Population 19,000 / 65.4 degrees north

Kemi, Finland

Kemi is a small town located at the top of the Gulf of Bothnia by the Swedish border. It is a popular place to visit in winter for two reasons: the Sampo Ice Breaker and the Snow Hotel. 

Fun Facts About Kemi

Latitude: 65.4 degrees north

Population: 19,000

Porvoo coat-of-arms

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Kemi

Sampo

This retired ice-breaker now does tours through the ice in the Gulf of Bothnia with the added bonus of being able to put on a suit and float in the water. 

Snow Castle

Kemi is home to the world’s largest snow castle, which is reconstructed every year. It has been constructed almost every year since 1996 and includes a restaurant, chapel and hotel. The snow castle is also popular for weddings, honeymoons, and vacations. 

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Kemi

Self-Guided Walks

Kemi on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Kemi

Uniquely Kemi

Here are some things that you must do and try in Kemi

History of Kemi

Kemi was founded in 1869 by a decree of the Emperor Alexander II of Russia because of its proximity to a deep water port. 

Kemi Today

The main economic activity in Kemi are the paper and woodpulp mills. There is also the only chromium mine in Europe located here. Kemi is primarily an industrial town. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Kemi airport has regular flights to Helsinki. 

Drive: Kemi is located just north of Oulu on the E8 highway. 

Train: There is one daily train between Helsinki and Kemi, though trains link Kemi with Rovaniemi multiple times a day. 

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

Kemi is easy to walk around, though to get to the Snow Castle and Sampo from the train station requires a taxi. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Panorama Cafe is a nice lunch spot and cafe. 

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

 

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

Hostels & Camping

 

B&Bs & Guesthouses

 

Chains & Mid-Range

Lumihotelli is part of the snow castle, though you can also stay in the heated rooms or villas by the water. 

High End & Unique Properties

 

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 10:12am

Sunset: 2:50pm

Average Temperature: -9.6C (14.7F)

February

Sunrise: 8:27am

Sunset: 4:45pm

Average Temperature: -9.7C (14.5F)

March

Sunrise: 6:39am

Sunset: 6:22pm

Average Temperature: -5.4C (22F)

April

Sunrise: 5:41am

Sunset: 9:04pm

Average Temperature: 0.4C (33F)

May

Sunrise: 3:46am

Sunset: 10:53pm

Average Temperature: 6.8C (44F)

June

Sunrise: 1:46am

Sunset: 11:57pm

Average Temperature: 12.8C (55F)

July

Sunrise: 3:05am

Sunset: 11:46pm

Average Temperature: 16C (61F)

August

Sunrise: 5:02am

Sunset: 9:47pm

Average Temperature: 14C (57F)

September

Sunrise: 6:43am

Sunset: 7:48pm

Average Temperature: 8.8C (48F)

October

Sunrise: 8:18am

Sunset: 5:55pm

Average Temperature: 2.4C (36F)

November

Sunrise: 9:07am

Sunset: 3:04pm

Average Temperature: -2.6C (27F)

December

Sunrise: 10:42am

Sunset: 1:51pm

Average Temperature: -6.6C (20F)

All Posts About Kemi

Kemi Photo Diary