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!
From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating
Icebreaker cruise with amazing ice floating, lunch and SnowExperience365 experience
Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise by your own car, 3 hours
Join us for once in a lifetime experience!
Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise and lunch with shuttle bus transportation from Kemi or Tornio
Join us for once in a lifetime experience!
Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise and lunch with shuttle bus transportation from Rovaniemi
Join us for once in a lifetime experience!
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
Night Safari: Chasing Northern Lights with Reindeer (sleigh ride about 40-60 min)
Night safari with reindeer: let’s go through the mystical forests of Lapland and look for the Northern Lights
Unlimited Time & Mileage – Aurora Hunting Pro Tour
Local Guided Real Unlimited Aurora Hunting with Photography (small groups)
Snowmobile Safari in the Heart of Nature 7.1.-7.4., Rovaniemi
Enter arctic nature on a snowmobile – try ice fishing and snowshoeing
Aurora Pro the photography expedition
Live an unforgettable once in a lifetime experience with our Aurora Hunting Expedition
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
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
Welcome to the Arctic Circle – Winter
Get a glimpse into the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi during this 6/7-hour tour around the Arctic Circle border. Experience, feel,…
Ice Fishing Trip
This Ice Fishing Trip offers a great chance to enjoy the wilderness of Lapland while experiencing a traditional activity that many locals like to practice.
Fishing Experience by Snowmobiles 7.1.-7.4., Rovaniemi
Ride through the white wilderness to enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake