Kemi
Families and couples wanting unique icebreaker and snow castle experiences with affordable Arctic prices
About Kemi
Kemi is Finland's gateway to Arctic sea ice experiences on the northern shore of the Gulf of Bothnia. Its two headline attractions are unlike anything else in Finland: the Sampo icebreaker cruise and the SnowCastle. The Sampo, a real 1960s Finnish state icebreaker, takes guests out onto the frozen Gulf of Bothnia for a surreal experience of crashing through sea ice and then floating in dry suits in the Arctic water. The SnowCastle — rebuilt each winter to a different design — is a vast snow and ice construction including a hotel, restaurant, and chapel, operating from January to April. Aurora viewing at 65.7°N is solid if not exceptional — roughly 100–120 auroral nights per year on clear winter evenings. Kemi sits just south of the Arctic Circle making it more accessible temperature-wise than Rovaniemi, and significantly cheaper. The adjacent city of Tornio across the border in Sweden creates a unique twin-city border experience. Well connected by train to Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -10°C | 14h | Med |
| Feb★ Best | -9°C | 10h | Med |
| Mar★ Best | -4°C | 6h | Med |
| Apr | +2°C | 2h | Low |
| May | +8°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +16°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +9°C | 4h | Low |
| Oct | +3°C | 8h | Med |
| Nov★ Best | -3°C | 12h | Med |
| Dec★ Best | -8°C | 14h | Med |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM) from Helsinki (1.5h). Also reachable by train from Helsinki (7h) or Rovaniemi (1.5h). Well connected by road on E8.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓SnowCastle hotel
- ✓City hotels
- ✓Guesthouses
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $120/day in Kemi. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Kemin Sydän Heart of Kemi
Nahkurinkatu 15 as 2, 94100 Kemi, Finland
bed and breakfast
PutiikkiHotelli Kemi 1932
Rautatiekatu 1, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotel
HOTELLI TOIVOLA
Kiveliönkatu 1, 94700 Kemi, Finland
hotel
Seaside Glass Villas
Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotel
Hostel Villa Kemi
Etelärantakatu 8, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotelHotel 24 - Kemi
Purolankatu 3, 94200 Kemi, Finland
hotelHotel Merihovi
Keskuspuistokatu 6-8, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotelScandic Kemi
Hahtisaarenkatu 3, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotelCasual Housing Kemi
Kauppakatu 7, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotelForenom Aparthotel Kemi
Kauppakatu 7, 94100 Kemi, Finland
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Green Sushi Kemi
Valtakatu 5, 94100 Kemi, Finland
asian restaurant
Hertta Sky
Valtakatu 26, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurant
Thai Onzon
Valtakatu 5, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurant
Cafe Hertta Kemi
Rautatiekatu 1, 94100 Kemi, Finland
coffee shop
Ravintola Meritähti
Rantabulevardi 27, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurantSataman Krouwi ja Perämeren Jähti
Rantabulevardi 10, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurantKemin Puistopaviljonki Ky
Meripuistonpolku 11, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurantRavintola Mori Kemi
Valtakatu 12, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurantRantamakasiini
Rantabulevardi 8, 94100 Kemi, Finland
restaurantPieni Lohikäärme Ravintola (chinese restaurant)
Valtakatu 11 - 13, 94100 Kemi, Finland
chinese restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Taxari Travel Agency
Rautatiekatu 3, 94100 Kemi, Finland
travel agency
Snowmobile Tours - Arctic Charm Experience
Pohjoisrannantie 757, 95100 Ii, Finland
point of interest
Seadventures Oy
Lumilinnankatu 20, 94100 Kemi, Finland
service
Sea Lapland Safaris
Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
tour agency
Icebreaker Sampo check-in
Lumilinnankatu 15A, 94100 Kemi, Finland
point of interestElämysvirta - Flow of Experience
Uitontie 6, 94300 Kemi, Finland
point of interestIcebreaker Arktis check-in
Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
point of interestThe SnowCastle of Kemi
Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
tourist attractionSnowExperience365
Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi, Finland
tourist attractionKemi Tourism Ltd
Lumilinnankatu 15A, 94100 Kemi, Finland
travel agencyNearby Destinations
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