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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!

ice floating, icebreaker Sampo, Kemi, Lapland, Finland
Floating experience with Polar Explorer icebreaker during sunset in Lapland, Finland.
People floating in survival suits with Polar Explorer activity in Lapland, Finland.
Sampo icebreaker -activity pictured above during winter in Lapland.

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!

Icebreaker Tours

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A woman during an Icebreaker tour going floating in a survival suit with frosty background in Lapland, Finland.

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!

Winter season in Lapland

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Sampo Icebreaker in Finnish Lapland Kemi

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.

People floating in survival suits with Polar Explorer activity in Lapland, Finland.
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
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Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus and reallife winter wonderland located at the Arctic Circle in Lapland Finland.

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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!

Snow and Ice

More activities with snow and ice

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