Rovaniemi: Ice Floating Experience with Northern lights

Rovaniemi: Ice Floating Experience with Northern Lights — A Unique Arctic Adventure

Imagine gently floating on a pristine, frozen lake in the heart of Lapland, surrounded by silent, snow-covered forests under a vast, star-studded sky. That’s the essence of the Ice Floating Experience offered near Rovaniemi, Finland. This tour, priced at $142 per person, promises a peaceful, almost meditative encounter with the Arctic environment, with the chance to see the Northern Lights if luck and weather cooperate.

What I find particularly appealing about this experience is the quiet thrill of weightlessness on ice-cold water, made possible by a thermal wetsuit designed to keep you warm and buoyant. Plus, the post-float treat of hot drinks and cookies adds a cozy finish to what can be a very exhilarating moment. Another highlight is the potential to witness the Northern Lights—an awe-inspiring natural spectacle—making this tour a memorable blend of adventure and serenity.

One thing to consider is that you’re responsible for your own transportation to the lake. While the tour includes pickup and drop-off, knowing how you’ll get there from your accommodation can help with planning. Also, this experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back, heart issues, or anyone uncomfortable with water, even in a wetsuit. Still, for those comfortable in water and craving a distinctive Arctic activity, this trip offers a rare chance to connect deeply with Lapland’s stillness — a true winter highlight.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Stunning Setting: Floating on a frozen Lapland lake offers a uniquely peaceful experience amid Arctic wilderness.
• Northern Lights Option: If conditions are right, you’ll have the possibility to see the Northern Lights during your float.
• Comfort and Warmth: The thermal wetsuit ensures you’re warm enough to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
• Post-Experience Comfort: Warm drinks and cookies after the float help you warm up, making chilly moments more enjoyable.
• Small Group Atmosphere: With a cap of 9 participants, expect a more intimate and personal experience.
• Practical Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, giving you some peace of mind in planning.

An In-Depth Look at Rovaniemi’s Ice Floating Tour

The Arctic Tranquility of Floating in a Frozen Lake

This experience is designed for those who seek something both calming and extraordinary. I love how the tour takes you out to a frozen lake in Lapland’s wilderness — the kind of place where silence is so complete that you can hear the faint creak of ice or the distant call of a wandering bird. The guiding staff, including a live tour guide available in English, French, and Spanish, ensures you’re comfortable and informed throughout.

The actual activity involves slipping into a thermal survival wetsuit—think of it as your Arctic armor. It’s a snug fit that keeps you warm despite the icy waters below. Once you’re floating, the sensation is surprisingly gentle; you feel weightless and relaxed, almost like you’re suspended in a dream. One reviewer noted, “It’s such a peaceful way to connect with nature, floating beneath the open sky.”

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

The key appeal is the tranquility of drifting in the stillness of the Arctic, with the night sky overhead. If the weather is clear, you’ll be treated to a stunning star display, and if luck is on your side, the Northern Lights might dance across the sky—a truly magical sight. The chance to see this natural phenomenon while floating on ice is a unique blend of adventure and serenity.

Another highlight is the post-float treat of warm drinks and cookies, which is particularly inviting after being in the chilly outdoors. The warmth of the beverage and sweetness of the cookies contrasts beautifully with the crisp Arctic air.

The Practicalities: How It Works and What to Expect

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, which includes pickup and drop-off. You’ll start by being collected from your accommodation, then taken to the lakeside location, where the activity begins. The actual floating lasts about 20-30 minutes—long enough to enjoy the sensation and take in the scenery, but not so long as to become uncomfortable.

Transport is included, but it’s good to know your own transportation logistics, especially if you’re staying outside Rovaniemi’s city center. The group size is limited to 9 people, making the experience more relaxed and personalized.

The tour is suitable for anyone comfortable in water — knowing how to swim is a must — and physically in good health. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, or individuals with back, heart, or water-related health issues.

The Cost and What You’re Getting for It

At $142 per person, this experience is certainly a specialty activity, but I believe it offers genuine value if you’re craving something genuinely different from typical winter activities. The inclusion of thermal wetsuits, transportation, and the warm drinks makes it straightforward and hassle-free. The small group nature means less waiting and more personal attention, enhancing the overall experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want an authentic Arctic moment—a rare opportunity to float in a silent, snow-draped landscape, with the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights in a serene setting. It’s ideal for those seeking relaxation, a sense of adventure, or a memorable story to tell. However, it’s best suited for individuals who are comfortable in water and in good physical health.

Who Will Love This?

If you’re a traveler who enjoys quiet, contemplative experiences amid stunning nature, this tour will resonate. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to try something both peaceful and exhilarating. Those with a sense of adventure but a preference for less adrenaline will appreciate the gentle float and the calm scenery.

On the flip side, if you have mobility issues, difficulty swimming, or prefer activities with more action or social interaction, this might not be the best fit. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or pregnant women, this activity’s physical demands and safety considerations mean it’s better to pass.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For me, the Ice Floating Experience in Rovaniemi offers a rare and authentic Arctic encounter. The chance to drift silently over icy waters under a starry sky, with the possibility of Northern Lights, is a memory I’d cherish. The quiet beauty of the landscape, combined with the comfort of a warm drink afterward, makes this a well-rounded adventure that balances thrill and relaxation.

The $142 price tag might seem high compared to more conventional activities, but when you consider the inclusion of professional gear, transportation, and the intimate setting, it’s a reasonable investment for a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic moment. This tour is best for travelers who value genuine connection with nature and are looking for something peaceful yet memorable. If you’re after a story that’s both calming and awe-inspiring, this experience will not disappoint.

FAQ

Is transportation to the lake included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are included as part of the tour package, simplifying your logistics. Just make sure you know where you’re staying and coordinate with the tour provider.

What should I wear to prepare for the float?
You should dress in warm clothing and layer appropriately, as you’ll need to stay comfortable before and after the activity. During the float, the thermal wetsuit keeps you warm enough, but dressing warmly in layers is advised.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
Seeing the Northern Lights depends on the weather and solar activity. If conditions are right, you’ll have the opportunity to witness this natural wonder during your float.

How long is the actual floating experience?
The floating typically lasts around 20-30 minutes, enough to enjoy the sensation and the scenery without feeling cold or uncomfortable.

Is this activity suitable for children?
The tour recommends participants be comfortable in water, know how to swim, and be in good physical health. It’s generally not suitable for young children or those with health conditions like back or heart problems.

What’s included in the price?
The cost covers thermal survival wetsuits, pickup and drop-off, and warm drinks with cookies afterward. Personal photography is not included, so consider bringing your own camera or phone for memories.

Is booking flexible?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

To sum it up, the Rovaniemi Ice Floating Experience offers a rare chance to drift in the Arctic’s quiet beauty, with the added thrill of potentially seeing the Northern Lights. It’s a perfect activity for those craving authentic, peaceful moments in nature that will stay with you long after you leave Lapland. If you’re up for a serene yet exhilarating adventure with a touch of magic, this tour might just be the highlight of your winter trip.