Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WESTERN LAPLAND
Kemi
016 / Pop 22,290
Kemi is an industrial town and important deepwater harbour. Though only the gem mu-
seum and wide waterfront have much appeal in summer, it's home to two of Finland's
blockbuster winter attractions.
Sights & Activities
Lumilinna
CASTLE
(Snow Castle; 016-258-878;
www.visitkemi.fi
;adult/child €15/7.50; 10am-6pm late Jan-early
Apr)
Of all the marvels under the big sky, few things conjure the fairy-tale romance of a snow
castle. First built in 1996 as a Unicef project, the castle is a Lapland winter highlight and
favoured destination for weddings, honeymoons, or general marvelling at the weird light
and sumptuously realised decoration of the interior. The design changes every year but al-
ways includes an ethereally beautiful chapel, a
snow hotel
, an ice bar and a
restaurant
(menus €43 to €50; must be prebooked).
Jalokivigalleria
MUSEUM
(
www.kemi.fi/gemstonegallery
;Kauppakatu 29;adult/child €10/5; 9.30am-4pm Mon-Fri late Aug-
late Jun, 9.30am-4pm Tue-Sat late Jun-late Aug)
The Gemstone Gallery, in an old seaside customs house, has a notable collection of more
than 3000 beautiful, rare stones and jewellery. Sheets in various languages guide you in an
offbeat manner around the exhibits, which include replicas of famous diamonds and a sol-
id dose of Finnish humour.
Sampo
CRUISE
