The SnowCastle of Kemi (Finnish: Kemin LumiLinna) is the world's largest snow fortress, rebuilt every winter with a new design since 1996, and the signature attraction of Kemi in Finnish Lapland. In recent years the giant harbour castle has been scaled into the 'SnowCastle Winter Park', featuring a snow hotel, a snow restaurant, an ice chapel and ice sculptures. The 2026 Winter Park season (roughly 9 January to 6 April) has already closed, so in July only the year-round indoor ice exhibition 'SnowExperience365' is open. It suits travellers who want to step into a winter wonderland on any day of the year, even under Lapland's bright summer nights.
The world's biggest snow fort, rebuilt annually with a fresh theme and architecture (winter season only)
Year-round indoor 'SnowExperience365' — handmade ice sculptures, an ice slide, an ice bar and ice tables kept below freezing
SnowRestaurant with ice tables and reindeer-fur seats, plus overnight stays in the SnowHotel
SnowChapel, an ecumenical ice chapel popular for the weddings of international couples
Winter check-in hub for the Icebreaker Sampo cruise, with Seaside Glass Villas and a sea-view sauna nearby
Good to know
SeasonIn July it is summer: the outdoor SnowCastle and Winter Park are closed and only the indoor SnowExperience365 ice exhibition operates. The full snow castle, the Icebreaker Sampo cruise and the northern lights are winter experiences (roughly December to April) — plan a winter trip to see the castle itself.
SeasonKemi sits at about 65.7°N, so summer brings near-continuous 'white nights' and no aurora in July; the northern lights only appear on dark autumn-to-spring evenings.
SafetyThe indoor ice exhibition is kept around freezing (about -5°C), so bring a warm jacket and gloves even in summer; in winter, temperatures outside can drop to -20 to -30°C, so proper boots and layered clothing are essential.
RulesPrices, opening hours and season dates change every year — always confirm the latest details on the official sites (icebreaking.com / experience365.fi). The SnowHotel and the icebreaker cruise require advance booking.
MannersStay quiet if a ceremony is underway in the SnowChapel, and do not touch or climb the ice sculptures and structures, which are fragile.
CautionKemi is a small, safe town, but be wary of unofficial 'aurora tours' or ticket resellers online and book through the official operator (Icebreaking / Experience365). The currency is the euro and cards are widely accepted.
Practical info
Kemi is reachable by VR night train from Helsinki (about 6.5 to 7 hours) and by train from Rovaniemi (about 1 hr 15 min); Kemi-Tornio Airport is roughly 6 km north of town. The SnowCastle area lies about 1 km from the centre (Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi). SnowExperience365 is open daily year-round and the Winter Park runs roughly mid-January to April, but confirm exact opening hours and ticket prices with the latest official information.
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