How to plan your Rovaniemi tour: Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating

Are you looking for an enchanting experience of floating on the Arctic sea or feeling the adrenaline rush of the icebreaker crush? The city of Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is the perfect destination for your winter wonderland adventure. By taking our Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating tour, you can witness an awe-inspiring coastline with a spectacular view of snow-covered forests, islands, and frozen sea. In this guide, we will provide you with detailed information on how to plan your tour to Rovaniemi for a magical experience that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

When to visit Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi experiences winter between November and April, making this time perfect for snow and ice activities. The temperatures can go below -30°C, so ensure to pack warm clothing. The best time to visit varies with what you want to experience, but December and January are considered the peak months for Northern Lights and winter activities.

How to get to Rovaniemi

The Rovaniemi airport has daily flights to Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and several other national and international destinations. You can book your flights with airlines such as Finnair, Norwegian Airlines, and SAS. Alternatively, if you are already in Finland, you can take a train or bus to Rovaniemi. Finnish Railways offer several daily trains with connections from most cities in Finland. Similarly, the bus services cover most cities and areas in the country.

Where to stay in Rovaniemi

Several hotels and lodges are available in Rovaniemi to suit various budgets and preferences. You can stay in a hotel located in the city center, such as the Arctic Light Hotel, or opt for less crowded places such as the Arctic Treehouse Hotel. For a unique experience, the Glass Resort offers cozy glass-roof cabins that provide excellent views of the Northern Lights.

Booking the tour

To experience the Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating in Rovaniemi, you can book the tour online with our partner, GetYourGuide. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Rovaniemi, transportation to the icebreaker cruise, lunch on the ship, ice floating on the Arctic sea, and a visit to the Kemi snow castle. The tour lasts about nine hours, and you can book it for €319 per person. Book the tour here.

What to expect from the tour

On the day of the tour, our guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the port in Kemi. The icebreaker cruise, Sampo, will take you on a thrilling ride through the frozen Sea of Bothnia, while you enjoy a delightful onboard lunch. You can also upgrade to the Captain’s Lounge for an even more luxurious experience. After the cruise, the tour continues with ice floating, where you get to experience the cold waters in style. Finish up your day with a visit to the Kemi snow castle, which is a unique fortress made of snow, and ice.

What to bring

It’s important to come well-prepared when going for winter activities in Lapland. Ensure to bring warm clothing such as a winter jacket, woolen socks, gloves, scarf, and hat. We also recommend bringing snow boots, as regular shoes will not be appropriate. A camera and extra batteries might come in handy to capture all the memorable moments.

Book Your Tour Now

Rovaniemi is a magical city that offers a range of winter activities that are perfect for adventure seekers. The Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating tour is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty and wonders of the icy Arctic sea. Remember to plan your trip by booking your tour on GetYourGuide, packing all your winter gear, and coming during the winter season. You will have an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to come back for more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland, a province in northern Finland. It is famously known for being the official hometown of Santa Claus, but the city has a lot more to offer as well. Here are some common questions and answers about Rovaniemi.

1. What are the must-visit attractions in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has plenty of attractions that are worth visiting. Here are a few examples:

a. Santa Claus Village

Santa Claus Village is a must-visit attraction in Rovaniemi. You can meet Santa Claus himself, cross the Arctic Circle, and even send postcards from the Santa Claus Post Office. There are also many souvenir shops, restaurants, and activities for both adults and children.

b. Arctic SnowHotel

The Arctic SnowHotel is a unique hotel that is made entirely out of snow and ice. Visitors can take a tour of the hotel or even spend the night in one of its rooms. The hotel also has an ice bar, restaurant, and chapel.

c. Ranua Wildlife Park

Ranua Wildlife Park is the northernmost zoo in the world. It is home to over 50 species of animals that are native to the Arctic area. Visitors can see polar bears, lynx, arctic foxes, and many more animals.

d. Korundi House of Culture

Korundi House of Culture is an art museum that is located in a former post office building. It has exhibitions of contemporary art as well as concerts, performances, and other cultural events.

2. What is the best time to visit Rovaniemi?

The best time to visit Rovaniemi depends on what you want to experience. Here are some suggestions:

a. Winter (December to February)

Winter in Rovaniemi is the peak season for tourists. The city is covered in snow and there are many winter activities available, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and husky sled rides. You can also see the Northern Lights during this time.

b. Spring (March to May)

Spring is a quieter time to visit Rovaniemi, but still has plenty to offer. The snow starts to melt, creating beautiful landscapes. You can also experience the “blue moment,” a phenomenon where the sky turns a beautiful shade of blue during sunset.

c. Summer (June to August)

Summer in Rovaniemi is a time of 24-hour daylight, known as the “midnight sun.” This is a great time to explore the city’s parks, lakes, and hiking trails. You can also visit reindeer farms and experience traditional Finnish culture.

d. Autumn (September to November)

Autumn in Rovaniemi is a beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change color and nature prepares for winter. It is also a good time to see the Northern Lights, as the nights start to get longer.

