Kemijärvi: Water, Culture and Winter Trails

Kemijärvi’s town centre lies in Lapland’s lake landscape and is surrounded by bodies of water. If you’re looking for hotels in Kemijärvi, you can plan your trip around specific interests: Pöyliöjärvi brings the water into focus, while cultural venues, winter trails and sports offer other points of interest.

Water and Scenery in the Town Centre

Pöyliöjärvi Beach is in the centre of Kemijärvi and is within walking distance of the campsite and shops. Swimming and canoeing are popular recreational activities on the lake; actual conditions depend on the season. Kemijärvi Cultural Centre is also in the town centre, right on the shore of Pöyliöjärvi.

On the lakeshore, behind Poukama Swimming Pool and the tennis courts, there is an ice swimming spot. It is operated by the Kemijärven Latu association and is a seasonal facility; operating arrangements may vary. Check the latest information about the facility before visiting.

Culture and History

Kemijärvi Cultural Centre has a 200-seat hall for music, film, dance and theatre. Exhibitions of visual art in the foyer and hall change monthly. This cultural venue brings events and rotating art exhibitions together.

Kemijärvi Local Heritage Museum tells the story of rural life in Kemijärvi in the early 20th century. Its main building is a 19th-century Peräpohjola farmhouse that originally stood on the same site. The exhibitions explore traditional livelihoods: livestock farming, forestry, fishing, hunting and reindeer herding.

The Uitto History Experience focuses on three locations: Uitonniemi, Ämmänvaara and Kulmunginniemi. Information boards and videos accessible via QR codes explain the history of log driving at these sites. The Puustelli Art Centre in Särkikangas has an exhibition hall for woodcarvings. The Kemijärvi Snowmobile and Sawmill Museum has a unique collection of snowmobiles, from historic models to the present day. The collection also includes almost 400 different chainsaws.

Seasonal Trails and Activities

The classic Sun Trail loop around Pöyliöjärvi is about 10.5 km long. Depending on ice and weather conditions, it is used each year from around mid-January to early April. The loop can be accessed from parking area P by the Beach Pavilion next to the cultural centre. Plan your outing according to the prevailing ice and weather conditions.

The city maintains around 200 km of official snowmobile routes; their length and maintenance may change, so it’s worth checking the latest information before setting out. The city also maintains mountain biking trails. Pöyliövaara also has an 18-hole disc golf course. The hilly forest course has many elevation changes and is not maintained.

Indoor sports facilities in the town centre include Poukama Spa and Swimming Pool, the Wirta Arena ice rink, the sports hall and the Hillatie School sports hall. Operating arrangements may change, so check the latest information about the relevant facility when planning your visit.

Nearby, Kotavaara observation tower is 7 km from Kemijärvi centre. From there, you can enjoy views of Kemijärvi and the Kemijoki River. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Getting Here and Local Highlights

Kemijärvi can be reached by bus from anywhere in Finland. The bus station is in the town centre, behind the ABC service station; there are no numbered platforms. Most bus services also go via Kemijärvi railway station after the trains arrive and before the evening overnight train departs. As bus routes may change, check the latest timetables before travelling. Kemijärvi railway station is the northernmost station on Finland’s eastern railway network.

Professional fishermen are based at the Riekkoniemi fish house. Fish can be purchased there by prior arrangement. If you’re planning to buy fish, confirm the arrangement before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kaamanen, Ivalo, Rautuskylä, Tornio, Enontekiö, Salla, Nellim, Sinettä.

For the regional travel overview: Lapland.