Icebreaker Sampo Cruise & Ice Floating in Kemi

This adventure departs from Kemi, a charming coastal town that lies on the Gulf of Bothnia in northern Finland, close to the Swedish border. For your icebreaker cruise in Kemi, you can choose to be picked up from Kemi, Rovaniemi (the capital city of Finnish Lapland), or Haparanda and Tornio (a fascinating cross-border town, where two countries, languages, and time zones meet). Kemi is located about 25 km (15.5 mi) west of Tornio and 115 km (71 mi) north of Rovaniemi.

After being picked up from your chosen location in Kemi, Rovaniemi, or Haparanda and Tornio, you'll be driven to the Snowcastle area in Kemi. If you choose the afternoon cruise, you'll check in and have some free time to explore this remarkable area, home to the SnowExperience365, SnowCastle Winter Park and Gemstone Exhibition. This excursion includes an entrance to the SnowExperience365 exhibition room, home to real snow and beautiful ice sculptures. You can step into the mesmerising winter wonderland and enjoy the ice slide, ice bar and ice tables. For the morning option, you'll visit the exhibition after the cruise.

After check-in, a shuttle bus will transfer you to the harbour in Kemi, where you'll board the magnificent Icebreaker Sampo. This one-of-a-kind icebreaker ship can plough through ice up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) thick! After boarding the boat, you'll receive a hot welcome drink. There is a bar on board if you wish to purchase additional beverages and snacks throughout the trip.

After a quick greeting and overview from the experienced crew, the icebreaker cruise in Kemi will depart. You'll sail through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, witnessing the power of the icebreaker crushing thick sea ice. Throughout the journey, you can embark on a guided tour of the vessel, visiting the engine room and the captain's bridge, and learning about icebreaker history in Finland.

The ship will come to a stop and you'll have the unique opportunity to walk on the unbroken frozen icy surface of the sea, a surreal Arctic experience! The vast white landscape stretches endlessly, offering magical photo opportunities. During the cruise, you'll also get to try ice floating in Kemi! The tour leader will provide you with your scheduled time slot. You'll receive an insulated flotation suit to keep you warm during the activity. Then, you'll lie back in the frozen waters and enjoy the peaceful remote scenery. During the 4-hour cruise, you'll also enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch on board.

At the end of the sailing adventure, you'll return to the harbour in Kemi. For the morning cruise option, the shuttle bus will take you back to the SnowCastle area, where you'll have time to explore the family-friendly attractions and visit the SnowExperience365 exhibition room. Afterwards, you'll be returned to your original pick-up point in Kemi, Rovaniemi, or Haparanda and Tornio. For the afternoon option, you'll be transferred back to your pick-up point directly from the harbour after the cruise.

Experience ice floating, ice walking, a guided tour of the vessel, entrance to the SnowExperience365 exhibition room, and a delicious lunch on this all-inclusive 4-hour icebreaker boat cruise in Kemi, with pick-up from Kemi, Rovaniemi or Haparanda and Tornio!