2
  • 2
Kemijärvi

Kemijärvi

Kemijärvi, is surrounded by pristine lakes, hills, and forests. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty, it offers a peaceful escape into the Arctic wilderness, with opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and Northern Lights viewing.

Nestled between rolling fells and the expansive Lake Kemijärvi, this charming destination captures the essence of Lapland’s unspoiled landscapes. Unlike the busier hubs of the region, Kemijärvi retains a slower pace, making it ideal for those seeking authentic encounters with nature. The town combines small-town hospitality with access to surrounding wilderness areas, including the nearby Pyhä-Luosto and Salla national parks.

Kemijärvi is well connected by train and road, offering travelers a convenient route into the heart of eastern Lapland. Its lakeside setting provides endless opportunities for photography, winter sports, and simply enjoying the peaceful Arctic scenery.

Accommodation

Kemijärvi offers cozy accommodation options that embrace the area’s quiet atmosphere. From lakeside cabins with wood-burning saunas to boutique lodges and family-run guesthouses, visitors can enjoy comfort surrounded by nature. Modern apartments are also available, with some offering views of the night sky and the Northern Lights. Each stay highlights the charm of Lapland’s warm hospitality.

Activities

Kemijärvi offers classic Lapland winter activities, from husky and reindeer safaris to snowmobile rides across frozen lakes. Visitors can try ice fishing, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing in the surrounding fells and national parks. When night falls, the Northern Lights often appear above the lake, creating a memorable Arctic setting.

Planning Your Visit to Kemijärvi

Kemijärvi is a small town in eastern Finnish Lapland, situated around 85 kilometres northeast of Rovaniemi along the Kemijoki River. It sits at the southern edge of the broader eastern Lapland region, between the fells of Pyhä-Luosto to the west and the Salla wilderness to the east. Lake Kemijärvi, one of the larger lakes in the region, forms the immediate setting of the town.
Yes. Kemijärvi station is the northernmost point of the Finnish railway network, making it the furthest destination reachable by regular train in Finland. Overnight trains from Helsinki connect to Kemijärvi via Rovaniemi, and the arrival is straightforward for travellers coming from the south without a car. This rail connection sets Kemijärvi apart from most other eastern Lapland destinations and makes it an accessible entry point into a quieter part of the region.
The town sits within easy reach of Pyhä-Luosto National Park to the west and Salla, a ski resort and wilderness area to the east. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing on the lake, and snowmobile excursions through the surrounding forests are the main winter activities. The frozen surface of Lake Kemijärvi itself is used for ice fishing and winter walks. For those interested in wildlife, the forests around eastern Lapland are home to reindeer, elk, and in some areas wolverine and brown bear, though winter sightings of the latter are rare.
Kemijärvi suits travellers who want a quieter and less developed version of the Lapland experience. It lacks the resort infrastructure of Levi, Ylläs, or Saariselkä, and the town itself is small and unhurried. What it offers in return is a more authentic feel, fewer crowds, direct train access, and easy reach of two national park areas without the volume of visitors those parks attract from larger hubs.
Yes. Kemijärvi's location in Finnish Lapland places it well within the Northern Lights belt, and the lack of significant light pollution outside the town centre makes for good viewing conditions. The open surface of Lake Kemijärvi provides a wide, unobstructed view of the sky. The season runs from late August through early April.
The most straightforward route from Helsinki is by overnight train, which runs via Rovaniemi and terminates at Kemijärvi. The journey from Helsinki takes around eleven to twelve hours. By road, Kemijärvi is around 90 minutes northeast of Rovaniemi. The nearest airport is Rovaniemi, from where a hire car or bus connection covers the remaining distance.