Experience ice floating on a frozen lake, exclusively with Xwander in the Inari region. This is a rare Arctic activity that combines floating in icy water, practical ice safety skills, and a traditional Finnish sauna in one balanced experience.
The adventure begins at our lakeside base with a safety briefing and fitting of a professional thermal survival suit. The suit keeps you dry, insulated, and fully buoyant, allowing you to float effortlessly without swimming skills.
Once on the ice, you step into the water and lean back into a surprisingly relaxing, weightless position. The suit supports your entire body, creating a calm floating sensation while you drift on the surface of the frozen lake.
During the experience, your guide also introduces the basics of ice safety. You will learn how ice thickness is measured, how to perform a self-rescue if you fall through ice, and how to assist someone safely. These practical skills can be life-saving in real winter conditions.
After floating, you can warm up in a traditional wood-heated sauna by the lake. Hot drinks and snacks are served as you relax and complete the experience. On evening departures, the Northern Lights may appear, adding a truly unique finishing touch to the experience.
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FAQ
Do I need to know how to swim?
Will I get wet or cold?
What should I wear?
What if the Northern Lights don't show up during the evening experience?
What do I need to bring?
- Swimsuit for the sauna (and a towel if you prefer using your own).
- Warm clothing: Dress in weather-appropriate layers, including a warm hat, scarf, and good socks.
- Phone or camera (and a power bank if needed).
- Snacks and water: Snacks are provided, but you’re welcome to pack your own favourites too.
What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 30 days or less before the event.
- Cancellation fee of 30% is charged if cancelled 45 days or less before the event.
Please note
- Please arrive at Xwander Basecamp 15 minutes before the start time.
- Family-friendly: This experience is suitable for families, but please note the age restrictions.
- Physical Requirements: The tour involves being outdoors in cold weather, so participants should be prepared for low temperatures. This activity is not suitable if you are pregnant or have serious heart conditions.
- Age Restrictions: For safety reasons, this experience is recommended for participants aged 12 and above, up to 70 years. Children aged 12–15 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
- Accessibility: The experience is unfortunately not accessible. Contact us for accessible options for this tour.
- Clothing and Gear: Warm clothing and suitable winter gear are essential. If needed, we can provide winter overalls, warm boots, and gloves for an extra fee.
- Cold weather policy (-25°C and below or challenging conditions): In very cold or demanding weather, we will contact you to assess the situation together before the activity. There is no additional fee if the activity is cancelled by Xwander.
- Minimum age of the passengers is 12 years.
Find full FAQ from here
Book with Confidence
- Local family owned business
- Personalized service
- Flexible itineraries
- Small group sizes
Price Includes
- Professional thermal survival suit
- Neoprene gloves and boots
- All needed safety equipment
- Heated changing facilities
- Guide services
- All activities listed in the tour description
- All meals and/or snacks listed in the tour description
- Transfers to the tour locations and back, with departure and return at Xwander Basecamp in Ivalo center.
- Pick-up from selected locations in the area (select your nearest location at checkout).
Price Excludes
- Personal towel (we provide if needed)
- Optional winter gear rental: overalls, boots & gloves (extra fee).
- Extra transfers for example from Inari, Nellim, Kakslauttanen, Kiilopää or Saariselkä (on request / extra fee).
- Optional add-ons (extra fee): extend the adventure – pair this tour with a Northern Lights excursion or snow shoe trek.
- Personal travel insurance (required).
