This winter passengers can follow the great Arctic adventurers and set sail aboard the Arctic Explorer in Northern Sweden, an icebreaker vessel that can cut through ice fifty centimetres thick, before walking on the frozen sea and taking a dip in the sea to complete this unforgettable Arctic adventure.

Offered for the first time this winter by Off the Map Travel, the ship casts off from Piteå, which is located a hundred kilometres south of the Arctic circle in Sweden.

The captain then ventures out into the frozen Bay of Bothnia before reaching the open sea where rivers that run from the mountains in the west to meet the sea.

The 37 meters long, four hundred metric tons of steel, that makes up the Arctic Explorer, then ploughs through the white landscape that stretches out as far as the eye can see as it breaks the ice ahead of the ship at speeds approaching five knots.

After sailing a hundred meters out, the Arctic Explorer turns back towards the mainland and in a vast bay covered by ice, the icebreaker stops.

A gangplank is dropped, landing on the ice with a thud, and passengers disembark to walk on the thick sea ice.

In the trail behind the icebreaker, the waters mix with great blocks of ice broken away by the icebreaker.

Passengers make their way to a point 20 metres behind the boat, for the chance to take a dip in the ice-cold water.

After a full safety briefing, those taking part are dressed in survival suits, allowing only their hands to get wet, each suit is attached to a guide, before lowering themselves into the freezing waters.

This tour will be running twice a week from December to April and will be operating a guided transfer from Luleå or Brändön Lodge from December to April.

Useful links

​ www.offthemap.travel