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: 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!
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
Aurora Picnic by Campfire at Private Happy Fox Farm, 3 hours (Private Tour)
Have a luxury experience on Aurora Adventure and Photography Tour at private forest. Enjoy the beauty of the Nordic nature by forest walk with campfire and a traditional Finnish picnic.
Private experience: Learning through and about arctic nature
Not just an activity, but a local experience, with the locals. Are you excited about learning the unique wilderness of Lapland? We’ll show you how to combine outdoor activities with knowledge, facts and hands-on way of doing things.
3,5 hours electric snowmobile safari in Porovaara Hill (“Reindeer Hill) in Rovaniemi & meeting reindeer
Welcome to experience Lapland’s nature with ecological electric snowmobiles in at our beautiful private Porovaara Hill resort located only 20 min from Rovaniemi city-center
Magic of the Forest and Log Sauna Winter, 4 hours (Private Tour)
Feel the healing effects of the forest, herbs and log sauna of Fox Cottage with herbal bath for feet or treatment for hands. After the sauna we’ll serve you traditional Finnish dinner.
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.
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
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
Asking for Ahti’s treats
A unique ice fishing experience in the Lapland’s beautiful winter scenery in Rovaniemi.
Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights
Enjoy an evening Ski Trekking safari through the scenery of Lapland and catch your chance to observe the Northern Lights in the middle of the wilderness!
Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing Tour
This must-do trip combines two great local activities – snowshoeing through the Taiga forest and ice fishing on a frozen lake. Those 4 hours of adventure will give you a great insight of Lapland nature and life in the Arctic!
Snowmobile Safari into the Wilderness
This tour offers a wonderful way to learn the ins and outs of snowmobiling. As for the scenery, it’s a visual feast, with captivating snowy forests and frozen marshlands awaiting your exploration. Daily at 10:00 & 14:00