'Sampo' Icebreaker Boat Cruise and Ice Floating Excursion in Kemi from Oulu
Embark on an adventure on the Bothnian Bay and see Kemi's wonderful SnowCastle exhibition on this icebreaker boat cruise and ice floating excursion from Oulu!
Practical information
Experience Finland like never before and embark on a comfortable, fun, and unique adventure through the Bothnian Bay on this 'Sampo' icebreaker boat cruise and ice floating excursion in Kemi from Oulu! Enjoy:
- Getting to know the icebreaker and how it works
- Ice floating on the Bothnian Bay
- Delicious lunch on board
Course of events
You should plan to spend around 10 hours on this activity:
Morning Cruise:
- Pick-up from Oulu
- 1.5-hour scenic drive to Kemi
- Arrival at the Kemi SnowCastle area
- Check in for the boat tour
- Time to visit the SnowCastle exhibition
- Shuttle ride to the harbour
- Board the 'Sampo' icebreaker boat
- 4-hour Icebreaker cruise around the Bothnian Bay
- Ice floating
- Lunch on board
- Sail back to Kemi
- Return to Oulu
- Drop-off at the original meeting point and end of the activity
Activity requirements
All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
The minimum height for the ice floating activity is 140 cm (4'6'').
Special terms
Your instructor offers a free transportation service from the following locations and back for this experience. Please get in touch with them once your reservation is confirmed to set up a meeting point and time.
- 09:40 Oulu City Hall (Kirkkokatu 2, Oulu)
- 09:45 Scandic City (Saaristonkatu 4, Oulu)
- 10:00 Nallikari, turning point/bus stop at Aalto Hotel (Nallikarinranta 10, Oulu)
Please wait outside the meeting point for the Kemi Tourism bus to pick you up.
The cruise is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
Please note that the duration and itinerary of the activity depend on weather conditions. Due to unforeseen meteorological occurrences, your itinerary might be shorter or take a different path than usual for your safety.
Included
- Experienced and certified guide
- Roundtrip transportation from Oulu to Kemi (check special terms)
- Non-alcoholic welcome drink
- 'Sampo' icebreaker boat cruise
- Guided tour of the ship
- Insulated suit
- Ice floating
- Certificate of participation
- Lunch on board
Excluded
- Personal expenses
Do not forget to bring
- Warm winter clothing (Thermal layers, wind and waterproof outerwear)
- Snow boots or comfortable winter shoes
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Sunglasses (spring tours)
- Water bottle
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About the activity
Get to know the 'Sampo' and enjoy a day of exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Bothnian Bay on this icebreaker boat cruise and ice floating excursion in Kemi from Oulu! With convenient transportation from Oulu and departing from Kemi, and its SnowCastle area, this amazing experience will take you to see a fully frozen sea, let you swim among the ice and Arctic water, and even walk on the ice layer if it's cold enough! Operating since 1961 as a state-run ship and since 1988 as a tourist attraction, the 'Sampo' is a Bear-class icebreaker, made to navigate the frozen waters of northern Finland.
On the day of your icebreaker boat cruise and ice floating excursion from Oulu, you will be picked up from one of 3 convenient locations around the city on a shuttle. From there, you will be driven to Kemi's SnowCastle area, and once you check in for the boat tour, you'll have some time to explore the SnowCastle exhibition.
At approximately 13h, you'll head to the Veitsiluoto harbour to embark on the 'Sampo'. Next the adventure truly starts! You'll sail off and experience the unique pleasure of observing the broken pieces of ice behind the boat. Your instructor will give you a tour of the icebreaker, but the rest of the time will be spent observing the stunning landscapes of the Bothnian Bay from the boat's heated lounges or outdoor decks. Midway through the experience, you'll make a stop, change into your insulated suit, and experience ice floating. You'll wade along with the ice behind the boat and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. And if the sea is frozen enough, you might even get to walk on it. Finally, you'll make your way back to Kemi with a delicious on-board lunch and be driven back to Oulu with incredible memories of this wonderful experience.
Keep in mind that temperatures in northern Finland can range from 5 to -30 degrees Celsius, so it is absolutely crucial to come prepared for the elements. Wool or thermal base layers, fleece middle layers, and wind and waterproof outerwear are recommended. You should also bring a thermal hat, gloves, a scarf, and anything else you might need (medication, snacks, etc.) to spend a safe and fun 10 hours on this Icebreaker boat cruise in Kemi from Oulu.
Embark on a sturdy, veteran boat, and let an expert show you around the frozen Bothnian Bay. Book your icebreaker boat cruise and ice floating excursion in Kemi from Oulu today!