Icebreaker Sampo Cruise with transfer from Kemi
Active
6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Icebreaker cruise with amazing ice floating and SnowExperience365 experience:
- The number one winter adventure in Finland
- Bucket list experience in Finnish Lapland
- Loved by all, truly unique experience on this legendary vessel called Sampo
- Ice floating in the frozen sea
- One of the most known tourist attractions in Finland
Available options
Pick up 11:05 railway station
11:05 Kemi railway station: Kemi railway station (Rautatiekatu 3, Kemi)
Pick-up 11:05. Please wait for the bus outside.
Drop off 18:00.<br/>Pickup included
Pick-up 12:30 SnowCastle Kemi
12:45 SnowCastle of Kemi : SnowCastle of Kemi (Lumilinnankatu 15, Kemi)
11:30–12:45 Check-in for the cruise. Bus departure 13:00.
Drop off 18:00.<br/>Pickup included
Pick-up 10:55 Scandic Kemi
10:55 Hotel Scandic Kemi: Hotel Scandic Kemi (Hahtisaarenkatu 3, Kemi)
Pick-up 10:55
Drop off 18:10
Please wait for the bus outside.<br/>Pickup included
Pick-up 11:00 Hotel Merihovi
11:00 Hotel Merihovi, Kemi: Hotel Merihovi (Keskuspuistokatu 6, Kemi)
Pick-up 11:00
Drop off 18:05
Please wait for the bus outside.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Visit exhibitions in SnowCastle area, Snowexperience365 & Gemstone Exhibition
Ice floating in a special survival suit in the icy Bothnian bay
Transfer from Kemi to Sampo and back
Lunch on board (for Sampo afternoon cruise)
Discover the legendary 1960 Icebreaker Sampo with an expert-led guided tour!
Non-alcoholic Welcome Drinks
Receive a certificate of participating Sampo icebreaker cruise!
Detailed itinerary
1
Welcome to a unique arctic adventure from Kemi! The Icebreaker Sampo cruises on the frozen sea in Kemi during the winter season with over 35 years of experience. Icebreaker Sampo Cruise includes 4h icebreaker cruise, ice floating experience, walking on ice, guided tour around the vessel, diploma, welcome drink, lunch buffet on board and entrance to the SnowExperience365 exhibition room.
2
Stop 2
SnowCastle area offers an unique snow & ice experience. Entrance to the area and SnowExperience365 exhibition is including in the Sampo cruise price.
SnowExperience365 is a snow & ice exhibition room, open all year round. SnowExperience365 exhibition room consists ice sculptures, ice slide, ice bar and ice tables. SnowExperience365 is located in the SnowCastle area`s main building.
For additonal price we recommend to visit the SnowCastle Winter Park. SnowCastle Winter park is open 20.1.- 6.4.2024. It is totally made of snow and it offers traditional Finnish snow activities for visitors in winter time . It will consist of the ice tube slide, another slide for tobogganing, snow labyrinth, traditional Finnish carousel sleigh, indoor area with a couple of ice sculptures.
What's not included
Drinks & snacks on board
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.7
9 reviews
5★
3
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4
3★
0
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1★
2
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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 not recommended for pregnant travelers or travelers with serious medical conditions
The cruise ship has stairs. This cruise is not recommended for passengers with reduced mobility.
Important notes
For shuttle bus pick up from Rovaniemi please be ready and wait outside at the scheduled pickup time latest 5 minutes before marked pick up time. Notice that shuttle bus might have delays depending on traffic and departure from earlier pick up location. Shuttlebus has “Icebreaker Sampo Shuttle bus” or “Icebreaker Arktis Shuttle bus” reading at the front of the windshield.
If there comes problems with shuttle bus pick up contact our Cruise check-in: +358 44 752 6848 (open during cruise departures).
Our main building’s reception can also help in a situations when cruise check-in phone is unavailable +358 40 831 827
Pick-up in Kemi:
10:45 Hotel Toivola
10:55 Hotel Scandic Kemi
11:00 Hotel Merihovi
11:05 Kemi Railway Station
Please wait outside your pickup point for the bus.
If you're travelling by car, you can start your journey at Kemi's SnowCastle area, where there's plenty of free parking. Be sure to arrive early before the bus leaves for the harbour. Driving your own car to the harbour is not allowed.
Our shuttle buses arrive at the SnowCastle of Kemi around 11:20. Please do the check in as soon as you arrive at the Sampo check in point at the Kemi's SnowCastle area. After the check in you have time to visit the exhibitions.
Shuttle bus departure to the port at 12:45 pm.
About Lapland
Lapland is the northernmost and largest region of Finland, known for its pristine wilderness, the Arctic Circle, and unique cultural heritage of the Sami people. It's a destination for those seeking northern lights, reindeer herding, and outdoor adventures in a rugged, beautiful landscape.
Top Attractions
Santa Claus Village
A year-round Christmas-themed attraction where you can meet Santa Claus and cross the Arctic Circle.
Cultural
2-4 hours
Free entry, activities vary
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
One of the most spectacular natural phenomena, best viewed in winter under clear skies.
Nature
Overnight or evening trips
Free to view, tours vary
Levi Ski Resort
A popular ski resort offering skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Adventure
Full day or multi-day trips
Moderate to expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Reindeer Stew
A traditional dish made with reindeer meat, potatoes, and vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions.
Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
A creamy soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and dill, often served with rye bread.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian by omitting salmon.
Cloudberry Jam (Lakka)
A sweet jam made from cloudberries, a rare and delicious Arctic berry.
Dessert
Vegetarian, vegan if made without gelatin.
Popular Activities
Skiing
Snowmobiling
Hiking
Reindeer safaris
Northern lights viewing
Spa visits
Cozy café hopping
Visiting Sami villages
Best Time to Visit
December to March (Winter), June to August (Summer)
Winter is ideal for northern lights, snow activities, and Christmas markets. Summer offers midnight sun, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Winter: -20°C to -30°C, Summer: 10°C to 20°C
Winter: -4°F to -22°F, Summer: 50°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Finnish, Swedish, Sami
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (GMT+3 during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Lapland is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of the harsh winter conditions and remote areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of icy roads and weather conditions
- • Carry a charged phone and emergency supplies
- • Dress appropriately for the weather
Getting there
By air
- Rovaniemi Airport • 10 km from city center
- Kittilä Airport • 94 km from Levi
By train
Rovaniemi Railway Station
By bus
Rovaniemi Bus Station, Kittilä Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary form of public transport in towns. Schedules can be limited in rural areas.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Local taxi apps
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Rovaniemi City Center
Kittilä
Day trips
Pyhä-Luosto National Park
120 km from Rovaniemi • Full day
A stunning national park with hiking trails, waterfalls, and unique geological formations.
Saariselkä
250 km from Rovaniemi • Full day or overnight
A popular destination for winter sports, including skiing, snowmobiling, and reindeer safaris.
Festivals
Christmas Markets • December
Midnight Sun Film Festival • June
Pro tips
- Visit in shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and unique experiences
- Book tours and accommodations well in advance, especially in winter
- Dress in layers and be prepared for rapidly changing weather
- Try local delicacies like reindeer meat and cloudberries
- Respect Sami culture and ask for permission before taking photos of people or sacred sites
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
