Kemi is a small town in Lapland.
The town is on the coast of the Botnik Bay and the Kemiyoki River. There are only 22 thousand people in the city. By the way, the city was built by decree of Emperor Alexander II in the 70s of the 19th century. The purpose of construction is to enforce the sea in this part of the bay.
From Helsinki to Kemi is distant, more than 8 hours of driving, but the town of Santa, Rovaniemi is just a half hours. So, if you find yourself in Rovaniemi, then highlight the day and for Kemi. But what can I see here.
Arctic Sampo icebreaker (Sampo Arctic Icebreaker)
The famous Finnish icebreaker of Sampo, who made his way about thirty years through the icy crusts, for more than 25 years, excursions are made on this ship. This tour adores people from all over the world. The tour lasts, as a rule, 4 hours, along the bay shore. In addition, you enjoy harsh views, you can also swim in the water in the waterway, of course, and also play a golf on ice, ride snowmobiles and visit the Lapland plague. It is, of course, it is not very cheap, but very interesting. Summer on the ship is a restaurant.
Address: Merikatu 11
Gallery of Gemstone Gallery (Kemi Gemstone Gallery)
The exhibition works in the building of the former maritime customs, the 1912 building. The collection of the museum, by the way, is quite impressive: more than 3000 gems, minerals. Part of the collection was presented in the 94th museum to the local jeweler - he collected stones from childhood itself, and in more adult age bought them in different countries during his numerous travels.
Impressive crown of gold - she weighs two kilograms, and four huge pearls are decorated. This crown was made specifically for the only non-fed King of Finland - Vyna. Also in the gallery there are copies of the Crown Monarchs of Britain and Scandinavia. And you will definitely delay about Necklace Mary Antoinette, decorated with 647-diamonds. After such an excursion, you can look into the souvenir shop and choose pebbles. Well, if there is no money - a book, a brand or a postcard.
Address: 29, Kauppakatu
Peremymer National Park (Perämeren Kansallispuisto, Perämeri National Park)
This park is located on the islands in the waters of the Botnik Bay, opposite Kemi (about 10 km from the coast of the city). You can get to the islands on the boat, this is not a problem, the boat taxis works in Kemmi. The park includes about 30 islands and reefs. By the way, some of the reefs are slowly rising to the surface - by 9 mm per year. A little, maybe, but in fact, after many, many years it can become quite obvious. Islands all different: some of them are cliffs, others are cute little sushi pieces covered with grass, third deserts, the fourth are covered with thickets of small trees. The biggest island-Selkä Sarvi (Selkä-Sarvi). You can land and stroll to an abandoned fishing village in a kilometer from the shore. Abandoned houses and adaptations for fishing fish, everything froze ... By the way, once these islands used alcohol smugglers - here they were hidden and hid good during the years of dry law (1919-1932).
On another island, called Iso Huituri, you can see an important monument of the XIV century - the bishop stone. He marks the border between the Epikopov Epoches that existed earlier by the Diocese of the UPSAL (Sweden) and Abo (Finland). It is also worth noting that, in spite of rather harsh weather conditions, flora and fauna on the islands are diverse. In the summer there are about 60 species of birds. And there is a rare plant called Primula Nutans Jokelae - primrose, with pink buds.
If you love nature very much, come to these islands and scatter a tent for the night - this is not prohibited, on the contrary, there are special sites.
Local Lore Museum in Tornio Valley
Tornio Place is a 20-minute drive to Northwest from Kemi. In this province there is an interesting museum. It is located in the valley of the Tornoyoye River (the longest river without dam in Europe). There are about 16.5 thousand exhibits in this museum. Including, here you can see furniture, objects of artisans, dishes and other, all this gives an idea of how people lived in the territory of Western Lapland from the beginning of the 17th century. This museum works in the summer.
Address: Keskikatu 22, Tornio
Church of Kemi (Kemi Church)
The luxurious Lutheran church in neojetic style was erected in 1902. Church of red with a huge crucifix inside. The church hosts concerts of spiritual and classical music. Near the church you can see a military memorial. The bell tower of the temple is seen from afar. The church is open to free visits.
Address: 9, Kirkkopuistokatu
Snow Castle Kemi Snow Castle
Snow castle became a business card town. Build this castle here since 1996, every winter on the central square. The lock is beautifully high and add luxury luxury with sound effects and music. Inside the castle, there is a snow restaurant, which is decorated with ice sculptures, and in which all furniture from ice (do not worry, guests are sitting in the restaurant on deer skins).
The restaurant serves traditional Lapland dishes. And here there is a snowy hotel "Mammoth" - and this is entertainment for the most persistent. The rooms are not higher than -5C. Guests sleep in special warm sleeping bags.
And you can also visit the ice chapel - often the couples from Finland and other countries are crowned here. And if you have already completely produced, you can sit in the sauna. Yes, right in the snowy castle.
Address: Kauppakatu 29
Art Museum Aina
Located this museum in the next Torno. It contains a collection of works of art. Ain is the surname of its founders. The museum has been working since 1986. Basically, the Museum presents the works of Finnish expressionists of the beginning of the twentieth century and various works of the art of Northern Finland are in the area of 2300 pieces. Plus, temporary exhibitions are held at the museum (4-5 per year): paintings, photos, etc.
Address: Torikatu 2, Tornio
Church of Tornio.
Once it was in Tornio, visit this old wooden church of the late 19th century. Bell tower of church with five tower. An interesting fact that a couple of centuries ago, the French astronomer conducted research to determine the shape of the Earth, and he used the spire of this church as one of the countdown points.