Icetrek to Old Kemi｜Finland

Icetrek to Old Kemi is one of the best winter activities in Lapland suitable almost for all. Authentic island with real culture and history still visitable even almost the whole Lapland area was burned down in the end phase of the Second World War. During the trip you get to walk on the frozen sea ice, in one of the few places in the world where sea even gets iced. Book in to catch the unique atmosphere of Kemi!

After equipment check and safety issues at Snowcastle area we first enter and cross the Bothnian Bay sea ice 800 metres to the Old Kemi Laitakari island. The guide will teach you the basics of moving on the sea ice and snowy conditions. In case of mirror ice and slippery conditions also shoe studs available.

When reaching Laitakari you get to visit the Old Kemi historical industrial monuments of the deserted sawmill and village ruins. Guide will tell and show you the Kemi's real red history while visiting various info spots and adventurous sites on the island. Load your cameras and phones for shootings!

Laitakari island sawmill village was established and inhabited before Kemi city was born. After inventing steam engine you could cut the wood in upper parts of Lapland and float it down via Kemi river for slicing and shipping. Manufacturing the boards for buildings, boats etc delivered worldwide was so huge success that after Laitakari mill's first decade Russian Emperor Alexander II decided to establish Kemi city in the mouth of Kemi river. Rest is history that still exists in Kemi as one of the most modern cardboard factory in Karihaara and recently closed paper factory in Veitsiluoto which also ran for almost 100 years providing prosperity for the whole area of Sea Lapland.

After the historical visit to the origin of Kemi we walk back over the ice. Icetrek consists of total 2 - 3 km walking on sea ice and flat terrain. Also shorter option available with transportation.