Book Flights to Kemi (KEM)

Interesting facts about Kemi
Located in Finnish Lapland, the town of Kemi sits at the northern end of the Gulf of Bothnia. With more of a Finnish atmosphere than other destinations in Lapland, there are two major attractions that draw visitors to this part of the country, and you’ll also find a number of lesser-known things to see and do. Read on to discover more about the city and plan your visit with this Finnair travel guide to Kemi. Kemi boasts a true cornucopia of extreme experiences—where else in the world can you explore a snow castle, spend the night in a snow hotel and eat out at a snow restaurant? The wondrous Kemi Ice Castle is the largest ice castle in the world. Reconstructed every winter, the local ice castle traditions date back to 1996. Of course, the design is slightly different each year. Within the icy fortress you’ll find a Snow Hotel, a Snow Restaurant and a Snow Chapel. There’s also a play area for children, various exhibitions and a theatre. It’s definitely a unique and romantic experience. Don’t worry—reindeer furs provide plenty of warmth. While regular brick-and-cement buildings may pale in comparison, it’s worth seeing Kemi’s other interesting pieces of architecture while in the area. The 51-metre-tall City Hall is one of the city’s most noticeable buildings, dominating the skyline. There’s a café at the top from where you can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding winter wonderland. The Gothic Kemi Church dates back to the early 1900s and it makes for a nice photo stop. Visit the Gemstone Gallery to see the biggest gemstone collection in Europe. One great way to take in the breathtaking beauty of the region is with a cruise on retired icebreaker Sampo—if you dare, you can even don a rescue suit and go for a swim in the icy water. Other winter activities include exploring the terrain by snowmobile, ice fishing and sleigh riding. Summers offer boat cruises and canoeing around the nearby islands and islets, and you can visit the various creatures that live at the animal centre of Arkadia. The local night scene is quite lively, with bars and clubs busy on most nights of the week. There’s a decent selection of shops in Kemi. While the city isn’t necessarily a shopping destination, you’ll still be able to find clothes, souvenirs, photography equipment, sports gear and anything else that would make your holiday in the area complete. Handmade items can be terrific gifts and souvenirs; reindeer skin rugs are an especially popular local product. While the wider area is connected by public transport, there is limited public transport available in the town itself. Luckily, Kemi is small enough to walk around with ease.Sights in Kemi
Things to See and Do Near Kemi
Shopping in Kemi
Food and Drink
Transport in Kemi