Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi
Icebreaker cruise in Rovaniemi with lunch and ice floating on the Gulf of Bothnia
Tour available from November through April 📅
Briefing
Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi: A One-of-a-Kind Arctic Adventure.
Get ready for one of the most thrilling experiences in Northern Europe: the Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi, where you'll sail across the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea aboard a real Arctic icebreaker. Departing from Rovaniemi, we’ll cross into Sweden for an unforgettable journey through snow and ice.
This fully guided cruise dives into the fascinating history of the Arctic region, surrounded by breathtaking winter scenery. And for the ultimate highlight—you’ll have the chance to float in the freezing sea between blocks of ice, safely wrapped in a special thermal survival suit. It’s the kind of adventure only a true polar explorer would dare!
Choose the cruise that fits your style and schedule:
- 🥐 Morning Brunch Cruise – Start your day with energy and Arctic vibes.
- 🎶 Midday ABBA Cruise – Enjoy the ride with music and fun, perfect for upbeat travelers.
- 🌌 Northern Lights Night Cruise – Sail under the stars in search of the magical aurora borealis.
Expect hot meals, warm drinks, stunning views, and a serious adrenaline rush.
Ready to break the ice with us?
Tour details
Included
- Icebreaker boat cruise (2 or 3 hours depending on the option chosen)
- Bathing and special suit for flotation
- Ice walking (weather permitting)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Audio guide
- Film in the icebreaker's cinema room
- Hot drink
- Cruise and swim certificate
Not included
- Bus to and from Rovaniemi (available as an extra)
- Food and beverage (available as an extra)
Important information
🕒 Please note: All times are based on local time in Båtskärsnäs (Sweden), which is one hour behind Rovaniemi (Finland).
❌ This experience is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility or for pregnant women.
🍴 Meals are not included (brunch, lunch, or dinner), but can be added as extras when booking.
🚐 Transfers between Rovaniemi and the harbor are not included. You can book them as an add-on—please note that transfers are not available for the Morning Brunch Cruise.
You can choose from 3 cruise options depending on the time of year you decide to travel:
- Morning Brunch Cruise - 2 hours.
- Dancing Queen Party: Cruise with ABBA music - 3 hours
- Night Cruise - Aurora Glow - 3 hours
✨ Want to upgrade to the VIP lounge experience? Contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation!
- If you cancel more than 32 days in advance, no charges will be applied and you will receive a full refund.
- If you cancel between 31 and 16 days before the cruise, 30 € per person will be deducted as handling fee.
- If you cancel between 15 and 10 days before the cruise, 80 € per person will be deducted.
- If you cancel 9 days or less in advance, no refund will be made.
Tour itinerary
Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi
CRUISE OPTIONS
Experience the frozen beauty of the Arctic with our exclusive Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi, available in three formats to suit your travel style and the season you choose:
- Morning Brunch Cruise: Set sail on a relaxed morning voyage while enjoying a delicious brunch and panoramic views of snow-covered landscapes. *Please note: Transfers from Rovaniemi are not available for this option.
- Dancing Queen Party Cruise: Feel the rhythm of ABBA as you dance your way across the ice-covered sea. Live music and vibrant energy make this cruise a favorite among fun-loving travelers.
- Aurora Glow Night Cruise: Chase the magic of the Northern Lights as you glide under the Arctic night sky, surrounded by glistening snow and glowing auroras.
Beginning of the tour (with or without transfer)
- With transfer from Rovaniemi:
Meet at a central location in Rovaniemi 3 hours before cruise departure. From there, enjoy a scenic 2-hour bus ride to the harbor in Båtskärsnäs, a charming Swedish town on the coast of the Bothnian Sea. Along the way, admire the serene winter landscapes—snowy forests, frozen lakes, and the calm beauty of Lapland.
- Without transfer:
If you’re arriving on your own, boarding begins 40 minutes before departure at the harbor in Båtskärsnäs. Free parking is available on-site.
Icebreaker Cruise: The Adventure Begins!
Upon arrival at the harbor, you’ll step aboard a genuine icebreaker ship. Our expert guide will take you behind the scenes—exploring the engine room, the control center, and even the captain’s bridge—to make you feel like a part of the crew.
Then, set off across the frozen Bothnian Sea. For approximately 2 hours, the ship will plow through thick layers of sea ice. Watch the incredible process unfold from the cozy interior or step out onto the deck to feel the Arctic air and witness the ice crack beneath the hull.
Floating Experience on the Frozen Sea of Bothnia
After the cruise, enjoy a warm meal (brunch, lunch, or dinner, depending on the cruise) paired with a hot drink to warm up.
Then comes the highlight: the Arctic floating experience. Wearing a specialized thermal suit, you’ll safely float among the ice chunks in the frozen sea—a surreal and unforgettable experience. Fully guided and supervised, this activity is safe, fun, and unlike anything else.
Return and end of the tour
If you’ve booked the return transfer, we’ll take you back to the original meeting point in Rovaniemi after the cruise ends. If not, your adventure concludes at the pier in Båtskärsnäs.
What to bring to Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi tour
Rovaniemi is located just below the Arctic Circle and experiences cold weather for most of the year. During the winter months (November to March), temperatures often drop below 32°F (0°C), so dressing appropriately is key to enjoying your trip.
Even though thermal gear is provided for the icebreaker cruise, we recommend bringing the following essentials for your time in Rovaniemi—especially if you plan to explore beyond the tour:
- Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
- Warm hat
- Waterproof gloves
- Fleece mid-layer or sweater
- Comfortable, insulated walking shoes (suitable for snow)
- Rain jacket or windproof outer layer
- Valid passport (required for crossing the border into Sweden)
Nordic climates can be unpredictable—so layering is your best friend!
Where does the tour Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi start
The cruise departs from Båtskärsnäs Harbor, located on the Swedish coast of the Bothnian Sea. You’ll receive the exact address in your confirmation email.
If you choose to add the "Bus Transfer Rovaniemi – Båtskärsnäs" option, you’ll travel from Rovaniemi to the port in organized transportation that crosses the Finnish–Swedish border.
🅿️ Free parking available: If you prefer to drive yourself, free parking is available at the cruise terminal.
Questions & Answers
Is pick up/drop off service included?
No, the activity departs from Båtskärsnäs, where you take the icebreaker boat. The transfer to and from Rovaniemi is not included in the price but can be booked as an extra (not available for the morning brunch cruise option).
Is the cruise suitable for small children?
There is no age limit to participate in the cruise, children of all ages are welcome on board!
Flotation suits are available in size 125 cm, so if your child is about 125 cm tall they will be able to swim. It is up to the responsible crew member to decide if the child is big enough and safe to swim.
Is it cold enough to swim?
No, the double-layer survival suit, which you will wear over your normal clothing, will keep you insulated from the cold water.
Swimming is voluntary, so if you don't feel like it you don't have to. Survival suits are available in size 125 cm, so if your child is about 125 cm tall they will be able to swim. It is up to the responsible crew member to decide if the child is big enough and safe to swim.
Are food and beverages included?
Lunch, lunch or dinner on board can easily be booked at the same time as your cruise by selecting the corresponding extra on the booking form.
In addition, during your cruise you can purchase desserts, snacks and beverages at the ship's cafeteria to complement your experience.
What does brunch, lunch or dinner consist of?
Brunch On Board: Available on the Morning Cruise
- Includes hot beverage and sweet cake
Post-Cruise Brunch: Available after the Morning Cruise
- Includes green salad, coleslaw
- Main courses: vegetarian curry, baked local trout, Swedish meatballs with mushroom sauce, roasted vegetables
Lunch on Board: Available on Dancing Queen Cruises
- Typical 3-course menu: tomato soup or salmon with bread; main course can be baked salmon with rice, meatballs with potato, or vegetarian pasta; coffee or tea included
Dinner on Board: Available on the Aurora Glow Cruise.
- 3-course menu
- Wine and beverages not included
Is there a vegetarian or gluten or lactose intolerant option?
All meals are carefully prepared with gluten and lactose intolerances in mind, and we offer vegetarian options for everyone to enjoy without worry.
If you have any dietary restrictions or require a vegetarian option don't forget to mention it when making your reservation.
Is it safe to walk on ice?
Walking on sea ice is only allowed when the ice is solid and at least 20 cm thick. Early winter cruises may not allow walking on ice.
The captain will decide when it is safe to walk on the ice on each cruise.
Can I get to the cruise ship in my own car?
Yes, you can arrive in your own car and park for free at the cruise terminal. There is no actual border between Finland and Sweden, so you can drive without stopping across the border.
Can I bring my luggage?
Yes, if you come on our shuttle bus you can store your luggage on the bus for the entire trip. No special luggage reservation is necessary.
How is the border crossing between Finland and Sweden organized?
There is no border control between Finland and Sweden, you drive non-stop. Although there may be occasional checks. Carry a valid identity document with you. If you have a Schengen visa, the same visa is valid for both countries and the single entry visa is also valid for multiple crossings of the Schengen area.
Icebreaker Cruise Rovaniemi tour reviews with Howlanders
Other tours that might interest you
- NOVEMBER-APRIL(3 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and French
- (4 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and French
- (2 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and FrenchFree cancellation!
- (2 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and FrenchFree cancellation!
Other travelers also booked
- (2 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and FrenchFree cancellation!
- (1 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and French
- (1 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 daySpanish, English and French
- (3 reviews)Rovaniemi, Finland1 dayEnglishFree cancellation!
