PlizioGo

Kemijärvi

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
PlizioGo—°1106
Kemijärvi (Finland)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kemijärvi

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • During summer months, keep insect repellent handy as mosquitoes can be very active near the lakes.
  • Rent a car if you want to explore the vast Lappish nature surrounding the city, as public transport is limited.
  • Take advantage of the bright summer nights by going for a boat ride on Lake Kemijärvi.
  • If visiting in winter, check the aurora forecast; head slightly outside the city limits to avoid light pollution.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cloudberry Desserts

Try desserts or jams made from local cloudberries at the cafes in the city center.

🍽
Sautéed Reindeer (Poronkäristys)

A hearty local classic served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries, available at traditional restaurants.

🍽
Lake Fish

Freshly caught pike-perch or pike frequently features on the menus of local inns.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Berry Products

Buy local jams or juices made from Nordic berries at the local supermarkets.

🛍
Lappish Souvenirs

Local craft shops offer knives, birch wood mugs (Kuksa), and other practical mementos.

🧘
Lake Pöyliöjärvi

Take a quiet stroll along the shores of this lake located right next to the city center.

🧘
Suomutunturi

A fell located about half an hour away, offering peaceful nature trails in summer and quiet slopes in winter.

🧘
Kemijärvi Church

The beautiful church and its nearby old bell tower offer a quiet spot right in town.

Highlights of 2026

1

Kemijärvi is the northernmost city in Finland, located in the heart of Lapland amidst a dramatic landscape of vast forests and pristine waters. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Kemijärvi, through which the Kemijoki, Finland's longest river, flows. Its modern history was long defined by the timber and pulp industry, which served as the backbone of the local economy for decades. Following the closure of its major pulp mill in 2008, Kemijärvi has successfully diversified into technology and year-round tourism. It serves as a vital gateway to the nearby Pyhä and Luosto fell regions, offering exceptional opportunities for fishing, hiking, and winter sports. The town's architecture features a blend of traditional Lappish styles and post-war reconstruction designs. Culturally, Kemijärvi is noted for its woodcarving traditions and its deep connection to the wilderness culture of the Arctic Circle.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-13-12-8-2612151380-6-10
Rain mm4737414777891069382705853

Geography

Population
6,918
Coordinates
66.71390, 27.43060

Facts

  • Kemijärvi officially became a city in 1973, marking it the northernmost in the country.
  • The city is surrounded by Lake Kemijärvi, which is highly regulated for hydroelectric power.
  • It is located approximately 50 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
  • The town was a major center for the forest industry until the early 21st century.
  • Kemijärvi Railway Station is the northernmost point of the Finnish electrified rail network.
  • Local culture is celebrated through the biennial International Woodcarving Competition.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kemijärvi (10)

Kemijärven uimaranta🎡 recreation

Beach on Lake Kemijärvi in Kemijärvi.

Kemijärven Kotiseutumuseo🏛 museum

Local museum showcasing the history and traditional life of Kemijärvi.

Pyyntikuoppia🏺 historical

Ancient hunting pits used for trapping animals in the Kemijärvi area.

Taidekeskus Puustelli🏛 museum

Art center in Kemijärvi hosting exhibitions and cultural workshops.

Kemijärven kirkko⛪ religious

A wooden church in Kemijärvi, rebuilt after being destroyed in World War II.

Kellotapuli🗼 tower

A wooden bell tower built in 1774 in Kemijärvi.

Peltojärvi🌿 nature

A natural lake near Kemijärvi, well-suited for quiet observation of nature.

Hoikkalampi🌿 nature

Hoikkalampi, a small pond in the municipality of Kemijärvi.

Nivalampi🌿 nature

A calm body of water near Kemijärvi, inviting visitors to linger in nature.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kemijärvi?
For winter sports and northern lights, February and March are well-suited, while July is great for fishing and hiking under the midnight sun.
How do I reach Kemijärvi from Helsinki?
The most convenient way is the night train (Santa Claus Express), which runs directly from Helsinki to Finland's northernmost railway station in Kemijärvi.
Are there any ski resorts nearby?
The Suomu ski resort is about 40 km away, known for its steep slopes and its location directly on the Arctic Circle.
What are the main natural features of the city?
The city is almost entirely surrounded by Lake Kemijärvi and serves as a gateway to the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, located about an hour away.
Is the city family-friendly?
Yes, it is a quiet destination with safe nature trails, the Poukama heated indoor pool, and easy access to reindeer safaris.
Kemijärvi: where is it located?
Kemijärvi is located in Finland.
Kemijärvi: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kemijärven uimaranta, Kemijärven Kotiseutumuseo, Pyyntikuoppia.
Kemijärvi: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kemijärvi: why is it worth visiting?
Kemijärvi is the northernmost city in Finland, located in the heart of Lapland amidst a dramatic landscape of vast forests and pristine waters.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Finland →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks