Arctic Icebreaker and Santa Claus Village Tour from Saariselkä

Saariselkä , Finland

Arctic Icebreaker and Santa Claus Village Tour from Saariselkä

Active

17h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable Arctic adventure that combines the thrill of a Polar Explorer Icebreaker cruise with the magical charm of Santa Claus Village!

3-hour icebreaker expedition aboard the Polar Explorer takes you through breathtaking frozen landscapes, where you can step onto the ice, try swimming in a survival suit, and enjoy hot drinks aboard the ship. A guided tour unveils the fascinating history and operations of icebreakers.

The journey also includes a visit to the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village, where you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and shop for unique souvenirs. Relax in cozy cafés and send a postcard directly from Santa’s official post office.

Your adventure includes comfortable, private transportation in a new, cozy vehicle with a professional driver. Activity tickets are purchased separately.

This is the perfect blend of excitement and holiday magic!

Available options

Arctic Icebreaker and Santa Claus Village Tour from Saariselkä

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Detailed itinerary

3-hour Icebreaker Cruise – Feel the thrill as the ship crushes through thick ice.
Guided tour – Learn about icebreakers’ history and operations in multiple languages.
Walking on ice – Step onto the frozen sea for Arctic moments.
Swimming in survival suits – Float safely in icy waters with a thermal suit.
Film screening – Discover the role of icebreakers in Arctic exploration.
Hot drink to warm up – Enjoy coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Cruise & Swim certificate – Take home a special keepsake.

Dancing Queen cruise: ABBA music featured party at the sea or
Aurora Glow dinner cruise: Aurora Glow party at the sea and Option to see the Northern Lights

Step across the line and step into a world of pure Arctic enchantment! Rovaniemi’s Arctic Circle is the legendary destination where your northern dreams come true.

The magical Santa Claus Village sits directly on the boundary, allowing you to cross the Arctic Circle and earn an official certificate. Step into Santa’s official office to meet the Man in Red any day of the year, and send postcards from the Main Post Office stamped with the exclusive Arctic Circle postmark.

Choose your perfect Arctic adventure! Shop for unique Finnish souvenirs, visit the thrilling, seasonal Snowman World for snow tubing and ice disco, or embark on exciting Reindeer and Husky Safaris (seasonal). Your unforgettable journey to the North starts here!

What's not included

Ticket to the icebreaker

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a small village in Finnish Lapland, known for its stunning Arctic landscapes and unique cultural experiences. It's the perfect destination for those seeking the Northern Lights, husky safaris, and a true taste of Lapland's winter wonderland.

Top Attractions

Aurora Sky Station

A popular destination for viewing the Northern Lights, the Aurora Sky Station is located on the peak of Mount Kaunispää and offers stunning views of the Arctic sky.

Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (entry fee applies)

Saariselkä Ski Resort

A family-friendly ski resort offering slopes for all skill levels, as well as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Adventure Half-day to full-day Moderate (lift tickets and rentals available)

Siida Museum

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland. It features exhibits on Sami life, traditions, and artifacts.

Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate (entry fee applies)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Reindeer Sausage

A traditional Lappish dish made from reindeer meat, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

Main Course Contains meat, gluten-free if prepared without breadcrumbs

Lingonberry Pie

A sweet pie made with lingonberries, a common berry in Lapland, often served with whipped cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, gluten-free if made with a gluten-free crust

Salmon Soup

A hearty soup made with fresh salmon, potatoes, and vegetables, often seasoned with dill and cream.

Main Course Contains fish, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Skiing Snowboarding Snowmobiling Hiking Cross-country skiing Northern Lights viewing Spa visits Cozy café breaks

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to March)

Winter is the peak season in Saariselkä, offering the best chances to see the Northern Lights, engage in winter sports, and experience the Arctic atmosphere. The snow-covered landscapes are breathtaking.

-15°C to -5°C 5°F to 23°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Finnish, Sami
Widely spoken: English, Swedish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET) / GMT+3 (EEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saariselkä is a safe destination with low crime rates. However, travelers should be cautious of winter weather conditions and outdoor activities.

Important Precautions:

• Be prepared for winter weather conditions, including cold temperatures and icy roads.
• Stay on marked trails and follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities.
• Carry a mobile phone and know emergency numbers.

Getting there

By air

Ivalo Airport • 9 km from Saariselkä

By bus

Ivalo Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are available but not extensive. They primarily connect Saariselkä to nearby areas like Ivalo and Kaamanen.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not commonly used; book through hotels or local services

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Saariselkä Village Kaamanen

Day trips

Inari

100 km • Full day

Inari is a small town known for its rich Sami culture and the beautiful Lake Inari. It's home to the Siida Museum and offers a variety of cultural experiences.

Urho Kekkonen National Park

50 km • Full day

One of Finland's largest national parks, offering vast wilderness, hiking trails, and scenic landscapes. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

Saariselkä Winter Festival • February

Pro tips

Visit the Aurora Sky Station for the best Northern Lights viewing experience.
Try a husky safari or reindeer sledding for a unique Arctic adventure.
Dress in layers and be prepared for cold weather, even in summer.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
Learn a few basic phrases in Finnish or Sami to enhance your cultural experience.