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Cruise the Frozen Bothnian Bay, Swim in Icy Waters, and Witness the Raw Power of the Arctic
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Hand-picked experiences loved by thousands of travelers
Sail through the frozen Bothnian Sea, float in icy Arctic waters, and walk on sea ice aboard a real icebreaker.
Sail the frozen Bothnian Bay aboard a legendary Finnish icebreaker & float in Arctic waters.
Board a real Arctic icebreaker from Kemi, float in the frozen Bothnian Bay & earn your polar certificate.
Sail frozen Arctic seas on a real icebreaker, walk on sea ice, and float in icy waters.
Race through Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile, fish through frozen ice, and feast by a crackling campfire.
Drift across a frozen Finnish lake in a thermal suit — one of Lapland's most thrilling cold-weather experiences.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Embark on a journey to the frozen Gulf of Bothnia for one of Finland's most iconic winter adventures. Departing from Rovaniemi, you'll travel through the snowy wilderness to the harbor in Kemi, where the mighty Sampo Icebreaker awaits. Built in the 1960s for the Finnish government, this massive steel vessel now offers travelers the rare chance to witness the immense power required to crush through meters of thick sea ice. The cruise is a complete sensory experience: the thunderous sound of cracking ice, the vast white expanse of the frozen sea, and the thrill of stepping off the ship to walk on the ice. The highlight for many is the ice floating experience, where you'll don a specialized survival suit to float safely in the dark, icy waters carved open by the ship's hull.
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Late December|January|February|March|Early April
Thermal base layers (Merino wool)|Wool or fleece mid-layer|Windproof and waterproof winter jacket|Insulated ski pants|Warm beanie and scarf|Thick wool socks|Sturdy winter boots with grip
Built in 1960 in Helsinki, the Sampo operated as an active icebreaker for the Finnish National Board of Navigation until 1987.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
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Real experiences from real travelers
The Sampo cruise was expensive but absolutely worth every penny. The feeling of the ship crushing the ice is indescribable. The ice floating was hilarious and fun - the suits keep you completely warm and dry. Highly recommend the transfer from Rovaniemi, it made the day stress-free.
The icebreaker itself is magnificent. We loved the guided tour of the engine room. The lunch on board was a simple salmon soup but very tasty. Just be prepared for a long bus ride from Rovaniemi (about 2 hours each way), but the scenery is beautiful.
We booked the VIP package with the snowmobile connection and it was incredible. Floating in the black water while looking at the white ice was surreal. The guides were professional and the ship is a piece of history. A must-do in Lapland.
The experience is unique, no doubt. However, the changing room for the survival suits was a bit chaotic with so many people. The floating time is short (about 15 mins) but enough. It's a very touristy experience but still impressive.
Walking on the frozen sea was my favorite part. It feels like another planet. The staff helped us with photos and the whole operation was very well organized. Don't forget your sunglasses, the sun on the snow is blinding!
As an engineer, I loved seeing the 1960s technology still working perfectly. The sound of the ice breaking is louder than you expect! The transfer bus was comfortable with Wi-Fi.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The transfer by bus takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way. The journey takes you through scenic Lappish countryside to the harbor in Kemi.
Children can participate in the cruise, but for the ice floating experience, there is a strict minimum height requirement of 140cm (approx 4ft 7in) due to the size of the survival suits.
Most tours include lunch, either as a buffet on board the Sampo or a meal at the shore restaurant before/after the cruise. Check your specific ticket details to be sure.
Wear warm thermal layers. The ship is heated inside, but you will spend time on the windy deck and walking on the ice. A warm hat, gloves, and sturdy winter boots are essential.
No, you will wear a special rescue survival suit that is completely waterproof and buoyant. You wear it over your own clothes and stay warm and dry.
Generally, no. The Sampo is a vintage vessel from the 1960s with high thresholds and steep stairs. It is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
The season runs from late December to early April. Mid-winter (Jan-Feb) offers the most dramatic ice conditions, while March offers longer daylight hours.
Most cruises operate during the day. However, if you book a late afternoon cruise in December or January, it will be dark enough to potentially see Auroras if the sky is clear.
The ship is designed to break ice, so it operates in almost all winter weather. In extreme cases where safety is compromised, the tour would be cancelled and refunded.
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