From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Arktis Cruise with icefloating
Description
Begin your day with round‑trip transportation from Rovaniemi to Kemi. Upon arrival, you will check in for your icebreaker cruise and have free time to explore the main building's services and SnowCastle area. During the Icebreaker Arktis cruise, you can move between two heated indoor decks designed for comfort in arctic conditions. The ship travels through the frozen waters of Gulf of Bothnia, providing continuous views of the ice and sea through wide observation windows. Throughout the three hours on board, you can watch the icebreaker operate and learn about its capabilities through firsthand observation. Cruise will take a short stop in middle of frozen sea where you can walk on solid ice (ice conditions permitting) and float guidedly in icy water wearing a thermal survival suit. After the cruise, the return transfer takes you back to the main building and drop off locations.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Welcome to an incredible arctic adventure from Rovaniemi! The Icebreaker Arktis cruises on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia sea in Kemi during the winter season. Icebreaker Arktis Cruise includes 3h icebreaker cruise, ice floating experience, walking on ice and diploma. There is a café on board where you can buy local delicacies. A modern and warm lobby will make your trip comfortable and enjoyable.
Main Building Area: In the main building area, guests can explore indoor exhibitions, browse for souvenirs, or relax in the reception café. The Seaview Restaurant on the second floor is also open to guests with pre-booked reservations. The outdoor winter park is built each year from mid-January until early April, weather permitting. Exhibitions: There are two exhibitions located inside the main building: the SnowExperience and the Gemstone Exhibition. In the SnowExperience, you can immerse yourself in the true feeling of winter in a 400-square-meter cold experience room featuring ice slides and ice sculptures. The Gemstone Exhibition showcases enchanting jewelry and gemstones from Finland and around the world, with over 700 different types of gemstones and semi-precious stones on display.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The shuttle will pick you up outside at the front entrance of your selected pickup location. Please be ready well before your scheduled pickup time and wait outside no later than 5 minutes before the pick up time. The shuttle works on a fixed timetable and may have many other passengers to collect. For this reason, the driver cannot wait for late arrivals. If you are not present at pickup time, the bus must continue to the next stop to stay on schedule. Please note that the shuttle may experience slight delays due to traffic or earlier pickups. Please note that the drive to Kemi takes approximately 1.5 hours, so plan your departure accordingly to avoid missing the shuttle. The correct vehicle will display “Icebreaker Shuttle” on the front windshield. If you have any issues reaching your pickup point, please contact cruise check-in. The cruise check‑in line is open whenever cruises are operating, and team can assist you with guidance if needed. ❄️ Pickup morning cruise from Rovaniemi 05:45 Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8, Rovaniemi) 05:50 Santa Claus Holiday Village (Joulumaantie 20, Rovaniemi, look for Sampo standing sign on parking area, on other side of road from cottages) 06:00 Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3, Rovaniemi, wait near road leading to hotel, about 30 meters from main door) 06:20 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel (Pohjanpuistikko 2, Rovaniemi) Please wait outside at the pickup point. SnowCastle Area, Kemi 07:50 Arrival at SnowCastle area 07:50–08:30 Check-in for the cruise 08:45 Departure from SnowCastle area to the harbor Icebreaker Cruise 09:00 Arrival at the harbor 09:15–12:15 Icebreaker Arktis cruise 12:25 Departure from the harbor Return to SnowCastle Area, Kemi 12:40 Arrival at SnowCastle area 12:40–14:00 Optional lunch at restaurant and time for visiting exhibitions (extra services, book in advance or purchase tickets at the SnowCastle area’s reception) 14:15 Departure from the SnowCastle area Return to Rovaniemi 16:00 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel 16:10 Arctic Treehouse Hotel 16:20 Santa Claus Holiday Village 16:30 Santa’s Igloos ❄️ Pickup afternoon cruise from Rovaniemi 09:25 Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8, Rovaniemi) 09:30 Santa Claus Holiday Village (Joulumaantie 20, Rovaniemi, look for Sampo standing sign on parking area, on other side of road from cottages) 09:40 Arctic Treehouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3, Rovaniemi, wait near road leading to hotel about 30 meters from main door) 10:00 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel (Pohjanpuistikko 2, Rovaniemi) Please wait outside at the pickup point. SnowCastle Area, Kemi 11:30 Arrival at SnowCastle area 11:30–12:15 Optional lunch at the restaurant and additional time for visiting exhibitions (extra services, book in advance or purchase tickets at the SnowCastle area’s reception) 11:30–12:30 Check-in for the cruise 12:45 Departure from the SnowCastle area to the harbor Icebreaker Cruise 13:00 Arrival at the harbor 13:15–16:15 Icebreaker Arktis cruise 16:25 Departure from the harbor Return to Rovaniemi 16:35 Short 5-minute stop at the SnowCastle area 18:25 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel 18:35 Arctic Treehouse Hotel 18:45 Santa Claus Holiday Village 18:55 Santa’s Igloos Note: Return times are estimates and might vary slightly depending on traffic. If you have any problems with shuttle bus pick up contact our Cruise check-in. Contact number to check in is available during cruise days and when programs are in progress.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please notice that walking on ice is dependent of weather conditions on the sea.
- Ice floating is included in the Icebreaker experience but is optional to participate to. Floating program requires normal physical health, the staff have the right to assess the physical and mental condition of each customer and decide on participation. Floating program is not recommended for pregnant women
- Minimum height for icefloating experience is 140 cm
- Ice floating is not recommended for pregnant travelers or traveleres with serious medical conditions
- The cruise ship has stairs. The cruise is not recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.
Reviews(2)
Exceptional!!! Everything perfect, logistics, service and visual simply spectacular. Worth every penny.... Super recommend.
Nothing special. They give you everything. In any case bring something to eat in the time of the walk. All very well organized.
