Activity Snapshot
Activity description
Come aboard on an impressive icebreaker ship for a day on the frozen Bothnian sea. Built in 1976, the Polar Explorer was specially conceived to break through impressively thick ice in Arctic waters; during this trip, you will get to experience the full extent of its motor as it crushes its way into the water.
This tour is scheduled with a pick-up from Rovaniemi and a 2h30 scenic drive to the terminal in the Swedish Lapland. Once at sea, there will be opportunities to disembark and go for a walk on the ice. Survival suits are also provided for those who wish to take a plunge in the freezing pool of water that has been carved out in front of the ship. For the adrenaline junkies, you can even take a swim in your swimsuit - if you dare!
Aboard the ship, you will have complementary hot drinks to enjoy during the cruise, as well as a 10-minute short film about ice breaking. There will also be a guided tour of the vessel, including the engine rooms and the Captain's bridge so you can get a full grasp of what it's like to commandeer this very special kind of ship.
During the rest of the trip, you will be free to relax in the cozy saloon, with hot juice or coffee, and take in the stunning views over the expanse of ice. At the end of your adventure, the captain will present a Cruise & Swim Certificate to everyone as a memorable gift.
This is a truly unique cruise, and a real must when visiting Lapland. Book your adventure today and prepare to experience the icebreakers in Lapland!
A meal will be offered at the end of the activity in a restaurant in the form of a buffet. Vegetarian options are provided.
Course of events
The start time of the tour is at 10:00, 11:00, or 14:00. Kindly note that pick-up starts 2h30 before the start time of the cruise.
Upon booking, please indicate where you would like to be picked up from:
Early Morning cruise (10:00) pick-up is as follows:
06:25 Santa Sport hotel
06:35 Arctic Treehouse Hotel
06:45 Santa Claus Holiday Village
07:00 Rovaniemi Tourist Information
07:10 Rovaniemi train station
Morning cruise (11:00) pick-up is as follows:
07:25 Santa Sport hotel
07:35 Arctic Treehouse Hotel
07:45 Santa Claus Holiday Village
08:00 Rovaniemi Tourist Information
08:10 Rovaniemi Train Station
Afternoon cruise (14:00) pick-up is as follows:
10:25 Santa Sport hotel
10:35 Arctic Treehouse Hotel
10:45 Santa Claus Holiday Village
11:00 Rovaniemi Tourism Information
11:10 Rovaniemi train station
All ages are welcome aboard the boat. In order to swim, children must be of 125 cm of over (4ft).
Special terms
The Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise’s departure terminal is located in Swedish Lapland, only 40 km away from the Finnish border. Pick-up will be offered from Rovaniemi in a shuttle bus.
- Cruise
- Hot drinks and snacks
- Survival Suits
- Film in icebreaker
- Three-course meal
- Souvenir photo (additional cost)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm clothes
- Boots, hat and gloves
- Camera
- Identification Document (ID)
