This Arctic Finnish town draws visitors to its annual snow castle and northern lights. Winter activities include dog sledding, while the coastal location adds maritime charm.
Kemi sits on Finland's northern coast along the Gulf of Bothnia. In this town of 20,000 residents, you can sleep in rooms made entirely of snow at the annual Snow Castle, float in frozen waters from the Sampo icebreaker ship, or watch the northern lights through glass villa windows. The town's position in Finnish Lapland makes it an ideal base for Arctic adventures, while its coastal location supports active shipping and industry.
Winter Activities at the Snow Castle
The Snow Castle rises each winter one kilometer from downtown Kemi. Artists create new designs annually, carving ice art exhibitions, hotel rooms, and a 200-seat restaurant into the structure. The restaurant serves regional dishes like reindeer soup. You can explore the ice-decorated halls year-round in the complex's permanent snow and ice section.
Cruising on the Icebreaker Sampo
From December to April, the Sampo - a converted government icebreaker ship - breaks through the Gulf of Bothnia's thick sea ice. During the cruise, you'll hear the cracking ice and feel the ship's movement through its steel hull. You can also swim in the frozen gulf wearing a thermal survival suit, with professional guides ensuring your safety.
Summer in the Old Inner Harbor
During summer months, the Old Inner Harbor fills with locals and visitors. Beach restaurants host live music events, and water sports rentals let you explore the coast by kayak or paddle board. Boat trips run to the Bothnian Bay National Park. A five-kilometer coastal path connects several beaches from Kiikeli to Peurasaari, passing through the harbor area.
Getting to Kemi
You can reach Kemi through several transport options. Overnight trains connect the downtown station to Helsinki. Drivers can take Highway E8 from north or south, E75 from Rovaniemi, or E4 from Sweden. The Kemi-Tornio airport lies 4.5 kilometers from the center, with regular flights to Helsinki and other Finnish cities.
Industry and Development
Two paper and woodpulp mills operate in Kemi, alongside Europe's only chromium mine supplying the Outokumpu ferrochrome plant. These industries have shaped the town since its establishment in 1869, creating its current industrial character.
Where to Stay
The Seaside Glass Villas sit near the Snow Castle, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the sea. In winter, you might spot the northern lights from your bed, while summer brings views of the midnight sun. Each villa stands directly on the shoreline, surrounded by the Gulf of Bothnia's waters.
