The small town of Kemi is an ideal winter getaway with its cool temperatures and pristine white winters that are put to use each year to create a Snow Castle located 1km from the centre. If you're hiring a car in Kemi, the town of Tornio is just over a 2 minute drive away. It sits on the border with Sweden that is an easy drive should you want to tick off another country on your trip. Kemi itself is home to The Crown of Finland, a model of the King of Finland's crown, alongside other imperial jewels such as 18th Century Queen of France Marie Antoinette's necklace.
The must see attraction in Kemi is of course the Snow Castle with its restaurant, bars, Snow Chapel and Snow Hotel complete with honeymoon suite all made out of the white stuff. Each year the entire structure is designed and constructed by different local artists and architects. Given that it's created from real local snow (and ice) it has to be on your list of things to see whilst in the area. If you're hiring a car in Kemi then make time to head to the coast, the city is located a short drive from the dock where Sampo, the Arctic iceBreaker vessel, is based. You can see it moored during the summer months or take advantage of the cruise trips offered in winter.
