Sailing aboard a genuine Arctic icebreaker and then floating in the frozen sea in a thermal survival suit is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Finnish Lapland — and you can do it as a full-day trip from Ruka or Kuusamo. Here is everything you need to know.
What the day involves
The day begins with a comfortable round-trip transfer from Ruka or Kuusamo to the icebreaker's departure harbour on the Gulf of Bothnia. You board the powerful vessel and watch it crush through thick sea ice, learn about its role in Arctic navigation, and — when conditions allow — step out onto the frozen sea for photographs beside the ship. The highlight is ice floating: drifting weightlessly in the icy water inside a buoyant thermal survival suit that keeps you warm and afloat.
What's included
- Round-trip transfers from Ruka or Kuusamo
- Icebreaker cruise experience
- Ice floating with a thermal survival suit
- Opportunity to walk on the frozen sea, when conditions permit
- Icebreaker diploma to take home
- English-speaking driver or guide
- Free time to enjoy and photograph the Arctic scenery
Price and season
The experience is €650 per person, with a minimum of 2 people per booking. It runs in the deep-winter icebreaking season, roughly 1 December to 15 March, when the Gulf of Bothnia freezes solid enough for the ship to operate.
What to bring
The thermal survival suit goes on over your clothes for the float, but you will be outdoors in Arctic conditions all day, so bring warm winter clothing, warm footwear and a camera. Food and drinks are not included, so pack snacks or plan to buy en route.
Good to know: the icebreaker cruise and ice floating are subject to weather, ice and safety conditions. Walking on the frozen sea is only possible when the ice is deemed safe on the day.
How to book
Open the Icebreaker Cruise & Ice Floating tour, choose a winter date, and send us an availability request — we will confirm with the cruise operator and get back to you. See all our Lapland tours to build a full itinerary.