Rovaniemi: Arctic Ice Floating Experience

When you think of Lapland, images of snow-covered forests, the Northern Lights, and cozy cabins often come to mind. But if you’re craving something truly different, the Arctic Ice Floating Experience in Rovaniemi offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to gently float on ice-cold waters, wrapped in a high-tech rescue suit that makes the cold feel almost surreal. We’ve seen plenty of Arctic adventures, but this one blends serenity with excitement in a way that’s hard to forget.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it’s designed to be calming and safe—relaxing your mind and body while enjoying the raw beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape. Plus, the guides’ professionalism and friendliness really shine through, making even nervous first-timers feel comfortable. Of course, a potential downside is that it’s not suitable for very short travelers (under 120 cm), and timing is strict—miss the meeting point, and it’s a no-go.

This tour suits those who want something different from the usual Northern Lights or husky sled rides. If you’re open to trying a peaceful, almost meditative experience on icy waters, and don’t mind chilly temperatures, it’s worth considering. It’s not a high-energy activity, but it’s certainly compelling for anyone curious about Arctic wilderness adventures.

Key Points

• Unique Arctic experience: Float on ice with expert guidance, in a setting that’s both peaceful and exhilarating.
• Safety first: High-quality rescue suits keep you dry and warm, even in zero-degree water.
• Limited group size: This activity is best enjoyed with a small group, ensuring personalized attention.
• Time is crucial: Arrive on time at the meeting point—latecomers miss out with no refunds.
• Accessible for most: No swimming skills required; suits keep you afloat on the surface.
• Ideal for adventure seekers: Perfect if you’re looking for a memorable, offbeat Arctic activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Arctic Ice Floating Experience

Let’s break down what this tour involves so you can picture it clearly. You’ll start your adventure meeting at the Safartica office in Rovaniemi about 25 minutes before the scheduled departure, so punctuality is key. The group is generally small, guided by friendly English-speaking guides who are knowledgeable and attentive.

Once you’re suited up in the high-quality rescue suit, it’s time to step onto the icy waters. The suit is designed to keep you dry and warm, covering your entire body. You wear your own clothes underneath—so layering is essential, but that shouldn’t be a problem given the suit’s insulation. The guides will give thorough instructions beforehand, so you won’t need swimming skills—just a willingness to relax and float.

The core of the experience involves lying down in an ice hole between ice blocks, gently floating in the Arctic water. It may sound a little intimidating at first—especially if you’re wary of cold water—but many reviews highlight how surprisingly comfortable they found it once in the suit. Razvan from Romania mentioned that after overcoming initial fears, he found the experience “quite relaxing” because the neoprene suit prevented feeling much cold.

The whole activity takes around 2 to 3 hours, including preparation, instruction, and the floating itself. Expect to spend some time simply lying back and letting your mind drift—trust us, it’s a rare chance to disconnect from everything and enjoy the silence of Lapland’s frozen landscape.

The Guides and Their Role

The guides are often singled out in reviews for their professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. Jennifer from the US praised the guides’ great attitude, calling them “awesome.” They’re there not just for safety, but to ensure everyone is comfortable and has a good time. They’ll give you tips on how to relax, and make sure your suit fits properly before heading into the water.

Some reviews note the guides’ local knowledge, which adds to the overall sense of trust and authenticity. Interestingly, many travelers mention the guides’ ability to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere—crucial for an activity that might initially feel a little intimidating.

The Views and the Arctic Landscape

While floating on ice isn’t exactly about the scenery, the surrounding landscape makes the entire experience feel special. You’ll be immersed in the vast, quiet wilderness of Lapland, with shimmering icebergs and snow-covered trees creating a pristine backdrop. On clear nights, you might even see the Northern Lights overhead—though this isn’t guaranteed, as it depends on the weather.

Several reviewers raved about the tranquility of lying in the water, feeling completely weightless and detached from everyday worries. Razvan mentioned that once he got over the initial fear, floating in the space-like environment was “really weird and fun,” adding that the experience felt like “floating somewhere in space.”

Practical Details: What You Should Know

Pricing is not explicitly detailed in the reviews, but the activity is designed to be a timed, guided experience, with flexible booking options. You can reserve now and pay later, which is a nice feature for planning. The activity lasts around 2-3 hours, including preparation.

Transportation: The meeting point is at Safartica’s office in the center of Rovaniemi, so it’s easy to reach either on foot or via a short taxi ride. Punctuality is critical—missing the meeting time means missing out with no refund.

Group size: The experience seems to be offered in small groups to ensure safety and personal attention. This makes it more comfortable for those nervous about cold water or unfamiliar activities.

Participants: You must be at least 120 cm tall. The tour isn’t suitable for children under this height or for anyone with specific physical limitations, especially since safety is paramount.

Weather considerations: The water temperature is around zero degrees Celsius, but the suits provide insulation. Some reviews mention that the suits can leak slightly at the feet or be frozen from previous use, so bringing your own socks could be helpful.

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Common Questions and Practical Tips

Do I need swimming skills? No, the suits are designed to keep you afloat on the surface, so swimming isn’t necessary.

What should I wear underneath? Wear your own warm clothes—layers are advisable because you’ll be outside before and after floating.

Is it cold even with the suit? Most guests find the suit keeps them warm enough, but the water is cold. The experience is designed to be more about floating and relaxing than about enduring discomfort.

Can I do this alone? Yes, but you’ll be in a group led by guides. Solo travelers often find it a memorable communal activity.

What if I’m nervous about cold water? The guides are experienced and will instruct you on how to feel comfortable. Many reviewers, including Razvan, said once they got over initial fears, they found it surprisingly calming.

How long does the entire experience last? About 2 to 3 hours, including preparation, instructions, and floating.

What’s the cancellation policy? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for kids? Not for children under 120 cm, so it’s best for older children and adults.

What if I miss my scheduled time? Unfortunately, missing the meeting point means you forfeit the activity, as refunds aren’t provided for missed tours.

Will I see the Northern Lights? It’s not guaranteed, but given the Arctic location, it’s a possibility on clear nights.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

The Arctic Ice Floating Experience is perfect for adventurous souls looking for something beyond the usual Arctic activities. It’s a serene, almost meditative experience that combines the thrill of floating on ice with the calming beauty of Lapland’s frozen wilderness. If you’re comfortable in cold environments and enjoy unique, quiet moments in nature, you’ll likely find this tour to be a highlight of your trip.

It’s especially good for those who value safety and clear guidance, thanks to the attentive guides and quality equipment. While it’s not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, older kids and teenagers who meet height requirements might find it equally captivating.

This tour offers a rare chance to connect with the Arctic landscape in a way that’s gentle yet memorable. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re after a peaceful, slightly surreal experience that will stay with you long after you leave Lapland.

FAQ

Do I need special swimming skills? No, the suits keep you afloat on the surface, so swimming isn’t required.

What should I wear underneath the rescue suit? Your regular clothes, layered for warmth, as you’ll be outside before and after floating.

Is this activity cold? The water is around zero degrees Celsius, but the rescue suits are designed to keep you dry and warm, making the experience surprisingly comfortable for most.

Can children participate? Only children who are at least 120 cm tall can join; younger children aren’t suitable.

How long does the activity take? Expect about 2 to 3 hours total, including prep and instruction.

Is there a chance to see the Northern Lights? While not guaranteed, the Arctic location offers a good chance if the weather permits.

What happens if I arrive late? Missing the meeting time means missing the experience without refund, so punctuality is key.

Can I cancel? Yes, with up to 24 hours notice for a full refund.

What if I’m nervous about cold water? The guides are experienced and will help you feel comfortable, and many find it more relaxing than expected.

Is there an age limit? Yes, participants must be at least 120 cm tall; no upper age limit is specified.

If you’re seeking a peaceful yet unusual Arctic adventure, this floating experience could be just what you need. It offers an extraordinary perspective on Lapland’s icy wilderness—slow, calming, and genuinely memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: