Kemi

A coastal town on the Bothnian Bay famous for its unique icebreaker ship experiences where visitors can swim in the frozen sea. It's one of the few places in the world where you can break through sea ice and immerse yourself in Arctic waters.

Things to do

• Icebreaker Ship Safari — Board the Arctic icebreaker MS Sampo to cruise through frozen Bothnian Bay, break through sea ice, and swim in a survival suit in the Arctic waters.
• Snow Castle Visit — Explore the annual snow castle built on the frozen sea with ice rooms, slides, and sculptures (seasonal, typically January to March).
• Kemi Town Museum — Learn about Kemi's maritime heritage, icebreaker history, and local culture through exhibits in this small but informative museum.
• Jalokivi Beach — Walk along this sandy beach on the Bothnian Bay to experience the Arctic coastline and observe winter ice formations.
• Snowmobile Safari — Ride across frozen landscapes and sea ice on guided snowmobile tours departing from central Kemi.
• Nearby Rovaniemi Day Trip — Take a short drive or train to Rovaniemi to visit Santa Claus Village and experience Arctic circle attractions.

Food to try

• Lohikeitto — A creamy salmon soup made with local fish, potatoes, and dill that warms you after Arctic activities.
• Poronkäristys — Sautéed reindeer meat served with lingonberry jam, sour cream, and pickled cucumber, a quintessential Lapland dish.
• Arctic Char — Freshly caught local fish from Bothnian Bay, typically grilled or smoked and served with seasonal vegetables.
• Leipäjuusto with Cloudberry Jam — Warm bread cheese (a squeaky curd cheese) paired with tart cloudberry jam, a traditional Arctic dessert.
• Karelian Pasties — Rye pastries filled with rice porridge or potato, a regional favorite often eaten with a butter and egg sauce.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Arctic Cold — Dress in proper winter gear and understand that Arctic conditions demand serious preparation; locals take weather warnings seriously.
• Sauna Culture — Most accommodations include sauna access; embracing this Finnish tradition is a genuine way to warm up and relax after cold outdoor activities.
• Winter Photography Etiquette — Ask permission before photographing locals or during guided tours, as many residents take privacy seriously in this small community.
• Support Local Tourism Operators — Book activities through established local companies with Arctic expertise to ensure safety and authentic Arctic experiences.