Rovaniemi Afternoon Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating

Thinking about visiting Lapland and craving an authentic Arctic adventure? This Rovaniemi Afternoon Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating tour offers a blend of thrill, culture, and stunning scenery, all wrapped into a full-day experience. While the price might seem high, the unique activities and expert guidance make it a worthwhile splurge for anyone seeking something truly different.

What we love most about this tour is how it combines luxurious comfort with raw Arctic nature — from the historic Icebreaker Sampo and its guided tour, to the exhilarating ice floating in the icy waters, topped off with a hearty buffet lunch. The inclusion of exhibitions, a diploma, and surprise gifts makes it feel like a complete Arctic package. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the limited flexibility in activities, especially if you’re traveling with children under 140cm, who cannot participate in ice floating.

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers, curious travelers, and those eager to experience the Arctic from a unique perspective. It’s perfect if you’re after a day filled with iconic sights, adrenaline-pumping moments, and authentic local hospitality.

Good To Know

• Unique Ice Floating Experience: Try floating in the icy waters wearing a survival suit, an activity that many describe as a “once-in-a-lifetime” moment.
• Historic Icebreaker Tour: Explore the legendary Sampo, the only super-class passenger icebreaker in the world, with guided access to the bridge and control room.
• Stunning Arctic Views: Cruise among vast ice sheets and frozen waters, with opportunities for incredible photos and memorable sights.
• Inclusions for Value: Buffet lunch, exhibitions, cruise diploma, and surprise gifts are included, making this a comprehensive Arctic adventure.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide safety instructions and share fascinating insights about the icebreaker and the Arctic environment.
• Limited for Kids Under 140cm: Ice floating is not available for children below this height, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with young kids.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience: What to Expect

The Itinerary and Transportation

This tour kicks off early in the morning with pickup from designated spots in Rovaniemi — at Santa Claus Village, Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Santas Igloos, and Scandic Pohjanhovi. The transportation is a shared shuttle, efficiently whisking you to the SnowCastle area in Kemi, arriving around 11:30 am. From there, you’ll have time to explore the exhibitions like SnowExperience365 and Gemstone, which are included in your ticket. This is a smart touch, giving you a little extra Arctic culture and fun before the main event.

By about 12:45 pm, you’ll board the bus to the harbor, where the real adventure begins. The cruise departs around 1:30 pm, with a scenic 4-hour journey on the Icebreaker Sampo — a historic vessel that once operated for Finland’s government for 25 years. This vessel is not just a mode of transport but a symbol of Arctic resilience and engineering marvel.

The Cruise and Guided Tour

Once onboard, you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink, setting a friendly, relaxed tone. The ship’s interior impresses with its combination of rugged functionality and comfort — think warm lounges, panoramic windows, and a well-organized layout for safety and exploration.

Your onboard guide will take you on a tour of the vessel, from the captain’s bridge to the control room, sharing stories about Sampo’s history and its vital role in Arctic navigation. Many reviews commend guides like Mario for their professionalism and friendliness, which enhances the overall experience. Expect plenty of opportunities to ask questions about the ship, Arctic navigation, and Finnish maritime history.

The Ice Floating Adventure

The highlight for many: ice floating in the Bothnian Bay. Donning a special survival suit — which most reviewers praise for its warm, protective design — you’ll be led into the icy water in small groups. This activity is described as “awesome,” “exciting,” and “a once-in-a-lifetime” event. Reviewers also mention that the crew is extremely professional, providing clear instructions and support, making even the most hesitant feel comfortable.

Keep in mind, the minimum height for children is 140cm, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Several guests noted that equipment and support are well-managed, but some wished there was a designated spot to secure personal belongings like jackets and bags, instead of carrying everything around.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lunch and Other Activities

After the adrenaline rush, you’ll be treated to a buffet lunch on the ship. The food receives high praise for being hearty and satisfying, with many reviewers mentioning it exceeds expectations for an Arctic cruise.

Additional stops at the SnowExperience365 and Gemstone exhibitions are included, giving you a taste of local craftsmanship and Arctic adventures. As one traveler noted, “the activities were well arranged and the entire day ran smoothly,” which speaks to the efficiency and professionalism of the organizers.

Return and Additional Options

The tour returns to Kemi around 5:30 pm, with a relaxed journey back to Rovaniemi, arriving by 8 pm. The overall experience, as many reviews highlight, is well-organized, engaging, and memorable.

Practical Details and Value

Price and What You Receive

At $679 per person, this experience might seem on the higher side, but it includes roundtrip transportation, a 4-hour cruise, a guided tour, lunch, exhibitions, and a cruise diploma. For those craving a comprehensive Arctic experience, all these elements add up to good value.

How to Prepare

Travelers are advised to wear warm clothing and bring a change of clothes, especially if planning to participate in ice floating. The weather can be extremely cold, windy, and snowy, so layering is essential for comfort.

Accessibility and Limitations

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and children under 140 centimeters can’t participate in ice floating. Be sure to communicate any special needs in advance.

What Reviewers Say

Several guests expressed delight with the guides’ professionalism, noting that guides like Mario made the trip especially memorable with their friendly demeanor and detailed explanations. Others appreciated the stunning views of crackling ice sheets and the chance to witness the power of the icebreaker pushing through thick ice.

Many reviewers enjoyed the delicious cuisine and thoughtful touches like the cruise diploma and surprise gifts, which add a personal touch to the adventure. However, some pointed out that photo opportunities during ice floating could improve — having a designated photographer or designated photo spot would enhance the experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurers and Arctic lovers interested in a mix of history, scenery, and adrenaline activities. It’s perfect if you’re eager to cruise on the iconic Sampo, experience ice floating in the Arctic, and explore Finnish Lapland’s unique environment. It also suits those who want an organized, safe experience with knowledgeable guides and included cultural touches.

However, if you’re traveling with young children below 140cm or have mobility issues, you might want to consider other options, as ice floating and some activities aren’t accessible.

Final Thoughts

The Rovaniemi Afternoon Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and Ice Floating offers a genuinely immersive Arctic experience with a good balance of adventure, scenery, and cultural insight. The opportunity to stand on a historic icebreaker, float in the icy waters, and enjoy hearty Finnish cuisine makes it a memorable day for those craving something different from typical winter activities.

While the price might seem steep, the inclusions — guided ship tour, exhibitions, lunch, and souvenirs — justify the cost for most travelers looking for a high-quality, authentic Arctic adventure. It’s an experience that appeals most to adventure seekers, those curious about Arctic navigation, and anyone eager to tick a bucket-list activity off their list.

If you’re prepared for cold weather and want a full day of Arctic wonder, this tour will deliver stories, sights, and moments you’ll cherish long after the snow melts.

FAQ

Is transportation from Rovaniemi included?
Yes, roundtrip shuttle bus transportation from designated pickup points in Rovaniemi is included, making logistics easy and stress-free.

What do I need to wear?
Warm clothing and a change of clothes are recommended due to the cold environment. Layering is key to staying comfortable during both the cruise and ice floating.

Can children participate in ice floating?
Children must be at least 140cm tall to participate in ice floating, and it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the views, activities, and a hearty buffet lunch onboard.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation, the 4-hour cruise, a welcome drink, ice floating, a cruise diploma, exhibit entry tickets, and a buffet lunch.

Is there an opportunity to take photos?
Guides do not automatically take photos during activities, but many passengers get others to snap their moments. Some reviewers suggest a designated photo spot would be helpful.

Are there any hidden costs?
All major parts of the tour, including exhibitions and lunch, are included. Extra personal souvenirs or additional drinks outside the welcome beverage may incur costs.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The activity is conducted in English, with guides providing detailed commentary and instructions.

How scenic is the cruise?
Expect breathtaking views of crackling ice sheets and the vast, frozen expanse of the Bothnian Bay, ideal for photography and memorable moments.

What if I change my mind or need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

This tour provides a well-rounded Arctic experience filled with history, adventure, and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for those looking to add a truly unique activity to their Lapland itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here: