The SnowCastle of Kemi — Attraction in Kemi-Tornio sub-region

The SnowCastle of Kemi is one of Finland’s most unique and captivating attractions, located in the coastal city of Kemi along the Bothnian Bay in Lapland. Constructed anew each winter since 1996, it is, by design, a temporary masterpiece of snow and ice that serves as a fantasy fortress, hotel, restaurant, and family-friendly entertainment complex. This snow and ice marvel draws visitors worldwide intrigued by the idea of a spectacular castle made entirely from frozen water.

Architecture and Attractions The SnowCastle is a sprawling structure covering more than 2,000 square meters. It features intricately sculpted ice sculptures, including grand archways, frosty corridors, and beautifully carved snow walls. The artistic level of craftsmanship is exceptional, with ice reliefs and sculptures showcasing scenes or Arctic animals that enchant visitors. Depending on yearly themes and weather conditions, the castle’s size and design vary, providing a fresh and creative experience each winter.

Key attractions inside the SnowCastle include the SnowHotel, where adventurous guests can spend the night on beds made of ice under thermal sleeping bags and warm reindeer skins. The rooms, insulated by thick snow walls, offer surprisingly cozy accommodations despite their freezing temperatures, creating a memorable Arctic sleeping experience. Additionally, the SnowRestaurant serves meals on ice tables with reindeer hide-covered stools, providing a surreal dining atmosphere. Outside, visitors can enjoy activities like snow tubing, ice slides, curling, and a maze, making it a lively destination for families and groups.

Visitor Experience and Reviews Visitors often express amazement at the craftsmanship and the magical atmosphere inside the SnowCastle. Many praise it as an extraordinary experience, especially for those visiting Finland in winter or seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The castle combines artistry and playful winter fun, appealing to children and adults alike. The ice slide is often highlighted as an exciting and fast-paced attraction that adds to the thrill of the visit.

However, reviews also mention variability in the quality and condition of the SnowCastle depending on weather and timing. Some visitors who arrived early in the season encountered ongoing construction or smaller-than-expected structures. Others noted that ice sculptures could melt or become slippery, impacting safety and aesthetics. The on-site café was occasionally reported closed, and crowds around peak times could be overwhelming.

Despite these occasional drawbacks, many visitors consider the experience great value for money, emphasizing the uniqueness of exploring an ice castle and the warmth of the hospitality around it. People also appreciate the combination tickets, which often include other northern activities like the Sampo Icebreaker cruise, enriching their Lapland itinerary.

Accessibility and Practical Tips The SnowCastle is open seasonally from late January to mid-April, depending on weather conditions. It is accessible by car or bus from nearby cities such as Rovaniemi and Oulu. The venue provides facilities for warming up inside the nearby visitor center and offers merchandise shops selling warm clothing and Arctic souvenirs. Booking accommodation in the SnowHotel is highly recommended well in advance due to limited...

I visited The SnowCastle of Kemi in Finland toward the end of the season, and it was an awesome experience! Some of the sculptures had started to melt sadly (a few missing arms and smaller details), but it didn’t take away from how incredible the whole setup was!

They had an awesome ice slide that both the kids and adults were overjoyed with sliding down! It was definitely a highlight to see all the happy faces!

The merchandise shop was impressive too, with lots of great souvenirs including clothing and home items. A great variety! They also have a cafe offering drinks and snacks.

I almost missed the actual SnowCastle! It’s a short walk across the parking lot from the main building (easy to overlook if not paying attention because it looks like a warehouse).

The driveway was very slippery with black ice when we visited, and there were several buses coming in and out. I made sure to tread extra slow. Thankfully, I wore some really good snow boots!

Overall, it was a really cool experience! Unique, fun, and...

It's a wooden castle, not a snowcastle. Compared to the real snowcastle which took place every year in Kemi harbor, this is a mockery towards that. The real castle was made entirely out of snow & ice! It was stunning and everyone was amazed! But this, nothing but a waste of money. There's just a big warehouse type of room and some ice sculptures, but the vibe is off completely. As I live here, I say we didn't want this. No one wanted a wooden castle instead of the original snowcastle. But, the big guys with cigars in their mouths decided this would make more money. Well, it doesn't, and never ever will replace the real deal. It's doomed. No tourist wants to see modern hell, they come to see the culture, the originality of Kemi snowcastle, the ancient times.. they want to see the old times and culture,...