Icetrek to Old Kemi

Explore the Historic Roots of Kemi with an Ice Trek to Old Kemi

For those seeking an authentic Arctic adventure, the Icetrek to Old Kemi offers a uniquely immersive experience in Lapland, Finland. Priced at $56 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, this guided ice trek takes you across Sea Lapland’s frozen waters to reach Laitakari Island, a site brimming with history. The tour is ideal for travelers interested in Lapland’s industrial past and traditional ice trekking, with the added thrill of crossing 0.8 km of sea ice.

While the experience is packed with historical insights and scenic views, it requires warm clothing and does not accommodate very young children or travelers with mobility issues. The expert guides ensure safety and provide engaging storytelling, making this trek a meaningful and memorable journey into Kemi’s origins.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $56 and lasts 2.5 hours, including travel and guided visits.
• Location: It departs from the Snowcastle of Kemi and visits Old Kemi’s Laitakari Island.
• Highlights: Cross 0.8 km of sea ice, explore historical sawmill ruins, and learn about Kemi’s wood industry.
• Guidance: Knowledgeable guides lead the trek and provide safety instructions along with historical commentary.
• Physical Requirements: Suitable for those prepared with warm clothing; not suitable for children under 5 or travelers with mobility impairments.
• Booking: Flexible reserve now, pay later options are available with full cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand.

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Starting at the Snowcastle of Kemi: The Meeting Point

The adventure begins at the Snowcastle of Kemi, a striking landmark and convenient meeting point. Participants check in at the Experience365 reception hall, where rental icetrekking poles and safety gear are provided. The starting point is easy to locate, and the staff ensures everyone is ready for the trek ahead.

The safety briefing lasts around 15 minutes, during which guides explain how to navigate the ice and snow conditions. This initial stage ensures that even those new to ice trekking feel confident before heading onto the Sea Lapland ice surface.

Crossing the Ostrobothnian Sea Ice: An Arctic Commute

The core of this experience is the 0.8 km walk across the sea ice from Kemi to Laitakari Island. The guides teach the basics of moving safely on ice, emphasizing flat terrain and proper equipment use. The ice crossing offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape and an authentic taste of Arctic travel.

Travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and snow-covered terrain, making warm, layered clothing essential. The journey across the sea ice is both scenic and exhilarating, setting the tone for the historic exploration ahead.

Visiting Old Kemi’s Industrial Monuments on Laitakari Island

Once on Laitakari Island, the tour shifts to a guided exploration of the old sawmill and village ruins. These industrial monuments are now deserted but tell the story of a thriving wood industry that once shaped the community. Visitors get to see the remains of the sawmill and the village structures, offering a tangible connection to Kemi’s pre-city history.

The guide shares insights into how the wood industry operated and why Laitakari was established long before the official founding of Kemi city. Notably, the success of Laitakari’s mill caught the attention of Russian Emperor Alexander II, prompting the development of the modern Kemi town.

The Historic Significance of Laitakari Island

Laitakari’s history enriches the experience, with stories of early habitation and industrial growth. The guide narrates how Kemi developed from this industrial hub, making the visit both educational and historic. The ruins serve as a reminder of the region’s industrious past and transformative growth.

The visit to Laitakari is approximately two hours, during which travelers explore at their own pace while absorbing the stories told by the guides. The deserted structures evoke a sense of history frozen in time, set against the snowy landscape.

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Returning across the Ice: The Trek Back

After the historical visit, the group retraces the route back across the sea ice to Kemi. The total walking distance for the ice trek is about 2-3 km, balancing physical activity with scenic sightseeing. The guides reiterate safety tips during the return journey, ensuring everyone feels secure on the ice.

Back at the Snowcastle of Kemi, the tour concludes with a chance to reflect on the experience and ask additional questions. The end point is the same as the starting location, making logistics straightforward for participants.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The package includes a guided tour in English, rental of icetrekking poles, and knowledge on moving safely on ice. Participants also receive a brief history of Kemi and an outline of the wood industry.

Since thermal outdoor clothing is not included, travelers should bring warm jackets, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear. This ensures comfort during the outdoor crossing and exploration of the ruins.

Accessibility and Suitability

This ice trek is not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or individuals with mobility impairments. The activity requires walking on flat ice and snow-covered terrain, which may pose challenges for some travelers.

The tour is designed for those prepared with warm clothing and comfortable with outdoor winter conditions. It offers a unique way to see Lapland’s natural landscape while learning about local history.

Flexibility and Booking Options

Reservations are flexible with a pay later option, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without immediate payment. Cancellations are full and free if made up to 24 hours before the activity, providing peace of mind for planning.

Activities can be affected by weather conditions, and the tour provider reserves the right to adjust routing or duration accordingly. This flexibility ensures safety and a quality experience regardless of Arctic weather.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What sets this tour apart is the combination of scenic sea ice crossing and a historical exploration of Laitakari Island. The knowledgeable guides, such as Marko in reviews, make the experience engaging and informative, adding depth to the outdoor adventure.

The cost is reasonable for the depth of experience, and the 2.5-hour duration offers a compact but rich introduction to Kemi’s past and Arctic landscape. The guided storytelling ensures that even those unfamiliar with the history leave with meaningful insights.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

The Icetrek to Old Kemi appeals most to adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers comfortable outdoors in cold weather. It’s perfect for those looking for an active Arctic experience that’s also educational.

This tour is less suitable for travelers seeking comfort or accessibility, as it involves walking on ice and snow. However, those prepared with warm clothing and an interest in Kemi’s industrial roots will find this trek rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is warm clothing provided or needed?
Participants need to bring their own warm clothing, as thermal outdoor clothing is not included. Layering with jackets, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear is essential.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is 2.5 hours, including safety briefing, ice crossing, visit to Laitakari, and return trek.

Can children participate?
Children under 5 years are not suitable for this tour because of safety and physical requirements.

Is this activity accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users due to terrain and walking conditions on ice and snow.

What is included in the price?
The price includes a guided tour in English, icetrekking poles rental, safety instructions, and a visit to Laitakari island with a history overview.

This Icetrek to Old Kemi delivers a balanced combination of Arctic adventure and historical exploration, perfect for those eager to experience Lapland’s natural beauty and industrial past in a safe, guided setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby