Name: Hire Car
Rating: 4.6

Discover Kemi by Hire Car

On the northern tip of the Gulf of Bothnia lies the pleasant, Finnish town of Kemi.

Wide streets characterise the townscape; notable buildings include the town hall, the neo-Gothic brick church and the modern municipal theatre.

Sights in Kemi

Art lovers will appreciate the special ambience of the art gallery in Kemi’s cultural centre. The works of Finnish artists are presented in an old farmhouse.

The most impressive exhibition, however, is in Kemi’s gemstone gallery. Some 3000 gemstones, as well as a faithful replica of the crown of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and the Finnish royal crown, can be admired there.

The most convenient way to explore the charming countryside around Kemi is by hire car. A trip to the north is well worth it. The Arctic Circle, with Santa’s Village near Rovaniemi, which is open all year round, is only about 150 km from Kemi.

Recreational opportunities in Kemi

During the winter months, visitors to Kemi can still expect some very special highlights: Adventure-seekers can take a four-hour cruise on the world’s only passenger icebreaker, the Sampo. From mid-December to the end of April, the 3540-ton vessel departs from Kemi harbour to cruise the frozen Baltic Sea with up to 150 passengers. The very brave may even go swimming in the ice water with a waterproof thermal suit.

Another icy experience is a visit to a castle made of ice and snow (“Lumilinna”), which stands in Kemi from late January to early April. There are not only illuminated ice sculptures to see there. The Ice Palace also has a restaurant and a hotel with furniture made of ice. Lovers can even get married in the ice chapel.