![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/c357cf4e-84f4-4995-b6b2-48ce5e380195.jpeg)
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!
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Sampo-Icebreaker-in-Finnish-Lapland-Kemi.jpg)
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Polar-Explorer-Icebreaker-Winter-Snow-Ice-People-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-13.jpg)
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Polar-Explorer-Icebreaker-Winter-Snow-Ice-People-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-14.jpg)
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Ice-breaker-Sampo-Icebreaker-Winter-Activity-Kemi-Lapland-Finland.jpg)
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: Polar Explorer Icebreaker and Icebreaker Sampo. Icebreaker Sampo’s harbour is in Kemi, Finland, meanwhile Polar Explorer Icebreaker operates from Axelsvik, Swedish Lapland. Both locations are approximately 1,5 hours drive from Rovaniemi. Book an unforgettable day trip to either!
Book Ice Breaker tours!
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Polar-Explorer-Icebreaker-Winter-Snow-Ice-People-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-12.jpg)
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
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/ce75c8c2-46fd-4503-8dd4-3bce71876800.jpeg)
Reindeer farm visit
Visit our authentic reindeer farm, meet real-life reindeer herders, and feed reindeer in their natural surroundings.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/2c97971d-8678-4658-b703-f66e542aa584.jpg)
Premium Ice Climbing in Pyhä Lapland
For enthusiasts, Bliss Adventure offers a tailored ice climbing experience in the Tajukangas ice fall
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/51a44efb-2a3e-41b3-83ff-a5e76b961aa9.jpg)
Aurora ice floating
Dip yourself into frozen lake under the Auroras and let your mind and body float wearing rescue suit that covers your whole body and keeps you dry.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/ce0c9b5f-f4ca-4da0-85c8-afca54985534.png)
Thrilling day with Siberian Husky and snowmobile safari (Small group)
Action-packed, small group adventure day with real Siberian Huskies, authentic Laplandic lunch and a thrilling snowmobile ride through the pristine, snowy Lapland forests in Rovaniemi!
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Icebreaker-icebreaker-tours-Winter-snow-ice-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-scaled.jpg)
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! Polar Explorer Icebreaker is built in 1976, but it was fully rebuilt in 1991.
In both icebreakers, you can go and discover the engine rooms and all way up to Captain’s bridge. The duration of both cruises is approximately 3 hours. With transport from Rovaniemi, a day trip lasts approximately 8 hours.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Polar-Explorer-Icebreaker-Winter-Snow-Ice-People-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-15.jpg)
Yes captain, I’m ready to go!
Polar Explorer Icebreaker and Icebreaker Sampo operate in February, March and April – In Lapland, those are the months when the sun starts to bring light to the days after dark polar nights. 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
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Winter-snow-family-snowmanworld-ice-in-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland.jpg)
5 Snow and ice buildings in Rovaniemi
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Ice-Floating-on-a-icebreaker-cruise-by-Polar-Explorer-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland.jpg)
6 ways to experience frozen waters in Rovaniemi
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Snow-winter-snowshoe-snowshoeing-people-sunshine-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-1.jpg)
6 Wintery surfaces in Lapland
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Romantic-moment-at-Arctic-Garden-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-1.jpg)
10 Romantic Winter Tips
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Snow-winter-snowshoe-snowshoeing-people-sunshine-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-5.jpg)
Winter
Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/Winter-snow-nature-outdoors-Rovaniemi-Lapland-Finland-11.jpg)
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
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/aca7ab03-01bd-4311-8e46-2416935ebdd8.jpg)
Evening Escape – Snowmobile safari and campfire
Join us to experience the magic of the northern nature in the evening twilight on 3 hour snowmobile safari.
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/44575b6d-6b5a-477e-b990-61a5d8b0ca06.jpeg)
Snowmobile Photography Trip to Hunt the Auroras
Northern Finland is full of marvelous places for watching the Northern Lights. The first rule is go away from the city lights. The clear and starry sky means you can see the brightest Auroras Borealis!
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/23e095ef-7074-4874-b8fc-9e9ceba18f85.jpeg)
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!
![](https://www.visitrovaniemi.fi/wp-content/uploads/517625f0-c6c2-4d18-916d-45c1df1515ca.jpeg)
Premium Snowshoe or Ski Adventure in Lapland (Private Tour)
Explore Lapland wonderland with a premium guided adventure! On snowshoes or trekking skis, as you prefer, you will walk off the beaten paths into white arctic landscapes.