Ylläs: Lake Ylläsjärvi Ice-Floating Experience

Floating on the frozen waters of Lake Ylläsjärvi offers a unique Arctic experience that combines adventure, safety, and cozy warmth. The Ylläs: Lake Ylläsjärvi Ice-Floating Experience runs for 2.5 hours and is suitable for those eager to try something truly different in Lapland. Guided by English-speaking experts, this tour emphasizes safety and comfort with high-quality rescue suits that keep participants dry and warm, even in 0-degree water.

We appreciate how accessible the experience is, as it involves no swimming skills required due to the suits, and transfers from Ylläs accommodations are included within a 15 km radius. While the tour is designed for adventure and relaxation, it is not suitable for small children under 120 cm in height. Overall, it offers a captivating glimpse into Arctic waters with warmth and safety as top priorities.

Key Points

• Ice Floating on Lake Ylläsjärvi is the main highlight, with guidance and safety provided throughout.
• The activity lasts 2.5 hours, including safety instructions, floating, and warming by the campfire.
• High-quality rescue suits keep participants dry and prevent cold exposure, even in open water.
• The tour includes hot drinks and cookies by the campfire, adding to the cozy finish.
• Transfers from Ylläs-area accommodations are included within 15 km.
• Not suitable for children under 120 cm tall, and no swimming skills are necessary.

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Guided Ice-Floating on Lake Ylläsjärvi in Lapland

This tour takes place on Lake Ylläsjärvi, a scenic location in Lapland, Finland. The focus is on floating in the icy water safely, with well-equipped rescue suits covering the entire body. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who explains the process clearly and ensures everyone is comfortable before entering the water.

Participants are instructed thoroughly beforehand, emphasizing safety and the ease of floating without swimming skills. The ice-hole between the ice blocks is a particularly striking feature, offering a truly arctic moment for those seeking a memorable experience. The floating occurs in open water, with the water temperature at 0 degrees, but the suits keep participants dry and warm.

How the High-Quality Rescue Suits Ensure Safety

The rescue suits are a key component of this experience, designed to cover the entire body and keep participants dry. Wearing clothing underneath adds an extra layer of warmth, making the activity accessible even in the coldest conditions. The suits are a safety feature that allows floating in the icy waters without concern about getting cold or wet.

Guides carefully explain how to use the suits and provide instructions before entering the water. Swimming skills are not required, thanks to the suits’ buoyancy and design. This approach makes the activity accessible to most and focused on the thrill of floating rather than swimming.

The Arctic Ice Hole and the Floating Experience

A highlight of the tour is lying down in the ice hole between the ice blocks, a truly arctic activity. This allows participants to lie directly on the icy water’s surface, experiencing the raw environment of Lapland. The circumstances are described as truly arctic, making it a compelling and memorable moment for adventure enthusiasts.

Floating in the ice-cold water can be a thrilling experience, especially with the guidance and safety measures in place. Some may find the experience a bit crowded, as one review mentions being in a small area with others, but overall, the focus remains on safety and enjoyment.

Warming Up by the Campfire with Hot Drinks and Cookies

After completing the ice float, the tour offers a chance to relax by a campfire. Here, participants can warm up and enjoy hot drinks and cookies in a cozy setting. This part of the experience adds a warm, social element, balancing the cold adrenaline of floating on ice.

The campfire setting enhances the authentic Lapland atmosphere and gives an opportunity to debrief and share the experience in a friendly environment. The hot drinks help negate the chill from the ice float, making the activity feel more comfortable.

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Logistics and Group Size

The tour begins once the group is clothed and ready, with timing depending on availability. Transfers from Ylläs-area accommodations are included within 15 km of the base location in Ylläsjärvi. The group size can vary but is generally organized to ensure personal guidance and safety.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothing and to check the meeting time in the confirmation email. It’s important to arrive on time, as missed meeting points will result in missed activity without refund. The tour emphasizes strict safety protocols and clear instructions to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.

The Experience Provider: Safartica

This tour is offered by Safartica, a provider known for leading Arctic adventures in Lapland. They emphasize professional guidance and customer safety, which is reflected in the positive reviews praising the guides’ patience and expertise. The company also offers a variety of other winter activities like snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and northern lights tours, making them well-established in the region.

Reviews and Real-World Feedback

With an overall rating of 4.3 based on 3 reviews, this experience is appreciated for its value and guided safety. One reviewer describes it as “such a great experience” and recommends it highly, citing friendly guides and the speciality of floating in ice.

Another reviewer notes that space was limited in the ice hole, with “little room to move,” but still considers it worthwhile. A French participant describes the experience as “incredible”, praising the guides as “top”.

Final Thoughts on the Ylläs Ice-Floating Experience

This 2.5-hour adventure provides an authentic Arctic activity that emphasizes safety, guidance, and warmth. The high-quality rescue suits and experienced guides ensure a safe and thrilling activity for those curious to float on icy waters in Lapland.

While not suitable for small children or those sensitive to cold, the experience is ideal for adventure seekers who want a memorable taste of the Arctic environment. The addition of hot drinks and cookies makes the after-float moment cozy and inviting. This tour offers a distinctive way to connect with Lapland’s winter landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Only children above 120 cm in height can participate, as the activity involves floating in icy water and requires a minimum size for safety.

Are swimming skills necessary?
No, swimming skills are not required because the rescue suits keep participants afloat and dry.

What should I bring?
Participants should bring warm clothing suitable for outdoor winter conditions, as well as be prepared for cold outdoor temperatures.

How long does the activity last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including safety instructions, floating, and warming by the campfire.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the base in Ylläsjärvi, with transfers included from accommodations located within 15 km of the meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby