The frozen Gulf of Bothnia feels like another planet, and this day aboard the mighty Icebreaker Arktis drops you right in the middle of it. Cruise through thick ice, step out to walk the frozen sea (weather permitting), then float safely in a warm survival suit among the chunks – Arctic thrill without the freeze. Cozy indoor decks and a café with panoramic views keep things comfortable during the 3-hour voyage. Round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi to Kemi make it effortless. Add a buffet lunch at SnowCastle or tickets to the indoor snow attraction if you want more. You’ll get a certificate to prove you did it – the kind of day that leaves you grinning for weeks.
The crushing steel hull of the Icebreaker Arktis and the frozen, infinite horizons of the Bothnian Bay serve as the stage for this 10-hour high-impact Arctic maritime expedition.
Operated by the Icebreaking Company, this journey transitions from the snowy streets of Rovaniemi to the industrial harbor of Kemi.
You move from the warmth of two cozy indoor decks to the surreal experience of ice floating in a professional survival suit, experiencing an environment where the sound of cracking ice is the only soundtrack.
Because this is a "must-do" Arctic classic with strictly timed shuttle departures, you should book your Icebreaker Arktis cruise early to secure your 2026 winter departure.
Expect a monumental, high-sensory, and physically unique immersion into the Arctic sea. The transition from the warm interior decks to the frozen surface requires high-quality gear; while the ship is heated, you'll want to be outside to capture the vertical scale of the ice breaking. The environment is one of "unmatched power," where the ship's café offers a cozy spot to warm up after your float. Note that the ice floating has a minimum height requirement of 140 cm and is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or wheelchair users.
Do not worry about the cold during the dip; the professional survival suits are designed to keep you vertically dry and warm even in sub-zero waters, though our agency suggests travelers bring a change of clothes just in case of heavy perspiration inside the suit.
Be outside at your pickup point at least 5 minutes early; the shuttles run on a tight vertical schedule to reach the harbor, and missing the bus means missing the entire 10-hour experience without a refund.
If you are visiting in the springtime (March/April), bring sunglasses; the vertical reflection of the Arctic sun off the pure white sea ice is incredibly bright and can be straining to the naked eye.
Book your buffet lunch or SnowCastle exhibition tickets at the same time as your cruise; these additional vertical services often sell out during the peak 2026 season.
The ice thickness and daylight change vertically throughout the 2026 season.
Major hotels in Rovaniemi, including Santa’s Igloos, Arctic Treehouse, and Scandic Pohjanhovi.
The Icebreaker Arktis cruise lasts for 3 hours.
You must be at least 140 cm tall to participate in the ice floating.
No, the breakfast and lunch buffets are optional and must be booked in advance.
No, you must bring your own warm clothing and shoes, though survival suits are provided for the float.
Book it today with Rovaniemi Tours or simply following this link.
