The best outdoor activities in Kemi

Discover Kemi: Outdoor Adventures by the Gulf of Bothnia

The crunch of snow underfoot, the glint of sea ice stretching to the horizon, and the call of seabirds over the harbour—Kemi, on Finland’s north-west coast, is a place where the frozen sea becomes a playground and where summer light turns the archipelago into a tranquil retreat.

Kemi is a small coastal town in Finnish Lapland, located on the edge of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is best known for its iconic winter attractions—the SnowCastle of Kemi and the Sampo icebreaker—but beyond these, it is a destination where sea, islands, and forests invite outdoor exploration year-round. To visit Kemi is to discover how life adapts to the Arctic climate, with unique adventures shaped by ice, water, and endless northern skies.

Outdoor Activities in Kemi

Icebreaker Cruises and Frozen Sea Adventures

One of the top things to do in Kemi in winter is board the Sampo icebreaker. This legendary ship ploughs through thick sea ice, offering visitors the chance to walk on the frozen Gulf and even float in survival suits among the ice floes. It is an Arctic experience found in very few places in the world.

The SnowCastle of Kemi

Built entirely of ice and snow, the SnowCastle is an architectural wonder that changes each year. It is not only a cultural attraction but also an outdoor experience, with shimmering ice sculptures, snowy courtyards, and often activities for children.

Ice Fishing, Snowshoeing, and Skiing

The frozen sea around Kemi turns into a vast white expanse in winter. Locals head out with skis, snowshoes, or sleds, enjoying the freedom of travelling across the ice. Ice fishing is another tradition, where holes are drilled into the frozen surface and anglers patiently wait for perch or whitefish.

Archipelago Adventures in Summer

When the ice melts, Kemi’s archipelago comes alive. Islands dotted with summer cottages and sandy beaches are accessible by boat or kayak. Paddling through calm waters, stopping on uninhabited islets for a swim or picnic, gives you a peaceful taste of life by the Bothnian Sea. Fishing and sailing are also popular, and birdwatchers will find plenty of seabirds nesting along the coast.

Cycling and Forest Exploration

Beyond the sea, the forests surrounding Kemi provide trails for cycling, hiking, and berry picking in late summer. Blueberries and cloudberries are abundant, and thanks to Finland’s “everyman’s right,” you are free to wander and forage respectfully.

Local Tips

• Clothing: Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing, so wear layers, insulated boots, and gloves suitable for Arctic conditions.
• Timing: Icebreaker cruises operate only in winter when the sea is frozen solid. In summer, focus on boating and island excursions.
• Safety: If venturing onto the frozen sea without a guide, always check local safety updates and ice thickness with residents.
• Local culture: Respect the peaceful rhythm of Lapland’s small towns—nature and quiet moments are part of the experience here.

Best Time to Visit Kemi

• Winter (December to March): Best for the SnowCastle, icebreaker cruises, ice fishing, and snowy adventures.
• Spring (April to May): Bright sunshine on melting snow and longer days, a lovely time for cross-country skiing and early boating.
• Summer (June to August): Midnight sun, island hopping, kayaking, fishing, and warm days by the archipelago.
• Autumn (September to October): Colourful forests, cooler air, and quiet walks along the coast.

How to Get There

Kemi has its own airport with seasonal connections to Helsinki. The town is also a stop on the main railway line between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, making it easy to reach by train or bus. By car, Kemi is located along the E4 highway, linking southern Finland with Lapland and the Swedish border.

From Kemi, it is simple to explore nearby destinations: Rovaniemi lies about 90 minutes inland, while Haparanda-Tornio is only 30 minutes west, just across the Swedish border.

To discover Kemi is to experience the rhythm of the north, where the sea shifts from solid ice to sparkling blue waters, and where every season opens the door to new adventures. Whether you are breaking through ice on the Sampo, wandering the magical SnowCastle, or kayaking through the archipelago under the midnight sun, Kemi shows the unique beauty of life at the edge of the Arctic.