Standing on the deck of an icebreaker, surrounded by the frozen expanse of the northern Gulf of Bothnia, is an experience like no other. As the ship plows through thick ice, the mesmerizing sound of cracking ice beneath your feet creates an unforgettable atmosphere. This is what an icebreaker cruise in Finland offers – a unique adventure in the heart of Sea Lapland.
The legendary Sampo and the modern Arktis set sail from Kemi, offering breathtaking winter adventures like ice floating and ice walking. Running from December 20, 2024, to April 5, 2025, these cruises are your gateway to exploring the frozen Gulf of Bothnia.
Onboard Sampo, the experience is elevated with an included buffet lunch and guided tour. Plus, both cruises award you a certificate – but more on that later. First, let’s dive into the details.
Imagine floating in the icy waters of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Sounds like a daring movie scene, right? But no worries – you’re wrapped in a cozy, safe survival suit designed for Arctic adventures.
This experience, one of the highlights of the icebreaker cruise in Finland, lasts about 10 minutes. The water temperature is a brisk +4°C, but the specialized suits keep you warm and comfortable throughout. Professional guides accompany you every step of the way, ensuring safety and allowing you to simply relax and enjoy.
The icebreaker stops at a serene open spot on the frozen sea. Participants are divided into pre-arranged groups, each with a color code, and the floating schedule is clearly displayed onboard.
Guides assist you as you walk across the ship’s gangway onto the ice, where you’ll gently ease into the water. Floating happens directly from the ice, and after your session, the guides help you back onto the ice and into the warmth of the dressing area.
The process is slightly different. From the dressing room, guides escort your group to the ship’s rear, where ladders lead you directly into the water. Floating takes place next to the ship, and the crew ensures a safe return to the dressing area.
Ice floating combines the surreal beauty of the Gulf of Bothnia with the exhilaration of Arctic adventure, making it an unmissable highlight of the cruise.
After the thrill of floating, the adventure continues with walking on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. When the icebreaker halts, you’ll have 1.5 to 2 hours to step off the ship and explore the vast, icy expanse surrounding you.
The ice, up to 70 cm thick during mid-winter, is completely safe to walk on. The serene Arctic landscape offers countless opportunities for stunning photographs. A popular spot is at the ship’s bow, where a rope allows you to pose as if pulling the mighty icebreaker across the frozen sea – an iconic selfie opportunity.
For those less inclined to take photos, simply soak in the silence and beauty of the Arctic surroundings. The tranquility of the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, paired with the dramatic scenery, makes this a truly magical experience.
One of the highlights of cruising aboard Sampo is the guided tour included in the experience. This tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of a legendary icebreaker.
Ever wondered how icebreakers operate? Or how thick their hulls are to withstand crushing ice? On Sampo, you’ll find answers to these fascinating questions. For example, Sampo’s hull can break through ice up to 1.2 meters thick!
The tour includes stops at the command bridge, engine room, radio room, and control room, with guides sharing intriguing stories about the ship’s history and engineering.
Sampo, built in 1960 at the Wärtsilä shipyard in Helsinki, served as a government-operated icebreaker until 1987. It was later acquired by the city of Kemi and transformed into a tourist attraction, becoming a centerpiece of Sea Lapland tourism since 1988.
While Arktis doesn’t offer a guided tour, its modern design and cozy lounge areas make for a relaxing cruise. Enjoy a warm drink from the café and admire the ship’s sleek engineering against the icy backdrop.
One of the many perks of cruising on Sampo is the delicious buffet lunch included in your ticket. Served in the ship’s cozy restaurant, the meal features a variety of local and seasonal specialties.
The buffet includes fresh salads, smoked salmon, tender chicken, and locally sourced beef, accompanied by creamy potato gratin and perfectly cooked rice. For international guests, Finnish delicacies like smoked fish add a unique touch to the menu.
For those aboard Arktis, the experience is more casual. While there isn’t a full restaurant, the café offers snacks, pastries, and hot and cold beverages – perfect for a quick bite while enjoying the views.
One of the most breathtaking moments of the icebreaker cruise in Finland is simply taking in the Arctic scenery. The frozen expanse of the northern Gulf of Bothnia stretches out endlessly, creating a surreal and serene landscape that is hard to find anywhere else. As the ship cuts through the ice and you gaze at the pristine white horizon, it’s a scene that feels straight out of a dream.
Did you know that these mighty vessels, Sampo and Arktis, are operated by remarkably small teams? Sampo’s crew consists of only nine members, while Arktis has six. These highly skilled professionals ensure the smooth operation of the icebreakers, navigating through the challenging Arctic ice with precision.
During your cruise, you might meet some of these crew members, particularly on Sampo’s command bridge, where they are more than happy to answer your questions. They’ll share fascinating insights into how the icebreaker operates, the intricacies of steering through frozen waters, and what it takes to work in such an extreme environment. Their expertise, combined with the insights provided by the guides, adds a personal touch to the journey, making the experience even more memorable.
Getting to your icebreaker cruise in Finland is easy and flexible, whether you’re already in Kemi or traveling from nearby towns like Rovaniemi or Tornio. Shuttle services are available to ensure a seamless journey to the departure point. Here’s how you can plan your trip:
From Kemi:
Shuttles transport guests from local hotels such as Scandic and Merihovi, as well as the Kemi railway station.
From Rovaniemi:
Guests can hop on a shuttle from popular hotels, including Santa’s Igloos, Santa Claus Holiday Village, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, and Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel.
From Tornio and Haparanda:
Shuttle buses also serve guests staying at Cape East, Haparanda Stadshotel, and Hotel Olof.
The shuttle service is an additional but essential part of your ice breaker cruise experience, ensuring you reach the ship without hassle.
• 4-hour Icebreaker CruiseIce Floating
• Ice Walking
• Guided Tour of the Ship
• Certificate (Diploma)
• Welcome Drink
• Lunch or Brunch Buffet onboard
• Entry to SnowExperience365
Learn more and book an icebreaker cruise
• 3-hour Icebreaker Cruise
• Ice Floating
• Ice Walking
• Onboard Guide Services
• Certificate (Diploma)
Learn more and book an icebreaker cruise