3. How can I see the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi?

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are a natural light show that occurs in the Arctic regions. Here are some tips for seeing them in Rovaniemi:

a. Go during the winter months

The Northern Lights are visible in Rovaniemi from late August to early April, but they are most easily seen during the winter months when the sky is dark.

b. Check the forecast

There are many websites and apps that can give you a forecast for the Northern Lights. Check the forecast before you go out to increase your chances of seeing them.

c. Find a dark spot

The Northern Lights are best seen away from city lights, so find a spot with little light pollution. One option is the Arctic SnowHotel, which has a Northern Lights alarm that alerts guests when the lights are visible.

d. Be patient

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so there is no guarantee that you will see them. Be patient and enjoy the experience even if you don’t see them.

4. How can I get to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is easily accessible by plane, train, or car.

a. By plane

Rovaniemi has its own airport, which is served by Finnair and Norwegian Airlines. There are direct flights from Helsinki as well as other European cities.

b. By train

Rovaniemi is located on the Helsinki-Rovaniemi railway line, which is operated by VR. The journey takes around 9-12 hours, depending on the train.

c. By car

Rovaniemi is located on the E75 motorway, which runs from Helsinki to the Finnish-Russian border. The journey takes around 10-12 hours.

5. What is the climate like in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has a subarctic climate, which means it has long, cold winters and short, mild summers. The average temperature in January is around -14°C (7°F), while the average temperature in July is around 15°C (59°F).

6. What are some traditional Finnish foods to try in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi has plenty of restaurants that serve traditional Finnish cuisine. Here are some examples of dishes you might want to try:

a. Reindeer meat

Reindeer meat is a staple of Finnish cuisine, and is often served in stews or sautéed with mushrooms and lingonberries.

b. Rye bread

Rye bread is a dark, dense bread that is often served with fish or cheese.

c. Salmiakki

Salmiakki is a salty licorice candy that is popular in Finland. It may take some getting used to, but it is a unique and traditional Finnish treat.

d. Karelian pasties

Karelian pasties are a type of pastry that is filled with rice pudding or mashed potatoes. They are often served with egg butter, a mixture of butter and hard-boiled eggs.

Book Your Tour Now

Rovaniemi is a unique and beautiful city that has something to offer visitors all year round. Whether you want to meet Santa Claus, see the Northern Lights, or experience traditional Finnish culture, Rovaniemi has it all. By following these tips and recommendations, you can have a wonderful and memorable trip to this Arctic wonderland.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is a city located in Finnish Lapland, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus. It is also the perfect destination to witness the Northern Lights and engage in winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding. But with so many things to do, the question is, how should you spend your time as a tourist in Rovaniemi? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll guide you through a list of the top things to do in Rovaniemi.

1. Meet Santa Claus in Santa Claus Village

If you’re a Christmas and Santa Claus enthusiast, visiting Santa Claus Village is a must-do activity while in Rovaniemi. It is a tourist attraction located at the Arctic Circle, where you can meet Santa Claus, visit his official post office, and cross the Arctic Circle line. The village has a wide range of souvenir shops where you can get unique and Christmas-themed gifts to bring back home.

2. Witness the Northern Lights

Rovaniemi is one of the best destinations to witness the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. These natural phenomena are caused by electrically charged particles from the sun colliding with particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. To increase your chances of seeing the lights, it is recommended to go between September and March when the nights are long and dark. You can also opt to book a Northern Lights tour, which will take you to the best spots to witness the lights and will inform you about the science behind it.

3. Go on a Reindeer Safari

In Rovaniemi, you can experience a traditional way of transportation in Lapland by going on a reindeer safari. The safari will take you through the untouched wilderness of Lapland while sitting on a sled pulled by reindeer. You can also learn about the Sami culture and their way of life.

4. Explore Ranua Wildlife Park

Ranua Wildlife Park is home to over 50 species of animals that live in the Arctic region. You can see animals such as the polar bear, lynx, wolves, arctic foxes, and many more. It is a great place to visit for families and animal lovers as you can observe the animals in their natural habitat.

5. Skiing and Snowboarding in Ounasvaara

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, skiing and snowboarding in Ounasvaara is an activity for you. It is a popular ski resort located just outside Rovaniemi city center, which offers slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. You can also book ski and snowboarding lessons if you’re a first-timer.

6. Visit Arktikum Museum and Science Center

Arktikum Museum and Science Center is a museum that showcases the history, culture and nature of Lapland and the Arctic region. You can learn about the indigenous people of Lapland, the Sami, and their way of life. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions, so it’s worth checking beforehand what’s on display.

7. Husky Safari

A husky safari is another popular winter activity that you can experience while in Rovaniemi. It is an authentic and sustainable way of transportation used by the Sami people. You’ll be sitting on a sled pulled by huskies led by an experienced dog handler. The safari usually takes a few hours, and you’ll go through snow-covered forests and the Lappish wilderness.

8. Ice Floating

Ice floating might sound crazy to some, but it is a unique and unforgettable experience. You’ll get to wear a dry suit and float on the icy water, which is said to be a relaxing and meditative experience. Don’t worry; you’ll be in the presence of an experienced guide to ensure your safety.

Book Your Tour Now

Rovaniemi is a unique and magical destination that offers more than just a winter wonderland experience. Whether you’re a Santa enthusiast or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll find something to do in Rovaniemi. From meeting Santa Claus to witnessing the Northern Lights and experiencing traditional Lappish life by going on a reindeer or husky safari, your time in Rovaniemi will leave unforgettable memories.