Explore Frozen

Ice and Snow Myth Kemi Snow Castle is located in Kemi, Finland. Since its first construction in 1996, it has unveiled a new theme every winter. It is the largest ice and snow building complex in the world and once set a Guinness World Record with its 1,100-meter-long ice and snow wall. The castle covers an area of ​​13,000 to 20,000 square meters and includes an ice hotel, church, restaurant, bar and ice sculpture exhibition. It attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year and is a must-see dream attraction in Finland in winter. 2. Best time to travel - Opening hours: Late January to early April every year (open until April 9 in 2025, and some areas such as Mammut Ice Hotel will be open until April 2). - Recommended time: February to March, when the aurora is active and the snow and ice landscape is at its most complete. 3. Must-try Activities 1. Explore the wonders of ice and snow architecture - Ice and Snow Church: The crystal clear ice church can accommodate 50 people and has hosted romantic ice and snow weddings. - Ice Sculpture Exhibition: Large ice sculptures with different themes every year, such as medieval knights, Nordic mythology characters, etc., are even more magical under the lights at night. - Ice and snow maze and slide: suitable for parent-child interaction and experience the excitement of ice and snow entertainment. 2. Stay at an ice hotel - Special accommodation: The room temperature is -5℃, and you need to use double-layer sleeping bags and animal skins to keep warm, providing a unique "ice cave" experience. The hotel does not have bathroom facilities and guests need to go to a nearby bathing center. - Check-in tips: It is recommended to bring a hot pack and avoid drinking water before going to bed (to avoid inconvenience in going to the toilet at night). A commemorative certificate will be provided after check-in. 3. Enjoy ice food - Ice Bar: For 10 euros, you can enjoy a special cocktail at the ice bar, and the glass is also carved from ice. - Ice Restaurant: Experience the dining environment of ice tables and chairs. It is recommended to try traditional Finnish smoked salmon or meat. 4. Experience a Finnish sauna There is a traditional smoke sauna in the castle. After the sauna, you can jump into the ice pool to experience the ultimate experience of ice and fire. IV. Useful Information - Tickets: The entrance fee is about 15 Euros, and guests staying in the hotel can visit for free. - Address: Lumilinnankatu 15, 94100 Kemi. - Transportation: Take a plane or train from Helsinki to Kemi, and then take a taxi (about 10 minutes’ drive). - Recommended duration: 2-3 hours (for sightseeing only). If you are staying overnight, you need to reserve half a day. 5. Recommended surrounding itineraries Kemi can be combined with other Lapland attractions to create an in-depth Arctic tour: 1. Sampo Icebreaker: The only icebreaker in the world that tourists can take to experience floating on the ice sea (only 100 meters away from the ice castle). 2. Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi: 1.5 hours drive, get the Arctic Circle certificate and take a photo with Santa Claus. 3. Saariselka Aurora Glass House: 4 hours drive, a great place to watch the aurora while lying down. 6. Travel Tips - Warm equipment: Wear waterproof and windproof down jackets, snow boots, gloves and hats as the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor is very large. - Aurora Observation: If the weather is clear, you can wait for the Aurora near the castle or on the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia at night. - Photography Tips: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full view of the ice sculptures and avoid exposing the camera for long periods of time to prevent battery failure. VII. Conclusion Kemi Ice and Snow Castle is not only a visual feast, but also an immersive experience of polar culture. Whether you are lying in the ice hotel and gazing at the stars, or making a wish in the ice church, this place can satisfy all your fantasies of ice and snow fairy tales. Combined with an icebreaker and aurora tour, the romance and adventure of Finland's winter will be unforgettable!