Icebreaker Arktis Cruise from Kemi: Ice floating in Bothnian Bay

Three hours on the frozen sea: watch the icebreaker work, walk on ice, and float in the bay wearing a survival suit.

The Icebreaker Arktis activity is a 3-hour cruise from Kemi through the frozen waters of Bothnian Bay, where you board a working icebreaker, walk on solid ice (weather permitting), and float in the water wearing a thermal survival suit. The experience includes round-trip transfers from Kemi, access to two heated indoor decks with observation windows, and a participation certificate. Ice floating is optional, and the ship has a modern café onboard. A minimum height of 140 cm is required for the ice floating program.

Step-by-step itinerary

Icebreaker cruise and Arctic activities

• Pickup from central Kemi or arrive main building
• Check in and explore main building area
• Transfer to Kemi Harbor
• Board Icebreaker Arktis
• Cruise through frozen Bothnian Bay
• Move between two heated indoor decks
• Stop on frozen sea for ice walking
• Guided ice floating in thermal suit
• Return transfer to main building and drop off

The experience

The Icebreaker Arktis departs from Kemi Harbor after you check in at the main building, where free parking is available and you can visit indoor exhibitions or the reception café before boarding. Pickup from selected central Kemi locations is included, or you can drive directly to the main building. Once aboard, you move between two heated indoor decks fitted with wide observation windows that frame continuous views of the ice and frozen sea as the ship cuts through Bothnian Bay.

For three hours you watch the icebreaker operate from inside the ship, then the crew brings you to a stop in the middle of the frozen sea. Here you can walk on solid ice (conditions permitting) and, if you choose, float in the icy water wearing a thermal survival suit. The ice floating program is included but optional to participate in. The staff assess your physical condition before the floating begins. After the cruise, a return transfer takes you back to the main building or your selected Kemi drop-off location.

The main building holds two exhibitions: the SnowExperience, a 400-square-meter cold room with ice slides and sculptures, and the Gemstone Exhibition, displaying over 700 types of gemstones and semi-precious stones. An outdoor winter park operates from mid-January through early April (weather permitting), and the Seaview Restaurant on the second floor serves guests with advance reservations. You receive a certificate of participation in the Arktis icebreaker cruise.

What’s included

• The experience includes a 3-hour icebreaker cruise through Bothnian Bay.
• round-trip transfers from Kemi to the harbor.
• ice floating in a thermal survival suit.
• the option to walk on solid ice (weather permitting).
• access to two heated indoor decks with a modern café.
• and a certificate of participation. English-speaking guides are onboard throughout.

Options for this experience

4 options

Morning CruiseAvailable from 1 Dec · 09:15Shuttle transfer: Check the morning pickup times in the description. Icebreaker Arktis is a Finnish multipurpose icebreaker with a 1A icebreaking class. Onboard programs: receive a certificate of participation, take part in the ice floating program, and walk on the frozen sea (weather permitting). Pickup is included.

Arktis AfternoonAvailable from 25 Nov · 13:15Shuttle transfer: Check the afternoon pickup times in the description. Icebreaker Arktis is a Finnish multipurpose icebreaker with a 1A icebreaking class. Onboard programs: receive a certificate of participation, take part in the ice floating program, and walk on the frozen sea (weather permitting). Pickup is included.

Afternoon CruiseAvailable from 2 Dec · 13:15Shuttle transfer: Check the afternoon pickup times in the description. Icebreaker Arktis is a Finnish multipurpose icebreaker with a 1A icebreaking class. Onboard programs: receive a certificate of participation, take part in the ice floating program, and walk on the frozen sea (weather permitting). Pickup is included.

Afternoon CruiseAvailable from 20 Dec · 13:15Shuttle transfer: Check the afternoon pickup times in the description. Icebreaker Arktis is a Finnish multipurpose icebreaker with a 1A icebreaking class. Onboard programs: receive a certificate of participation, take part in the ice floating program, and walk on the frozen sea (weather permitting). Pickup is included.

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you check availability.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:15 and 13:15

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 180

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Icebreaking Company

Is this one for you?Choose the morning cruise if you want to start your day on the ice and have the afternoon free for the exhibitions or other activities in Kemi. The afternoon option works better if you prefer a later start. Ice floating requires a minimum height of 140 cm and normal physical health, and it is optional. You can enjoy the full cruise and ice walk without participating in the floating program.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the Icebreaker Arktis depart from Kemi?

The Icebreaker Arktis offers both morning and afternoon departures. You choose your preferred time when booking, and pickup from central Kemi locations or arrival at the main building happens before the scheduled departure to the harbor.

Can I walk on the ice during the cruise?

Yes, the ship makes a stop in the middle of the frozen Bothnian Bay where you can walk on solid ice, though this depends on ice conditions on the day. Walking on ice is weather-dependent and not guaranteed.

Is ice floating included, and do I have to do it?

Ice floating in a thermal survival suit is included in the experience but optional to participate in. The staff assess your physical and mental condition before the floating program begins, and it requires normal physical health. A minimum height of 140 cm is required.

What's inside the main building before or after the cruise?

The main building has two exhibitions: the SnowExperience, a 400-square-meter cold room with ice slides and sculptures, and the Gemstone Exhibition with over 700 gemstones on display. A reception café and souvenir shop are also open, and the Seaview Restaurant serves guests with pre-booked reservations.

Is transportation from Kemi included?

Yes, round-trip transfers between Kemi and Arktis Harbor are included. You can arrange pickup from selected central Kemi locations or drive directly to the main building, where free parking is available.