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Icebreaker cruises from Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi has no sea. Every cruise starts with a bus ride south-west to the coast, so plan for a full day.

Top picks
Sampo cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company Sampo cruise from Rovaniemi
★ 4.6 (245) from €506
Book now
Arktis cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company · 10 hours in total; 3 hours on board Arktis cruise from Rovaniemi
★ 4.4 (401) from €411
Book now
Polar Explorer cruise
Polar Explorer Icebreaker Polar Explorer cruise
★ 4.7 (490) from €325
Book now
Compare all 4 options

From Rovaniemi you can reach all four ships. The Sampo and the Arktis sail from Kemi, about an hour and three quarters away by bus. The Polar Explorer and the Arctic Explorer sail from Axelsvik in Sweden, 168 km by road. The cruises with transfer from Rovaniemi are listed below.

PhotoCruiseShipHarbourTime on boardWhole dayIce floating fromPriceReviewsBook
Polar Explorer cruise
Polar Explorer Icebreaker		Polar ExplorerAxelsvik, Sweden3 h3–8.5 h, by option125 cm€325per person★ 4.7 (490)Book now
Arktis cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company		ArktisKemi, Finland3 h10 h140 cm€411per person★ 4.4 (401)Book now
Sampo cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company		SampoKemi, Finland3.5 h (morning) or 4 h (afternoon)10–11 h140 cm€506per person★ 4.6 (245)Book now
Arctic Explorer cruise
Polar Explorer Icebreaker		Arctic ExplorerAxelsvik, Sweden2.5 h2.5–8.5 h, by option125 cm (operator)€250per person★ 4.9 (16)Book now

Cruise prices here are per adult and come live from GetYourGuide, taxes and fees included. Compare them with the whole-day column: the cruises with a bus from Rovaniemi or Oulu include the transfer in the price.

Cruises with pickup in Rovaniemi

Each card shows the pickup town and time on board first. Open a card for pickup stops, inclusions and the ice conditions note.

Sampo cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company

Sampo cruise from Rovaniemi

Bus from Rovaniemi to Kemi and back, the 1960 icebreaker Sampo, ice floating and SnowCastle exhibitions. Lunch buffet only on the afternoon cruise.

  • Duration: 10–11 hours in total; 3.5 hours on board in the morning, 4 hours in the afternoon
  • Language: English
  • ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
from €506 ★ 4.6 (245 reviews)
Book on GetYourGuide
Full cruise details

Highlights

  • A guided tour of the Sampo, an icebreaker built in 1960
  • Ice floating in a survival suit and, when the ice allows, a walk on the frozen sea
  • Diploma and entry to the SnowExperience and gemstone exhibitions in Kemi

About this cruise

The bus collects you at one of four stops in Rovaniemi, starting at 05:45 for the morning cruise or 09:25 for the afternoon cruise, and drives about an hour and three quarters to the SnowCastle area in Kemi. After check-in, a short bus ride takes you to the harbour.

The morning cruise runs 09:00–12:30 and has no meal included. The afternoon cruise runs 13:30–17:30 and includes the lunch buffet on board. The listing puts the whole day at 9 hours 40 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes, depending on your stop.

What’s included

  • Return shuttle bus from Rovaniemi
  • 3.5- or 4-hour icebreaker cruise
  • Welcome drink on board
  • Ice floating in the Gulf of Bothnia
  • Cruise diploma
  • Tickets for the SnowExperience and gemstone exhibitions
  • Buffet lunch on board (afternoon cruise only)

Not included

  • Breakfast or lunch on the morning cruise

Pickup and check-in

Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8), Santa Claus Village (Joulumaantie 20, look for the Sampo sign in the car park opposite the cottages), Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3) or Scandic Pohjanhovi (Pohjanpuistikko 2). Wait outside at the stop.

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses in spring, when the snow reflects the light

Know before you go

  • Ice floating needs a minimum height of 140 cm.
  • Walking on the ice may not be possible on cruises early in the winter season and depends on the ice.
  • All programmes depend on the weather and can be changed to suit the conditions.
  • The cruise is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Smoking indoors

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users
  • People with reduced mobility

Pickup times, inclusions and conditions as the operator lists them on the booking platform. Timetables can change from season to season.

Arktis cruise from Rovaniemi
Icebreaking Company

Arktis cruise from Rovaniemi

Bus from Rovaniemi to Kemi and a 3-hour cruise on the Arktis with ice floating. Lunch, exhibitions, photos and a welcome drink cost extra.

