Kemi

Kemi

Finland

Float across frozen Arctic waters and dive into an icy sauna after swimming in the world's northernmost ice hotel.

Currency Euro (EUR)
Language Finnish
Time Zone EET (UTC+2)
Best Time to Visit Dec–Jan
Typical Duration 8-10 nights
Price Range $2,976–$9,910 per person
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Arctic experiences and the unique icebreaker cruises through Finland's frozen waters during winter months.

Cruises that visit Kemi

Build Your Day in Kemi

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 4:00 PM
Usually about 8 hours ashore
Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
Santa Claus Village Many activities on site such as reindeer walks, husky rides and workshops. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 34k Open 24 hours
Rajalla På Gränsen It is one of the few shopping centers that allow pets. Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 3k Closes soon · 9 PM
The SnowCastle of Kemi Amazing place lots of things to do and kids had a great time in the snow Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 2k Closes soon · 9 PM
Prisma Kemi Cruise through an endless amount of aisles for food and non-food goods. Hypermarket · ★ 4.1 · 2k Closes soon · 9 PM
Kemin Puistopaviljonki Ky Great service, delicious and generous food, excellent location! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
Lidl Kemi Has the basics at a good price My Grocery store · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
K-Citymarket This is the big brother to the smaller K-market stores. Hypermarket · ★ 4 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Cafe Hertta Kemi Delicious food in a charming environment and super friendly staff :) Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Shopping Center Corona This mall served as a heaven for a lost pilgrim. Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Pizzeria Di Mare Best pizzas in Kemi, and staff always wonderful and friendly. Pizza restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Hesburger Kemi Drive-in Staff was helpful and in a good mood, food was great. Hamburger restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
Jatan Burger Incredibly friendly staff, good food and a overall pleasant experience. Hamburger restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 1k Open · Closes 1 AM
Kemi Indoor Swimming Pool Several and excellent pools with saunas and gym. Indoor swimming pool · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Kalle's Burger / Scanburger No english menu, but they have pictures from the menu. Hamburger restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Open · Closes 10 PM
Icebreaker Sampo check-in Unique activity but a bit pricey Cruise line company · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closes soon · 9 PM
Pieni Lohikäärme Ravintola (chinese restaurant) All you can eat buffet is quite generous if you are on time. Chinese restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
SnowExperience365 Children can play on slides or take photos inside. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Satamakaffila Nuotta The sweet pancake (pannukakku) is amazing!!! Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
ChinaTown Good food, fair price (huge portions) & friendly staff. Chinese restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Sataman Krouwi ja Perämeren Jähti Good food for cheap, amazing decoration. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
Olutravintola Kukko Cozy place with lots of drink options and jolly customer service. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Confectionery Miorita Decent coffee, decent cakes. Patisserie · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Kemi Church Beautiful calm church, learn a lot about different than history. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sun
Cafe Bar Ankkuri Nice staff and good beers Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Ravintola Mori Kemi Best option to eat a big pizza and huge kebab with a delicious flavor Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Seaside Glass Villas Recommend if one stays in Kemi Hotel · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Pizzeria Captain The Gyro was good & so were the fries. Pizza restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Pizzeria San Milano Good meal Warm service Relaxed and casual vibe Pizza restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
Chillout Great cocktails·Doesn't accept reservations·Live music Karaoke bar · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 2 AM
Corner Inn Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Doesn't accept reservations Bar · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 PM
Kemi Historical Museum Free entry to three expositions, historical, art and comics museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Kemin Aula-Pub Oy Outdoor seating·Doesn't accept reservations·Sports Restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 12 AM
Bombus Oy In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Clothing store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Sisäsatama - Inner Old Harbour Market · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Thai Onzon Authentic Thai taste, Thai chef, excellent service, warm welcome received Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
Mansikkanokka Swimming Beach Swimming lake · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open 24 hours
Laukkuni In-store shopping·In-store pickup Bag shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Ravintola Meritähti We had our first meal in Kemi here and everything was super delicious. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Green Sushi Kemi Asian restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Fri
CafeBarKino I tried a delicious pancake with cream and jam and drank excellent coffee. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Seaview Restaurant Lumihiutale We will definitely be back the next time we are at Kemi. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Takajärvi Beach Cozy lake with sandy beach. Swimming lake · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
HHHusky Kennel · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Kemin Toinen Linja Oy Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri
Huili Rest stop · ★ 2.3 · 0k Open 24 hours
Kemin Kenkä-Keskus In-store shopping Shoe store · ★ 3.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Kemi Tourism Ltd Onsite services Travel agency · ★ 3.1 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Kallijärvi Beach In late autumn the water is not very clear, its OK through. Swimming lake · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Sea Lapland Safaris Really great snowmobile safari on the ice and through the forrest. Tour agency · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Ocean Park Picnics Park · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Icebreaker Arktis check-in Ice-floating is truly a once in a lifetime must-try experience! Cruise line company · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 9 PM
Taxari Travel Agency Travel agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Tue
Summer Cafe Katariina Dine-in·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Merilapin Munkkitupa Ky Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Selkäsaaren Latukahvila No delivery Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 AM Sun
Ravintola Myötätuuli All you can eat·Dogs allowed inside Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Kemin Karting Center Oy Go-karting venue · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Pappila beach Swimming pool · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Cafe Rantsu Coffee is self-service, which was fine. Coffee shop · ★ 3.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Arkimo Beach Swimming lake · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Restaurant Scandic Kemi Outdoor seating·High chairs Restaurant · ★ 3.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Kemin Kulttuurikeskuksen kahvila We got some gluten free cake and hot chocolate and we loved it. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Lapponia Experience Kemi SnowCastle Onsite services Souvenir store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Fri
Hietalampi Beach Swimming lake · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours
MS LEILA Corporate office · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Paavonkari Swimming Beach Swimming lake · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Male Capercaillie Sculpture · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Presso, Kemi Dine-in·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Kemi is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Kemi

