3 Unique Icebreaker Tours in Kemi, Finland (Comparison Guide)
Cruising on an Icebreaker from Kemi out into the Bothnian Sea is one of the coolest winter experiences you can have in Finland.
We had the chance to go out first thing in the morning on the cruise while the sun was rising, and it’s one of those moments that will stick with me forever.
We’ve quickly fallen in love with Finland, and we’re excited for you to experience this little winter wonderland as well.
While you’re in Kemi, there are a few different icebreaker tours you can go on, and after having done one of these ourselves, we want to share the differences between them, so you can decide which option is the right one for you!
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3 awesome Icebreaker tours near Kemi
We’ve had the chance to go on the Arktis Cruise from Kemi out onto the Bothnian Gulf, and it’s one of those tours we’ll probably never stop talking about.
Before going, we actually didn’t fully know what to expect, which made it a bit of a surprise, but it was such a fun experience!
After going on the Icebreaker, we realized there are a few other companies and boats that run similar tours. In this post, we’re going to dive into a few different tours to compare them and, ultimately, help you decide which one is best for you.
Whichever tour you end up choosing, we’re sure you’ll have an awesome experience cruising on the Bothian Gulf and enjoying the beautiful Finnish nature, which (in my opinion), is out of this world!
Don’t have time to read the full post? This is the tour we did and recommend ⛴️
#1 Arktis Icebreaker cruise from Kemi
We ended up doing the Arktis Icebreaker Cruise, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Finland!
There’s something so surreal about being out on a ship that’s smashing through ice. I would say that the cherry on top was actually watching the sunrise while being on the Bothnian Gulf.
We had a fun experience going into the captain’s room and talking to the crew about how the ice forms on the sea and the purpose of these types of icebreakers.
Even though there are so many people on board the ship taking part in the tour, it still feels pretty personal when you get a chance to talk to the crew.
One of the most memorable parts was the chance to hop into these yellow and orange suits that look like Mr. Krabs’ from SpongeBob and float in the freezing sea!
We’re so glad we did it, and the suits instantly put you into this goofy and fun mood. In a way, it feels like you’re wearing a Halloween costume, but its purpose is to keep you warm and floating while you’re out on the sea.
I don’t really know what else to say besides it was such a freaking cool experience. It was so unique, and something I don’t think you can really do anywhere else in the world!
If you want to have the same experience, you can book the exact tour we did here!
Try to book one of the first tours in the morning so you get to see the incredible sunset from the boat. You definitely won’t regret it!
⚠️ Note: This tour tends to sell out way in advance, so we suggest you book it now rather than later. (There’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance).
#2 Sampo Icebreaker cruise from Kemi
The Sampo Icebreaker Cruise is the oldest and most recognized icebreaker ship, and they’ve been doing tours for a long time.
A fun fact about Sampo is that it was actually built in 1960 and used as a proper icebreaker – and nowadays it’s used for these types of tours.
This ship isn’t a completely different experience from the Arktis one, it’s just a bit more old school and traditional – and still a very awesome experience, because Sampo is the original icebreaker!
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the famous Sampo, eat delicious food onboard and of course float out on the sea! I think it’s a part of why these tours have become so popular over the years, because people have realized it’s possible to go in the goofiest outfit ever and float out on the freezing Bothnian Sea.
If you want to cruise on the oldest icebreaker and arguably the most famous one, then you can book the Sampo tour here. You’ll get to experience this remarkable tour while also getting the chance to float in the sea.
#3 Polar Express Icebreaker cruise from Axelsvik
We simply had to include the Polar Express Icebreaker, even though it starts 40km from Kemi, because this 3-hour cruise is not just another icebreaker cruise – it’s an ABBA music cruise!
This specific icebreaker cruise starts from one of the northernmost points of the Gulf in a place called Axelsvik in Sweden. It is important to know that Sweden is in a different time zone than Finland (1 hour behind), so keep that in mind!
It’s a full-on experience because during the trip, you’ll get a two-course lunch meal while they play classic ABBA songs. And of course, you’ll also have the chance to float on the ice-cold sea (definitely the highlight for us).
We’ve mentioned it already, but there’s something so cool about being out on the sea and then getting into this funny “costume” and then going out into the freezing cold water, but essentially not feeling a thing. Most people absolutely love it, and it is one of the main reasons to book this type of tour!
If you’re interested in taking the Icebreaker from Axelsvik, you can book the tour here. It’s worth it for the ABBA music 😉
Other things to know about the Icebreaker cruises in Finland
Is the icebreaker cruise worth it?
In our opinion, if there’s a tour you need to do in Kemi, it’s an icebreaker cruise! So yes, it’s absolutely worth it!
It is touristy, but it’s touristy for a reason. The ships are massive, so it doesn’t feel overcrowded, and the experience is so cool. Floating out on the ice in your silly wetsuit is something you will never forget.
How much does the icebreaker cruise cost in Finland?
The icebreaker cruises in Finland vary in price, but you can expect to pay between €330 and €490, depending on which tour you end up going on.
Some offer buffets, floating out at sea, pick-up and drop-off. Based on all these different factors, the price will change, but you can expect to pay at least €330 per person for the trip.
That being said, there is actually one icebreaker in Kalix, Sweden (73km away) that costs less than €300!
The most expensive tour offered is the Aurora dinner cruise with ice floating, but if you have the budget for it, it sounds like it’s worth every penny!
You may also like…
- Why the Iconic Icebreaker Cruise in Kemi Should Be On Your Bucketlist
- Staying in a Glamping Igloo Under the Northern Lights (near Luleå)
Recap of the different icebreaker tours in Finland
Now you have the option of a few different icebreaker tours to go on during your trip to Finland. Whether you go from Kemi or Axelsvik, we’re sure you’ll have an amazing experience!
We had such an awesome time, and we really hope you get the chance to experience this for yourself too. Finland in the winter is absolutely magical, and the icebreaker tours are not to be missed!
If you have any additional questions about the tour or Finland, feel free to reach out. Leave a comment below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
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