Do you know about the Ice Breaker Ship?

The Icebreaker Sampo offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for tourists in Finland. Being the world’s only A1 Super class passenger icebreaker, it stands out as a remarkable attraction. The cruise aboard the icebreaker takes visitors to the frozen sea, where they can witness breathtaking scenery that is truly one-of-a-kind. Additionally, adventurous souls have the opportunity to walk on the ice and even take a swim near the mighty vessel, all while wearing a survival suit for safety. This exhilarating experience allows visitors to immerse themselves in the icy beauty of Finland’s winter landscape in a truly extraordinary way.

Little History

The Sampo Icebreaker had a significant career serving the government for 25 years before it was retired from its primary duty of clearing ice for larger ships. As ships grew in size, the Sampo became less effective in its original role. However, thanks to the innovative idea proposed by the mayor, the ship found a new lease on life as a tourist attraction. Since then, it has been serving in the tourism industry for a longer period than it did in its original capacity as an icebreaker. This transformation not only preserved the historic vessel but also provided visitors with an exciting and unique experience to explore Finland’s icy seascape aboard a renowned icebreaker.

About

The Icebreaker Sampo operates in the frozen water of Bothnia sea near the city of Kemi, providing an exhilarating cruise experience in the Arctic nature. Originally built in the 1960s as a government icebreaker, the Sampo has been transformed into a unique Cruise Icebreaker while retaining its original form from the engine room to the Captain’s Bridge, akin to a moving museum. This makes Sampo one of its kind globally, offering an unparalleled adventure with an icebreaking experience.

During the cruise, passengers can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of vast open ice fields and the ever-changing sky above. The sun’s reflection on the white snow cover or the warm colors of twilight creates a mesmerizing atmosphere. As the ship breaks through the ice, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the arctic freedom on deck or relax indoors in the comforts of the vessel while sipping hot beverages at the Icebreaker bar.

Before returning to port, the ship makes a one-hour stop for visitors to participate in a swimming event while comfortably dressed in survival suits, providing a unique and memorable experience. At the end of the cruise, each participant receives a Sampo Cruise Certificate, commemorating their lifetime experience aboard the legendary Icebreaker Sampo.

What does the Ice breaker cruise provide in a tour?

The Icebreaker cruises mostly offers a captivating 3-hour cruise through the frozen waters of the Bothnian Sea in Lapland. Experience the awe-inspiring power of the vessel as it breaks through massive ice formations, providing an up-close encounter with the Arctic environment.

During the cruise, guests can enjoy a guided tour of the ship, exploring everything from the engine rooms to the Captain’s bridge. The tour is available in 16 languages via an audio guide application, offering insights into the history and operation of icebreakers worldwide. Additionally, passengers can watch an 11-minute movie in the icebreaker cinema, further enhancing their understanding of these remarkable vessels. And they also get hot drinks on board.

While aboard, guests can relax in the cozy saloon, sipping on warm juice, or venture onto the frozen sea ice during a stop. The icebreaker creates a pool free of ice, allowing visitors to take a daring plunge into the dark icy waters while wearing a flotation survival suit. As a memento of this unforgettable experience, the captain presents each participant with a Cruise & Swim Certificate, ensuring lasting memories of their Arctic adventure.

Things to know if you visit it

Icebreaker cruises in Finland typically operate between late December and early April, coinciding with the peak of winter. However, the exact timetable may vary from year to year. To ensure availability, it’s advisable to check the latest schedule for the Polar Explorer and Icebreaker Sampo cruises.
Tickets for these cruises are in high demand and often sell out quickly. To avoid disappointment, it’s recommended to book at least 3 months in advance.
Both operators typically offer two cruises each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Given the short winter days, with darkness falling as early as 3 pm, opting for the morning cruise is recommended to make the most of the daylight hours.
When preparing for the cruise, it’s essential to dress warmly. Be sure to wear beanies, earmuffs, and a good pair of gloves to stay comfortable in the chilly Arctic conditions. While you’ll need to remove some layers before donning the survival suits for swimming, these neoprene suits will keep you warm and comfortable during the experience.

How to go there?

The Icebreaker shuttle bus provides convenient transportation from several locations in Finland and Sweden. Pick-up points include Rovaniemi, Kemi, and Tornio in Finland, as well as Haparanda and Luleå in Sweden. Passengers have the flexibility to choose different pick-up and drop-off locations at no extra charge, and luggage can be accommodated on the bus. Additionally, passengers have the option to add lunch on board the icebreaker at a special price of €20 per person when booking the shuttle bus service. This provides a convenient way to enjoy a meal while experiencing the unique adventure of an icebreaker cruise.