About Kemi

Kemi serves as both a welcoming embarkation point and port of call in Finland's Arctic region, with two premium cruise lines—PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Oceania Cruises—offering six upcoming voyages. Most cruises departing from here span eight nights, with peak travel occurring during the dramatic winter months of January and December, as well as the midnight sun season in June. From Kemi, ships chart courses to compelling Nordic destinations including Stockholm, Helsinki, Luleå, Oulu, and Rauma, making it an ideal launching point for Arctic and Baltic exploration.

Passengers visiting Kemi discover a unique Arctic port experience where winter activities and authentic Finnish culture take center stage. The region's most distinctive attraction is the Snow Castle, a remarkable seasonal structure that draws visitors seeking unforgettable Arctic adventures. Whether you're embarking on an extended Nordic voyage or enjoying a port day, Kemi offers a genuine taste of life above the Arctic Circle that complements any cruise itinerary perfectly.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Break Ice on the Arctic Ocean

Experience the thrilling Sampo Icebreaker cruise, where you'll board an actual working icebreaker and smash through frozen Arctic waters. This unique adventure includes a polar plunge swim in a survival suit—an unforgettable Arctic baptism that few ports worldwide can offer.

2

Taste Authentic Lapland Cuisine

Savor traditional Finnish Arctic dishes featuring reindeer, Arctic char, and cloudberries at local restaurants near the port. Kemi's culinary scene celebrates Lapland's indigenous flavors and seasonal ingredients, offering a genuine taste of northern Finland's gastronomic heritage.

3

Explore Snow Castle's Frozen Palace

Visit Kemi's legendary SnowCastle, a massive structure rebuilt annually from Arctic snow and ice. Wander through enchanting ice galleries, enjoy the ice bar, and marvel at intricate sculptures—a magical winter wonderland unique to this Arctic destination.

4

Shop Local Artisan Markets

Browse Kemi's charming local shops and markets for authentic Sámi handicrafts, reindeer leather goods, and Arctic-inspired souvenirs. The port area offers genuine Finnish design and indigenous artwork that captures the spirit of northern Lapland.

5

Witness Northern Lights Phenomenon

During winter months, Kemi's Arctic location offers prime opportunities to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the night sky. This natural spectacle, visible from the port area, creates an otherworldly experience impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Cruise Lines at Kemi

Cruises Departing From Kemi

Cruises Visiting Kemi

Ship Schedule at Kemi

Kemi Location

Other Cruise Ports in Finland

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Kemi, Finland?

Two cruise lines operate from Kemi: PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Oceania Cruises. Both offer ocean cruises departing from this Arctic port, with a combined total of 6 upcoming cruises available for booking.

When is the best time to cruise from Kemi?

The peak months for cruising from Kemi are January, December, and June. January and December offer the unique Arctic winter experience with opportunities to see the Northern Lights, while June provides extended daylight hours and milder Arctic conditions.

How much do cruises from Kemi cost?

Cruise prices from Kemi range from $2,976 to $9,910 per person, depending on the cruise line, itinerary length, and cabin category. PONANT EXPLORATIONS and Oceania Cruises both offer options within this price range.

What are the top destinations from Kemi cruises?

Popular destinations on cruises from Kemi include Stockholm, Helsinki, Luleå, Oulu, and Rauma. These ports showcase the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the Nordic and Arctic regions.

What can I see and do in a day at Kemi port?

Kemi offers unique Arctic attractions including the famous icebreaker ship experiences and the Snow Castle (seasonal). Visitors can explore the city's waterfront, visit local museums, enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine, and experience the distinctive Arctic landscape and culture.

How do I get from Kemi port to the city center?

Kemi's cruise port is conveniently located near the city center, typically within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Taxis are readily available at the port, and many attractions can be reached on foot or via local bus services.

Is Kemi an embarkation port or a port of call?

Kemi serves as both an embarkation port and a port of call. This means you can either begin your cruise here or visit as part of a larger itinerary, offering flexibility for different cruise vacation plans.