This spring, an exceptional sight can be experienced along the Aura River as the iconic icebreaker Sampo arrives in Turku as a visiting vessel at the Forum Marinum maritime centre. A rare guest, Sampo complements the collection of historic ships in a way that brings the story of Arctic seafaring into the heart of maritime Turku.
Sampo is moored behind s/s Bore as part of the maritime centre’s living fleet, alongside vessels such as Sigyn and Suomen Joutsen. Together, they form a unique “living maritime quarter” that tells the story of Finland’s seafaring history across multiple eras at once.
Opening atmosphere brings the Arctic to Turku
The opening event of Sampo’s visit marked the beginning of the vessel’s three-week stay in Turku. The occasion highlighted the importance of maritime collaboration, cultural heritage, and experiential tourism, as well as Turku’s position as a city of ships and the maritime industry.
Tomi Ståhlberg, Director of Shipping Operations, sees Sampo’s visit as a significant initiative also from a broader tourism and maritime experience perspective:
“Bringing Sampo to Turku is an important opportunity for us to introduce an Arctic experience to a new audience. Kemi and the Arctic Sea are Sampo’s home, but visits like this strengthen its recognition across Finland and support growing international interest. It is wonderful to see how strongly Sampo resonates with people here as well – the sense of curiosity, excitement and experience is immediately present.”
Ulla Teräs, CEO of Forum Marinum, described the visit as an example of how maritime heritage can be brought to life:
“The sea has always been a central part of Turku’s identity, and Forum Marinum makes this heritage tangible for both residents and visitors. Sampo’s visit adds a unique and experiential dimension to this whole.”
Maija Karhu, Development Manager at the maritime centre, emphasised the role of visiting vessels in the future development of maritime Turku:
“We want to strengthen Forum Marinum’s role as a harbour for visiting ships and develop partnerships that create experiences also for vessels that are actively in operation.”
Sampo as part of a living maritime destination in the heart of Turku
Sampo’s visit naturally connects with the development of the Linnanniemi area, where museum ships, culture and tourism form a cohesive and continuously evolving entity.
Interest in Sampo has grown rapidly from the very beginning of the visit, reflecting the strong appeal of Finnish Arctic expertise and icebreaker heritage also internationally.
At the same time, Turku continues to strengthen its position as a maritime capital where history, culture and modern experience tourism meet. Sampo brings a rare and powerful Arctic dimension to this setting – a direct connection to the icy landscapes of the North, right on the banks of the Aura River.
Julia Uusitalo, Head of Domestic Sales at The Icebreaking Company, highlights Sampo’s appeal particularly from the perspective of experiential events:
“Sampo offers an exceptional setting for groups and corporate events. Hosting a meeting or event onboard makes the experience truly unique. In Turku, we have already seen how strong the interest is. Demand has been excellent, and for example the Smör dinners immediately attracted great attention.”
Uusitalo also emphasises the growing demand for memorable experiences:
“Companies and groups are increasingly looking for experiences that leave a lasting impression. Sampo is not just a place to visit – it is a story to be experienced together. Turku provides the perfect stage for this.”
Programme at Sampo and Forum Marinum | 14 April – 1 May 2026
Guided public tours on board Sampo are available daily, with tickets on sale in the Forum Marinum online store.
The programme is complemented by special events:
- 17–18 April: Smör restaurant special dinners. Additional capacity added for Friday – book now (Saturday fully booked)
- Sat 18 April, 12:30–14: Meet Sampo’s former captain Jouni Laurila at Forum Marinum
- Sun 19 April, 13:00: Finnish Navy Band brass quintet performs on Sampo’s outer deck
- Icebreaker-themed workshops for children at Forum Marinum during the last two weekends of April
- The programme culminates in a May Day cruise on 1 May – currently on sale, with limited availability
Guides’ perspective: Sampo comes alive in a new way in Turku
Sampo’s guides in Turku, Mirella Mentilä, Tiia Vakkuri and Kaapo Lepojärvi, describe the start of the tours as highly successful and exceptionally warm in atmosphere.
The sunny spring weather creates a striking contrast to the icy Arctic conditions of the Bothnian Bay in Kemi, where Sampo has been operating with international visitors throughout the winter.
Kaapo describes the experience: “It has been wonderful to start the tours in such spring-like conditions. The contrast to the icy environment in Kemi is significant, yet very positive – Sampo feels completely different here on the Aura River.” He also highlights the local reception: “Turku and its people have surprised and delighted us with their friendliness and openness. Visitors have been genuinely curious and interested in the icebreaker – especially its technology and how the vessel operates in ice conditions that few have experienced themselves.”
Encounters with former crew members have been particularly meaningful: “It has been great to meet former crew of Sampo and other Karhu-class icebreakers. Conversations with them truly bring the vessel’s history to life – adding a depth that cannot be found in books”, say Mirella and Tiia.
They sum up the atmosphere simply: “This is going to be an amazing experience in Turku.”