  • Duration: 10 hours in total; 3 hours on board
  • Language: English
  • ✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start
from €411 ★ 4.4 (401 reviews)
Book on GetYourGuide
Full cruise details

Highlights

  • Three hours on the Arktis, the newer of the two Kemi icebreakers
  • Ice floating and, when the weather allows, a walk on the frozen sea
  • Two indoor decks and a café on board

About this cruise

The bus leaves Rovaniemi three to four hours before the cruise: from 05:45 for the 09:15–12:15 cruise, from 09:25 for the 13:15–16:15 cruise. Back in Rovaniemi it is around 16:00–16:30 or 18:25–18:55.

The ticket covers the cruise, ice floating and the diploma. Lunch, the SnowCastle exhibitions, the photo service and a welcome drink can be added for a charge.

What’s included

  • Return shuttle bus from Rovaniemi
  • 3-hour cruise
  • Ice floating in the Gulf of Bothnia
  • Cruise diploma

Not included

  • Lunch or breakfast buffet
  • SnowCastle exhibition tickets
  • Photo service
  • Welcome drink

Pickup and check-in

Santa’s Igloos (Joulumaankuja 8), Santa Claus Village (Joulumaantie 20), Arctic TreeHouse Hotel (Tarvantie 3) or Scandic Pohjanhovi (Pohjanpuistikko 2).

What to bring

  • Warm clothing
  • Warm shoes

Know before you go

  • Ice floating needs a minimum height of 140 cm.
  • Walking on the ice may not be possible on cruises early in the winter season and depends on the ice.
  • All programmes depend on the weather and can be changed to suit the conditions.
  • The cruise is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
  • Ice floating is optional and needs normal physical health; it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users
  • People with reduced mobility

Pickup times, inclusions and conditions as the operator lists them on the booking platform. Timetables can change from season to season.

Polar Explorer cruise
Polar Explorer Icebreaker

Polar Explorer cruise

The larger ship of the Swedish operator: seven decks, an audio guide app, a short film in the onboard cinema. Bring a passport or ID card.

  • Duration: 3 hours on board; 3–8.5 hours in total depending on the transfer option
  • Language: Live guide in English, Chinese, French, Polish, Spanish, Estonian, Finnish, Italian, Russian, Sinhala and Swedish; audio guide in further languages including German
  • ✓ Free cancellation up to 45 days before the start
from €325 ★ 4.7 (490 reviews)
Book on GetYourGuide
Full cruise details

Highlights

  • A tour of all seven decks with an audio guide app
  • A short documentary film in the onboard cinema
  • Floating in a survival suit and a walk on the sea ice
  • Cruise & Swim certificate

About this cruise

The terminal is in Axelsvik near Kalix, on the Swedish side of the gulf. You can take the shuttle bus (the option sets the pickup town) or drive yourself and park at the terminal free of charge. Lunch, snacks and drinks are sold on board.

Children from 125 cm can join the floating with their parents. Ice and its thickness are not guaranteed until early January, and walking on the ice may not be possible before then.

What’s included

  • Icebreaker cruise
  • Hot drinks on board
  • Guided tour of the seven decks
  • Audio guide
  • Film in the onboard cinema
  • Floating in a survival suit
  • Cruise & Swim certificate
  • Transfer from and to Rovaniemi (optional)

Not included

  • Meals (can be bought on board)

Pickup and check-in

Depends on the option you choose: shuttle pickup or the cruise terminal at Axelsviksvägen 291 C, Båtskärsnäs, Sweden.

What to bring

  • Passport or photo ID
  • Warm clothing

Know before you go

  • Children from 125 cm can take part in the floating together with their parents.
  • Ice and its thickness are not guaranteed until early January; walking on the ice may not be possible before then.
  • Departure times at the terminal are Swedish time, one hour behind Finland.

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Pickup times, inclusions and conditions as the operator lists them on the booking platform. Timetables can change from season to season.

Arctic Explorer cruise
Polar Explorer Icebreaker

Arctic Explorer cruise

The smaller ship from the same Swedish terminal: 2.5 hours, an e-guidebook and a small café. Times are Swedish time.

  • Duration: 2.5 hours on board; 2.5–8.5 hours in total depending on the transfer option
  • Language: Driver: English, Chinese, French, Spanish; e-guidebook in 16 languages
  • ✓ Free cancellation up to 3 days before the start
from €250 ★ 4.9 (16 reviews)
Book on GetYourGuide
Full cruise details

Highlights

  • About 30 minutes out through the ice, 1.5 hours at the stop, 30 minutes back
  • Walk on the sea ice and float in a survival suit when conditions allow
  • Self-guided tour with an e-guidebook, small café on board

About this cruise

The Arctic Explorer leaves from the same terminal in Axelsvik as the Polar Explorer, about 40 km from the Finnish border. It is the smaller ship, with four decks and room for 80 passengers according to its operator.

