Record February for Wasaline

Ice cruises attract international visitors to the Kvarken region

The ferry company Wasaline recorded its strongest February since operations began in 2013. A total of 18,191 passengers travelled on the route between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland, representing an 11 percent increase compared with the same month last year. One of the main drivers behind the growth is the popularity of so-called ice cruises. These trips allow visitors to experience the winter landscape and sea ice conditions of the Kvarken region.

Growing interest from international groups

According to Wasaline, the concept has attracted increasing interest from European markets. In particular, tour groups from Germany are travelling to the region to experience Nordic winter scenery in a unique setting.

The company sees this as a result of long-term marketing efforts aimed at international audiences. The combination of a ferry journey, frozen sea landscapes and Nordic winter experiences has proven especially appealing for group travel.

Timetable adjustments in April

Due to the current global economic situation and rising energy prices, Wasaline will make minor timetable adjustments in April. The vessel Aurora Botnia will continue operating the Tuesday schedule, while some arrival times will change slightly.

On Mondays, departures from Umeå will take place about half an hour earlier. Sailing at slightly lower speeds is expected to help reduce energy consumption.

Part of the Stena Line Group

Since February 2026, Wasaline has been part of the Stena Line Group. The route between Umeå and Vaasa remains an important connection across the Kvarken region, which is increasingly gaining attention as a destination for nature-based tourism.

More on Wasaline.

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