Helsinki: Arctic Hovercraft Experience with Lunch

If you’re searching for a way to see Helsinki’s stunning winter landscape in a truly unique fashion, this Arctic Hovercraft Experience could be just the ticket. It’s a full three-hour outing that combines adventure, nature, and Finnish tradition — all wrapped into one snowy package. Think of it as a day for those who love a bit of thrill mixed with cultural moments, especially if you’re curious about what life in the archipelago feels like in winter.

What really shines about this tour are the guided nature walk across the ice and the ice swimming experience in a survival suit, which promises both a memorable story and a stark, invigorating connection with the Arctic waters. Plus, ending the day with a warm campfire lunch in a cozy shelter makes it all feel authentically Finnish.

That said, it’s worth noting that this experience isn’t ideal if you have mobility issues or if you’re not comfortable in very cold conditions. The tour is designed for those who want to be outdoors for a good chunk of time and are prepared for winter gear, even if most of it is provided.

This trip suits adventurous travelers, nature lovers, and anyone who wants a different perspective on Helsinki’s nearby wilderness — with a healthy dose of excitement and some beautiful views.

Key Points

• Unique transportation: Ride a hovercraft over ice and open water, or travel in an ice-breaking steel boat, depending on the season’s ice conditions.
• All-inclusive gear: The tour provides insulated suits, gloves, hats, and boots, so you won’t need to worry much about winter clothing.
• Authentic Finnish flavor: Enjoy a campfire lunch, complete with the cozy atmosphere of a protected outdoor shelter.
• Educational stops: Learn about the archipelago’s history, summer cottages, and daily life from knowledgeable guides.
• Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for seals, eagles, or other local animals along the way.
• Memorable activity: The ice swimming experience in a dry suit is a major highlight, giving you a chance to try something truly different.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Experience: What to Expect in Detail

Starting Point and Logistics
The adventure kicks off at Gumbostrand, about 30 minutes from Helsinki’s city center. It’s a straightforward journey: you meet your guide and pilot at the pier, where you’ll see the hovercraft and steel boat parked on the ice—an instant hint at the day’s excitement. If you prefer, you can opt for hotel pickup and drop-off, which is available as an extra.

Preparation and Safety
Once you arrive, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary gear: a full-body flotation suit, gloves, hat, and winter boots. The safety briefing is quick but essential, giving you the lowdown on how the hovercraft handles ice and water, and what to expect during your swim. The emphasis on safety is reassuring, especially when you’re about to float in water just above freezing.

The Journey Through the Archipelago
Before reaching the island, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive over icy waters and snow-covered islands. The landscape is breathtaking—silent, vast, and dotted with summer cottages, sea eagles, and maybe even seals. Our guides are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the archipelago’s history and current life. As you glide between islands, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to snap photos—on the ice, on the deck, or from the boat’s heated cabin.

Island Stop and Nature Walk
On your stop at an uninhabited island, you’ll go for a short walk, learning about Finnish summer cottages, saunas, and how the archipelago was shaped after the Ice Age. The walk is relaxing and educational, with dry toilets available. This is a good chance to stretch your legs, breathe in the crisp air, and admire the stark beauty of the landscape.

Ice Swimming in a Survival Suit
Here’s the real highlight for many: floating around in the Arctic waters in a specially designed, insulated survival suit. The suits are well heated, so you stay warm and dry despite the water being around +3°C. The experience typically lasts between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on your comfort level. Several reviews describe it as “memorable,” “magical,” and “a fantastic part of the trip,” with Liam saying, “Thanks for a brilliant day!”

If swimming isn’t your thing, no worries—just stay onshore, take photos, or chat with the guides. The guides are attentive and ensure everyone feels safe.

Lunch by the Campfire
After the swim, you can relax around a campfire, enjoying a traditional Finnish barbecue lunch. The shelter provides protection from wind and snow, yet the big windows let you soak in the winter scenery. The meal itself is hearty and warming—think smoked salmon, grilled meats, or local specialties—perfect after a chilly adventure.

Return Trip
Once lunch finishes, the hovercraft or ice-breaking boat heads back to Gumbostrand. From here, you can make your way back to Helsinki, either on your own or via the offered drop-off service, which makes the whole outing quite convenient.

Is this Tour Worth the Price?

At $397 per person, this experience isn’t cheap, but it offers a lot for the money. You’re getting a full three hours of guided adventure, high-quality gear, transportation over icy waters, and a memorable activity like ice swimming. The reviews underscore how much people enjoyed the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, which enhances the value.

Compared to other Helsinki tours, this one is quite unique. You’re not just sightseeing—you’re actively engaging with the landscape in a way few visitors do. The combination of transportation, nature, and cultural insights makes it a well-rounded adventure for those who crave outdoor activities and want to experience Finnish winter life firsthand.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you’re adventurous, open to cold weather, and enjoy learning about local environments and lifestyles. It appeals especially to travelers who want an experience that’s both scenic and physically engaging. If you’re travelling with a partner, friends, or even alone with a sense of curiosity, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Note that it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments or anyone uncomfortable in winter conditions. The activity involves walking on ice and swimming in very cold water, so a basic level of fitness and comfort outdoors is ideal.

Final Thoughts

The Helsinki Arctic Hovercraft Experience is a standout choice for those eager to explore beyond the usual city sights. The blend of high-tech hovercraft travel, educational island stops, and the thrill of ice swimming offers an engaging, memorable day. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly attitude make it all the more enjoyable, and the scenic views will stay with you long after the trip ends.

While it’s a bit of a splurge, the mix of adventure, culture, and nature makes it more than worth considering if you want to see Helsinki’s winter landscape in a way few others do. It’s especially suited for travelers who thrive on activity and are curious about life in the Arctic environment.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off can be arranged as an add-on at checkout, making it easier to start and end your day.

What should I wear for the trip?
You can wear normal streetwear winter clothing, as the tour provides all the necessary gear, including insulated suits, gloves, hats, and boots.

How cold is the water during the swim?
Expect the water temperature to be around +3°C, which is cold but manageable thanks to the dry, insulated suits provided.

How long is the ice swimming experience?
Most swimmers stay in the water between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on comfort levels.

What kind of transportation is used?
Depending on ice conditions, you’ll travel either in a heated hovercraft or on an ice-breaking steel boat.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the activity is generally suitable for adventurous travelers comfortable with cold weather and outdoor activity.

Do I need previous experience?
No, but it’s helpful to have a good attitude towards outdoor winter activities and be prepared for cold temperatures.

This tour offers a genuine slice of Arctic adventure just outside Helsinki—an experience that’s both invigorating and deeply scenic. If you’re up for an active day amidst Finland’s winter wonderland, it’s definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: