Is an Arctic Icebreaker Cruise Worth Adding to Your Lapland Itinerary?
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Icebreaker cruises are a big highlight in the travel itineraries of many travellers coming to Lapland from all over the world. The Gulf of Bothnia bordering the region freezes completely in the colder months which makes the ports in Lapland a perfect spot for icebreaking and other winter activities. Icebreaking is truly a fascinating activity to watch - massive vessels pushing through the thick layers and layers of sea ice to clear the waters. Icebreaker ships are some real marvels of engineering.
What makes these icebreaker ships special?
Due to almost every port in Finland remaining frozen for long months in a year, icebreaking has been an integral part of the country’s thriving maritime industry for many decades. Finland is one of the leaders in the world in icebreaking technology, and Finnish shipyards build some of the mightiest icebreakers in the world.
Where should you do an icebreaker cruise in Finland?
The port of Kemi in Finnish Lapland is especially renowned for these cruises which generally operate between December and April. The two main ships, the legendary Icebreaker Sampo (named after the magical device from the Finnish epic, the Kalevala!) and the Icebreaker Arktis, offer half-day excursions that include guided ship tours, walking on the frozen sea, and the opportunity to safely float in freezing waters wearing a survival suit. The other famous icebreaker, the Polar Explorer, docks at Happaranda, across the border in Sweden.
What happens on an icebreaker cruise?
A typical icebreaker cruise will take you on an approximately 3 hour journey from the port in Kemi. You will get a chance to watch icebreaking in action from a comfortable spot on the deck of the ship. You can also unboard to take a stroll on the frozen sea. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can throw on a survival suit and take a dip in the freshly-cleared Arctic waters. A guided tour will tell you all about the history of these ships and you will get to meet the captain and the crew as well. A delicious lunch spread will await you on board afterwards, where you can get to enjoy curated delights of Lappish cuisine.
Being a part of icebreaking in such an immersive way is one of those experiences that you absolutely cannot afford to miss. Floating in the Baltic Sea will feel so surreal that you might think you are in space. It is a truly unique adventure that one cannot find anywhere else but Lapland. So don’t wait to put it on your Winter Wonderland bucket list!!
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