Whether you are here in winter or summer, Kemi, on the glorious northern shores of the Bay of Bothnia, offers plenty to see and do.
Have a fun city break in Kemi or enjoy the beauty of its surrounding countryside. In summer the sea entices, and in winter the snow is plentiful, making Kemi a unique place to visit any time of the year. A winter holiday here is an excellent opportunity to do something other than skiing (one of the most common activities in Lapland at this time of year). Why not try a cruise on a sturdy icebreaker, or spend the night in a snow hotel? In summer, you can bathe in the Bay of Bothnia or take a kayak to explore the beautiful Kemijoki River delta.
You can reach Kemi easily by train or bus, and in summer cruise ships dock there, or alternatively you can come on your own boat. You can also fly to Kemi-Tornio Airport, about 4 miles from the centre of town. There are direct flights from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. You could also fly to Rovaniemi, about 75 miles away, and travel on to Kemi quite easily by train.
A must in winter is a trip aboard the awesome Sampo Icebreaker to cruise the icy seas, where the more intrepid traveller will have a chance to don a thermal suit and take a dip in the water. Kemi’s sunny ice sheets are a lovely setting too for those who enjoy kick sledding, skiing and ice fishing. The best known sight in Kemi in winter is probably the Snow Castle. As its name suggests, it is a massive edifice that every year is constructed of snow. Standing right in the centre of the city it offers hotel accommodation for hardy travellers. Apart from the castle and its lovely ecumenical chapel, there is a cafe made of snow where you can also book a table for dinner (a table made of snow, of course!).
In summer, Kemi’s countryside is just as enjoyable. Discover the Kemijoki delta and the lovely landscapes of the Bay of Bothnia by canoe, or visit the nearby nature sites. The Perämeri National Park lies on Kemi’s outer archipelago and makes a splendid place to visit if you’ve come to Kemi in your own boat. At the National Park, you can see the lovely and delightful traditional landscapes of the Bay of Bothnia and visit the old fishing bases and the Piispankivi Memorial Stone, dating back to the 14th century.
Apart from the typical summer and winter time activities, Kemi also has plenty to offer as a city in itself. Take a stroll in Old Kemi, where you will find the church, an impressive building constructed in 1902, and the old, atmospheric warehouses, or shop in the stores and boutiques that line the pedestrianised street. Other places worth seeing include the Kemi Gemstone Gallery, one of Europe’s largest collection of gems and jewellery and the Snow Castle Exhibition, open all year long.
Enjoy the dazzling scenery of the lovely Bay of Bothnia and the buzz of the city of Kemi. A holiday in Kemi is an adventure at any time of year, with its snow and ice in winter, and its seas and landscapes warmed by the summer sun.
