Helsinki2h
Helsinki Self-Guided Audio Tour
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About this activity
Cruise aboard the Polar Explorer, a working industrial icebreaker, through the frozen waters of Lapland for an authentic Arctic adventure. Break through thick sea ice, tour the ship's operational spaces, and experience polar exploration firsthand on this rare 6-hour journey.
Step into the world of polar exploration aboard the Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise. An arctic adventure through the frozen waters of Lapland, on an authentic industrial icebreaker. Once in a lifetime.
This is an educational arctic adventure aboard a real industrial icebreaker. A live English-speaking guide and audio guide in 16 languages take you through the Captain's bridge, the engine room, and the science of icebreaking. The Polar Explorer has worked the frozen sea for decades, and now opens its decks to explorers.
What's Included
- Join the arctic adventure - Step aboard the Polar Explorer icebreaker for a journey through frozen sea ice in Lapland.
- Lunch onboard (optional) - Add lunch in the icebreaker's onboard restaurant. Available at booking.
- 3-Hour Polar Explorer Icebreaker Cruise - Feel the raw strength of the Polar Explorer as it cuts through thick sea ice on a 3-hour journey across the frozen sea. A ride through the heart of Lapland's winter wilderness.
- Guided Tour of the Icebreaker by our Audio Guide app - Get exclusive access behind the scenes with a guided tour through the ship, from the engine room to the Captain's bridge. The audio guide is available in 16 languages for a fully personalized experience.
- Icebreaker Cinema Film - Watch a short film in the ship's onboard cinema, showcasing icebreakers from around the world and their importance in arctic work.
- Walk on the Frozen Sea - During the cruise stop, step directly onto the thick sea ice. A quiet moment surrounded by silence and snow.
- Ice Floating (Optional) - Suit up in a thermal flotation survival suit and float safely in the icy water, surrounded by the frozen wilderness.
- Cruise & Swim Certificate - Commemorate your experience with an official certificate signed by the Captain.
Reserve your spot today and experience Lapland like never before, with the crackling ice beneath your feet. After the cruise, enjoy a scenic drive back to Kemi.
Highlights
- ✓3-hour active icebreaker cruise cutting through Arctic sea ice
- ✓Walk directly onto the frozen sea surface during a cruise stop
- ✓Behind-the-scenes access to engine room and Captain's bridge
- ✓16-language audio guide tour of the working icebreaker
- ✓Onboard cinema screening Arctic exploration documentaries
- ✓Optional lunch in the icebreaker's restaurant
Insider tips
- ★Dress in extreme cold-weather layers and insulated boots—you'll spend time on the open decks and on the frozen sea surface
- ★Book lunch onboard in advance if interested; the restaurant provides warmth and views during the experience
- ★The audio guide is self-guided, so you can explore the ship at your own pace between cruise segments
- ★Visit in peak winter (January–March) for the thickest ice and most dramatic icebreaking conditions
Good to know
- •Total experience is 6 hours; the active cruise portion lasts 3 hours with ship tours and cinema filling additional time
- •Audio guide available in 16 languages; live English-speaking guides also present
- •Warm indoor spaces available, but expect prolonged exposure to Arctic cold on decks and ice
- •Suitable for most fitness levels, though walking on uneven ice requires basic mobility
Who it's for
Adventure seekers wanting authentic Arctic experiences beyond typical cruisesFamilies interested in educational maritime and polar science contentPhotography enthusiasts capturing dramatic ice-breaking and polar landscapesWinter travelers seeking unique Lapland experiences beyond dog sledding or reindeer tours
Best time to visit
Winter months (November–March) when sea ice is thickest and most stable for ice-breaking and walking. Early morning or midday sailings offer the best light for photography across the frozen landscape.
Frequently asked questions
Available
From€395
per person
