Explore arctic sea in Lapland
Did you choose Rovaniemi as a base for your arctic holiday? We assure you nailed it!
Witness a massive ice breaking power on an Ice breaker in the Bothnian Bay in Lapland, only 1,5 hours drive from Rovaniemi, Finland. The Gulf of Bothnia is one of the few places in the world where the sea completely freezes during the winter – explore arctic sea life from a deck!
Break the ice and cruise over arctic waters
Freezing wind is part of life in Lapland’s shoreline along the Bay of Bothnia, Lapland – as is the winter sun that shines in all shades of orange and pink. Both nature’s phenomena can be experienced on the two icebreakers that operate in the Bay of Bothnia: Icebreaker Sampo and Icebreaker Arktis. Harbour for both icebreakers is in Kemi, Finland, approximately 1,5 hours drive from Rovaniemi. Book an unforgettable day trip to either!
Book Ice Breaker tours!
Swim in the arctic sea during winter
During the cruise, visitors get a chance to experience the freshness of wintery sea by floating in arctic waters wearing extremely warm floating suit. If that is not your cup of tea, discover the beauty of the Bothnian Bay by feet, as visitors will get an opportunity to walk safely on the frozen sea ice during the cruise. After unique outdoor activities, enjoy hot drinks in icebreakers’ restaurants. In winter, Lapland’s weather can be cold, and the sea can make it feel even colder than on land – remember to dress warm!
Find other arctic experiences
Complete Winter Clothing Set – Rovaniemi
Rent a full set of warm winter gear—jacket, pants, gloves, and boots—for a comfortable day in Lapland’s cold.
Cross-Country Skiing Trip
Learn to ski cross-country skiing and admire beautiful landscapes with a local guide. Spend a nice day or half exploring the nature!
Ranua Wildlife Park Guided Tour, Lunch included
Guided tour of Ranua Zoo – the northernmost zoo in the world. We will take you to see 50 different animal species, including the only polar bears in Finland.
Private Guided Lapland Ranua Zoo tour from Rovaniemi
Visit Ranua Wildlife Park on this 5-hour guided trip. Ranua Zoo and Wildlife Park is Lapland’s leading tourist attraction for…
Unforgettable day trips on unique icebreakers
Icebreaker Sampo has been cruising on the waters of the Bothnian Bay for over 30 years. The vessel is like a moving museum! Icebreaker Arktis is Sampo’s more modern little sister that arrived in Kemi in 2023.
In Sampo icebreaker, you can go and discover the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. The duration of both cruises is approximately 3-4 hours. With transport from Rovaniemi, a day trip lasts approximately 8-10 hours.
Yes captain, I’m ready to go!
Icebreaker Sampo and Icebreaker Arktis operate between December and April. You can book a day trip with transport from Rovaniemi to both icebreakers. In addition, both will include:
- Ice breaking with the vessel
- Walking on sea ice
- Icy water swimming
- Lunch
More winter TIPS in Rovaniemi
5 Snow and ice buildings in Rovaniemi
6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi
6 Wintery surfaces in Lapland
10 Romantic Winter Tips
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
Snow And Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
More activities with snow and ice
To the Kingdom of Snow and Ice – Full day snowmobile safari to ice hotel
The Arctic SnowHotel is one of the must-to-see places, when visiting Rovaniemi and what would be better way than snowmobiling to see this masterpiece.
Winter Daytime ice floating
Do what you never thought you would be doing in your lifetime! Swim in an icy lake in the north of Finland in the middle of winter!
Arctic Snowshoeing Day
Join the tour to try an authentic way to go through powdery fresh snow. The snowshoes are the best for hiking on rolling to steep hills.
Korouoma Canyon – Frozen Water Falls
Korouoma Canyon is a famous hiking destination year around. In the summer time you can admire natural rapids and in the winter time famous ice falls.