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!
From Haparanda & Tornio: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating
Step aboard Icebreaker Arktis and dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From Kemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating
Step aboard Icebreaker Arktis and dive into a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
From Kemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with Ice Floating
Icebreaker Arktis cruise with ice floating
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
Private Traditional Finnish Three Course Dinner, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Experience the traditional Finnish home made dinner in cosy private Fox Cottage without other guests.
Arctic Wildlife Adventure Ranua Wildlife Park Trip
Arctic Wildlife adventure to Ranua Zoo
Combo: Walking with Reindeer 30min & Alpacas 30min + visit
Book both experiences on the same day and save! Walk with reindeer and alpacas in Santa Claus Village and visit in Santa’s Pets.
8 km double the fun, 11th January-10th April
Husky tours at Korvala: 8 km sledding, including driving lesson, kennel tour, dog cuddles, photo ops, winter clothing, warm drinks & cookies. Max 3 sleds/departure. Starts at 11:00 & 12:00 on Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat. Price: €70/child & €140/adult.
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
Easy Snowmobile Safari
This tour is for all, who wish to have a first taste of driving your own snowmobile in the Arctic Circle area. Suitable for everyone, this is the best snowmobiling teaser safari in Lapland.
Arctic Day – a Survival Workshop
Adventurous, full day of snowy action in the wilderness, enjoying the peacefulness of the arctic forest blanketed with snow. Hiking through the forest and building together a quinzee, the traditional snow accommodation, which is both fun and educating!
Private Reindeer Herder Day Experience, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Reindeer Herder Day Experience
Northern Lights skiing adventure
On this tour you will go out searching and photographing the Northern Lights by skis!