You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and icefloating

6 Reviews 3.00 out of 5 stars Based on 6 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Rovaniemi, Finland
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 91 (81) days in advance.

9 to 11 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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 included exhibitions in the main building area.

After your visit, a shuttle transfer takes you to Kemi’s harbor to board the Icebreaker Sampo. Once on board, you will be welcomed with a non‑alcoholic drink before joining a guided tour that introduces the vessel’s history and operations. The four‑hour cruise travels through the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, where you can experience floating among the ice in a thermal survival suit. When conditions permit, you may also step out onto the frozen sea.

Throughout the cruise, warm indoor lounges and an onboard café‑restaurant offer comfortable spaces to relax. Lunch is included on afternoon departures and served in the ship’s restaurant. At the end of the experience, you will receive a participation certificate as a keepsake before returning to Rovaniemi.

What's Included

  • Lunch Welcome drink and lunch on board
  • Transfer from Rovaniemi to the port and back.
  • Ice floating in a special survival suit in the ice Bothanian bay
  • Snacks Drinks & snacks on board are possible to be bought in restaurant deck's cafeteria
See 4 moreSee 3 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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.Please notice: Lunch in restaurant of Icebreaker Sampo is included to afternoon cruise price (at 13:30 pm).❄️ 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 07:50–08:15 Check-in for the cruise 08:30 Departure from SnowCastle area to the harborIcebreaker Cruise 08:45 Arrival at the harbor 09:00–12:30 Icebreaker Sampo cruise 12:40 Departure from the harborSnowCastle Area, Kemi 12:55 Arrival at SnowCastle area 12:55–14:00 Optional lunch at the restaurant (extra service, book in advance or purchase tickets at the SnowCastle area’s reception) 12:55-14:00 Time for visiting exhibitions. Entrance to exhibitions is included in the cruise price 14:15 Departure from the SnowCastle areaReturn 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 11:30–12:45 Check-in for the cruise and time for visiting exhibitions. Entrance fee to exhibitions included in the cruise price. 13:00 Departure from SnowCastle area to the harborIcebreaker Cruise 13:15 Arrival at the harbor 13:30–17:30 Icebreaker Sampo cruise and lunch 17:40 Departure from the harborReturn to Rovaniemi 17:50 Short 5-minute stop at the SnowCastle area 19:40 Scandic Pohjanhovi Hotel 19:50 Arctic Treehouse Hotel 20:00 Santa Claus Holiday Village 20:10 Santa’s IgloosNote: 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.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Kemi

Icebreaker Sampo experience includes a 4-hour icebreaker cruise, round-trip transfers from Rovaniemi to the harbor in Kemi, a non-alcoholic welcome drink, a guided tour of the ship, ice floating, and walking on the frozen sea (weather permitting), lunch on board, a certificate of participation. Onboard, you’ll find warm lounges and a café-restaurant for your comfort. Your cruise ticket also includes access to exhibitions and experiences at the SnowCastle area.
Read more

4 hours Admission Ticket Free

The Icebreaking Company

Kemi's SnowCastle area gives visitors the chance to experience snow and ice architecture in a comfortable and accessible way. Ticket includes entrance to the SnowExperience room and to GemstoneExhibition which are located in the main building. Exhibitions are open throughout the year and features detailed ice sculptures, an ice slide, an ice bar, and ice tables, allowing guests to enjoy an Arctic‑style environment regardless of the season.From 15 January to 6 April 2026, the outdoor Winter Park is also available behind the main building. Fully constructed from snow, this seasonal area offers traditional Finnish winter activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Guests can try the ice tube slide, toboggan slide, and a classic Finnish carousel sleigh. The Winter Park also includes a small indoor area displaying additional ice sculptures. This experience allows travelers to explore both indoor and outdoor elements of the SnowCastle area at their own pace.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Show 1 more stop

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • All programs have weather permitting. Walking on the ice might not be available in early winter season cruises.
  • Ice floating is included in the Icebreaker experience but is optional and 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

Frequently Asked Questions (9)

Q: Will I get seasick on From Rovaniemi: Icebreaker Sampo Cruise and icefloating?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-455816P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.00
6 reviews

Average 3.00 out of 5 stars based on 6 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 91 (81) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Private Ranua Wildlife Park Photography Tour

On this private photography tour to Ranua Wildlife Park you will meet Arctic animals and capture the most memorable pictures of them! We will drive …More

On this private photography tour to Ranua Wildlife Park you will meet Arctic animals and capture the most memorable pictures of them! We will drive...

5 to 6 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
from
$1,061

Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour

Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour A Explore the Lapland's capital town, Rovaniemi, and experience life in the Arctic! Your exquisite day will start with an …More

Highlights of Rovaniemi Day Tour A Explore the Lapland's capital town, Rovaniemi, and experience life in the Arctic! Your exquisite day will start with an...

7 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (59)
from
$296

Arctic Huskies and Reindeers Fun in Rovaniemi

Meeting Authentic Arctic Reindeers & Huskies at a local farm, enjoying your own Fast & Furious with adorable huskies there in the Arctic forest A …More

Meeting Authentic Arctic Reindeers & Huskies at a local farm, enjoying your own Fast & Furious with adorable huskies there in the Arctic forest A...

3 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (4)
from
$192

VIP Lapland: Santa Village, Glass Igloo Lunch & Snow Scooters

Elevate your Arctic journey with a flawlessly curated VIP expedition into the snow-covered wilderness of Rovaniemi. Your exclusive experience begins with a private luxury transfer …More

Elevate your Arctic journey with a flawlessly curated VIP expedition into the snow-covered wilderness of Rovaniemi. Your exclusive experience begins with a private luxury transfer...

4 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (27)
from
$437

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Rovaniemi: Korouoma Canyon Autumn Hike & BBQ - Small Group

Discover a different side of Lapland on a guided autumn hike through Korouoma Canyon. Follow forest trails beneath dramatic cliffs, enjoy seasonal colours and pause …More

Discover a different side of Lapland on a guided autumn hike through Korouoma Canyon. Follow forest trails beneath dramatic cliffs, enjoy seasonal colours and pause...

7 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (81)
from
$125

Rovaniemi: Northern Lights Tour, 100% Guarantee with Free Photos

Meet Book Lapland — the world’s best-rated and most-reviewed Northern Lights tour operator, with 8,000+ guest reviews across leading platforms. Born in Rovaniemi, proudly owned …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Meet Book Lapland — the world’s best-rated and most-reviewed Northern Lights tour operator, with 8,000+ guest reviews across leading platforms. Born in Rovaniemi, proudly owned...

4 to 6 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (741)
from
$88

Rent Winter Clothing in Rovaniemi - All Sizes & Ages

Stay Warm, Dry & Stylish in Rovaniemi – Premium Winter Clothing Rental Whether you’re visiting Santa Claus Village or chasing the Northern Lights, stay perfectly …More

Stay Warm, Dry & Stylish in Rovaniemi – Premium Winter Clothing Rental Whether you’re visiting Santa Claus Village or chasing the Northern Lights, stay perfectly...

1 to 30 days Free Cancellation
4.7 (17)
from
$52

Arctic Huskies and Reindeers Fun in Rovaniemi

Meeting Authentic Arctic Reindeers & Huskies at a local farm, enjoying your own Fast & Furious with adorable huskies there in the Arctic forest A …More

Meeting Authentic Arctic Reindeers & Huskies at a local farm, enjoying your own Fast & Furious with adorable huskies there in the Arctic forest A...

3 hours 30 minutes Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
4.8 (4)
from
$192

What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchWelcome drink and lunch on board
  • Transfer from Rovaniemi to the port and back.
  • Ice floating in a special survival suit in the ice Bothanian bay
  • Walking on ice (weather permitting)
  • Entrance to the SnowCastle area exhibitions (Snowxperience & Gemstone Exhibition)
  • Cruise Diploma
  • Guided tour around Sampo, the historical 1960 build A1 Super class icebreaker
  • SnacksDrinks & snacks on board are possible to be bought in restaurant deck's cafeteria

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All programs have weather permitting. Walking on the ice might not be available in early winter season cruises.
  • Ice floating is included in the Icebreaker experience but is optional and 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 180 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name