The Science of Walking on Ice
Falling on black ice is the #1 cause of tourist injuries in Lapland. It's not the cold that breaks bones, it's the gravity.
The "Penguin Walk"
Normal walking involves pushing off with your back leg, which creates a horizontal force. On ice, this causes your foot to slide out.
"Keep your center of gravity over your front leg. Small steps. Flat feet. Like a penguin."
Recognizing Black Ice
When the temperature is near 0°C, a thin, invisible layer of ice forms on asphalt. If the ground looks "wet" but it's below freezing, it is ice.
warning Anti-Slip Gear
Ice Cleats (Liukuesteet)
Rubber straps with steel spikes that fit over your shoes. Sold in every supermarket (K-Market/S-Market) for €15. Essential for January/February.
Studded Boots
Brands like Icebug have integrated carbine spikes. Overkill for a 3-day trip, but life-changing for longer stays.
Walking on Frozen Lakes
Rule 0: Never walk on a lake unless you see a marked snowmobile track or a crowd of locals.
Currents under the ice (especially near bridges or river mouths) can thin the ice from 50cm to 2cm in a matter of meters. If you fall in, the cold shock will incapacitate you in under 60 seconds. If this happens, follow the immediate steps in our Medical Emergencies guide and call emergency services if needed.