Sampo Icebreaker Excursion

The Sampo icebreaker was built by Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard in Finland in 1960. Wärtsilä was one of Finland’s major shipbuilders at the time, specializing in ice-class vessels.

Since its retirement, Sampo has been used for icebreaker cruises in the Gulf of Bothnia, offering tourists a chance to experience Arctic icebreaking. It’s one of the few icebreakers in the world where tourists can actively experience the vessel in action by:

• Watching the icebreaking process up close
• Taking a tour of the ship, including the engine room and captain’s bridge
• Participating in ice floating (wearing a survival suit) in the icy waters
• Enjoying meals onboard
• Enjoying the frozen landscape of the Finnish Lapland

If you’re considering a trip to Lapland, an icebreaker cruise on Sampo is a unique winter experience! A local company in Kemi, Finland, operates Sampo icebreaker tours. Depending on ice conditions, they organize winter cruises on the Sampo in the Gulf of Bothnia, typically from December to April. Tours usually last 3–4 hours and vary in price depending on the package. It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak winter months.