nature Without the Crowds.

You are not dealing with agency or customer service center- it’s me, Sami, answering your messages, crafting
your tour and guiding you out in nature. You’ll know exactly who’s guiding you. This build trust, comfort and
safety - especially important for solo travelers or families with young kids. I have kids too (8y, 14y and 16y). If
your kids want to play or hang out with some local peers, let’s make it happen. Is that a service you could get
from big operator? I don’t think so.

My clients are not just clients among others, but I am interested in each one as an individual. That being said, I
can call many of my clients my friends.

5. Personal Service From Start to Finish

I guide in areas that are off the beaten path - no tourist buses, no noise. Just clean air, quiet forest and open
tundra. Maybe you can feel the same way as one my American guest that said: “While being in Finland, I’ve
learnt that I love being in nature more than in the city.”

Being in nature, away from the distractions of everyday life, gives you the opportunity to truly feel yourself and
hear your thoughts. That could be life-changing experience. That's something you can't get when you're riding
a snowmobile in line with 30 other people.

I only work with handpicked small, family-run businesses: real reindeer farms, cozy accommodation, and
authentic experiences. I only cooperate with ethical and locally sustainable businesses. If they use animals,
them are treated well and taken care of.

As you come to experience once-in-lifetime experience, you might want to get memories of that. My trusted
photographer is my brother Juha, who has been working as a professional photographer in the area for 2
decades. Whether it's a wedding, birthday, engagement, or just memories of fun holidays, just let us know.

6. Trusted Local Network

The lifestyle in Lapland is relaxed and peaceful. We don't rush around. That’s what I want to share with my
clients. If you're stressed, you're on the wrong vacation. With me, you don't have to stress. If you feel any
stress, we will continue to stare at the fire even longer. It helps.

7. No Hurry and Hustle

To be honest, this is not for
everybody.

My services IS for you if:

You want to have a personal and private experience.

You value quality, meaningfulness and authenticity.

You know how to enjoy the moment and not rush, or
at least you want to.

You would rather find out what Lapland really is rather
than being satisfied with what you expect Lapland to be.

My services is NOT for
you if:

You want to be part of a bigger group.

You’re looking for a budget friendly option.

You want to experience as much as possible
as quickly as possible.

You think Lapland is just Santa and auroras and
you don’t want anything to disturb your illusion.

Whether you crave the tranquility of a hiking trip, the rush of mountain biking, or
the excitement of a kayaking expedition, I've got you covered. If you're dreaming of
a private escape for fishing on the Lake Inari or multi-day glamping, I'm here to
turn your dreams into reality.

If your dream is to see the northern lights, I am here to help you not only see them
but also experience them authentically in the wilderness by a snowmobile and sled
ride. Or if prefer more comfortable and warm car ride, that’s als

Even if you are seeking a multi-day private guide who is available and with you
every step on the way, I am at your service. I can be your privat tour leader,
wilderness guide, driver, chef or all together. I can lead you through the best trip
ever.

Let's explore the wonders of Lapland together—I'm ready when you are!

Are you looking for a guide to help you explore
magnificent Lapland? You don’t need to look further.