Walking on the ice and floating depend on ice thickness, sea conditions and safety. If the operator limits or cancels them, the listing states that this is not a reason for a refund.

What’s included

  • 2.5-hour cruise on the Arctic Explorer
  • Hot drinks on board
  • Self-guided tour with an e-guidebook
  • Floating in a survival suit (when conditions allow)
  • Walking on the frozen sea (when conditions allow)
  • Cruise & Swim certificate signed by the captain

Not included

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips

Pickup and check-in

Shuttle stops depend on the option (drop-off points include Rovaniemi railway station, Santa Claus Holiday Village, Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Scandic Kemi and Kemi station), or the Arctic Explorer cruise terminal in Axelsvik, Sweden.

What to bring

  • Passport or photo ID
  • Warm clothing
  • Warm shoes

Know before you go

  • All departures are in Swedish time.
  • Walking on the ice and floating can be limited or cancelled for safety without a refund.

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Pickup times, inclusions and conditions as the operator lists them on the booking platform. Timetables can change from season to season.

Sampo and Arktis: the Kemi bus

Both Kemi ships use the same four pickup stops in Rovaniemi. For a morning cruise the bus leaves Santa’s Igloos at 05:45, Santa Claus Village (Joulumaantie 20) at 05:50, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel at 06:00 and Scandic Pohjanhovi at 06:20. For an afternoon cruise the same stops follow from 09:25. The Arktis listing puts it simply: the shuttle leaves Rovaniemi three to four hours before the cruise.

CruiseFirst pickupOn boardBack in Rovaniemi
Sampo, morning05:4509:00–12:3016:00–16:30
Sampo, afternoon (lunch)09:2513:30–17:3019:40–20:10
Arktis, morning05:4509:15–12:1516:00–16:30
Arktis, afternoon09:2513:15–16:1518:25–18:55

Times from the product pages; the operator notes that return times are estimates and depend on traffic. On the morning cruises there is time after the cruise for lunch or the exhibitions in the SnowCastle area before the bus leaves. Wait outside at your stop; at Santa Claus Village the bus stops in the car park opposite the cottages, at a sign for the Sampo.

Polar Explorer and Arctic Explorer: the Axelsvik bus

For the two Swedish ships the transfer is an option on the product page. The operator’s published shuttle timetable, still labelled 2025–2026, lists Rovaniemi stops at Santa Sport, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, Invisible Forest Lodge, Santa Claus Holiday Village, the city centre and the railway station. For a morning cruise the first pickup in that timetable is at 06:25 and the bus is back by about 16:00. You can also take your luggage on the bus and get off in another town, for example in Kemi or Tornio.

One hour between Finland and Sweden

Axelsvik is in Sweden, one hour behind Finland. The cruise times are Swedish time; the pickup times in Rovaniemi are Finnish time. A cruise listed for 09:00 therefore starts at 10:00 on a Finnish clock. Read the time on your booking confirmation together with the place it refers to.

Kemi or Axelsvik from Rovaniemi

Kemi is the shorter ride, and both Kemi ships include the bus in the price of the Rovaniemi listing. Axelsvik is further away, but the Polar Explorer and the Arctic Explorer allow floating from 125 cm, which can decide it for families. On every cruise from Rovaniemi most of the day is spent on the bus, which is one of the points reviewers mention most often. If your trip allows a night in Kemi or Tornio, the day becomes much shorter (see from Kemi).

FAQ

How far is the icebreaker from Rovaniemi?

The Kemi harbour of the Sampo and the Arktis is about an hour and three quarters by bus from Rovaniemi. The Axelsvik terminal of the Polar Explorer and the Arctic Explorer is 168 km away by road, about two hours fifteen by car.

What time does the icebreaker bus leave Rovaniemi?

For the morning cruises on the Sampo and the Arktis the first pickup is at 05:45 at Santa’s Igloos, for the afternoon cruises at 09:25.

How long is an icebreaker day trip from Rovaniemi?

The Sampo listing gives 9 hours 40 minutes to 10 hours 45 minutes depending on your stop; the Arktis day lasts about ten hours. The Axelsvik cruises with transfer last up to 8.5 hours according to their listings.

Can I get to Kemi by train instead?

Yes. Trains run from Rovaniemi to Kemi, and Kemi railway station is a pickup stop for the Kemi cruises, 1.5 km from the SnowCastle area.

Related on this site

From Kemi

The shortest day, if you can stay on the coast.

Sampo

Morning or afternoon, and what each includes.

What to wear

Layers for a long day between bus, ship and ice.

From Rovaniemi to the frozen sea

Compare the four ships by time on board and length of the day.

Open the ship comparison