Sea Lapland

Summer in Sea Lapland

The Tornio valley runs north along the border between Finland and Sweden from the town of Tornio, just to the north of the town of Kemi. The fast-flowing Tornionjoki river tumbles from the Lapp fells down to the sea, marking what is often called the most peaceful and friendly border in the world. The river has enjoyed a big increase in salmon stock in recent years, adding to its attraction as major fishing river. The variety of water courses, from rapids to wide, calm stretches are also attractive to canoeists.

Winter in Sea Lapland

The people of Lapland are known not only for their uncomplicated and inventive character, but also for their passion for ice and snow. This is particularly true of the people in Kemi, a small town on the Northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.

The Sampo Icebreaker has been carrying tourists on Arctic adventures since 1988. The vessel sails from the middle of December to the end of April and trips last four hours. The icebreaker is able to crush ice up to eight metres thick. The crew will let you in on all the ships secrets on a guided tour. Don´t give the daredevil in you the cold shoulder – put on a fl otation suit and dip in the ice-cold water! It may look scary at fi rst , but it´s completely safe.

The SnowCastle, built every winter since 1996, is an unforgettable experience for young and old. The Castle and the SnowRestraurant are decorated with snow and ice sculptures enhanced by light and sound effects. You can spend one of the most extraordinary nights of you life at the SnowHotel where the temperature in the hotel room is a crisp –5 °C, but you´ll nevertheless sleep warm in an sleeping bag. The SnowCastle also has a chapel in which many a couple has tied the knot over the years. To combine two extremes, you can enjoy a Finnish sauna within chilly walls of snow.