Day trip to Kemijärvi

Northernmost city in Finland offers a day trips that take you through nature and history. The walking tour in the center of Kemijärvi combines culture, history, and nature, guiding you to different sites that tell the town’s stories. The journey takes you to the lakeside, a cemetery, and various locations like the library and the volunteer fire department, where you can feel the influence of past times. As a surprise, the tour also features Leena the rhino, which brings a smile to your face.

  1. Cemetery
  2. Leena the rhino
  3. Library
  4. Free fire brigade
  5. bridge to pond path
  6. Park

Leena the rhinoceros resides in the city of Kemijärvi. Why is there a rocky rhinoceros in this Lapland town? Canadian artist Roger Gaudreau visited Kemijärvi’s artist residency in 2010 and asked locals to bring stones for his artwork. They brought plenty – enough to create a rhinoceros-sized sculpture in the center of Kemijärvi. Leena is one of 11 rhinoceros sculptures spread across the globe. The artwork is a statement on climate change and the spread of species. This is why Leena’s horn points towards the north.

Kotavaara viewtower

Another fascinating destination is Kotavaara, located about 7 km from the center of Kemijärvi. Kotavaara is a hill that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The journey to the top is a short but rewarding hike along a steep path. At the summit, you’ll find an observation tower with stunning views of Kemijärvi, the winding Kemijoki river, and, to the north, the peaks of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. In the east, you can admire Suomutunturi.

On the way up, you’ll experience the peace of nature and the power of the forest landscape. The tower at the top offers a unique spot to stop and enjoy the beauty of Lapland. Remember that climbing the tower is at your own risk.

The Kotavaara trip is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those searching for new landscapes. It’s a short adventure that will leave lasting memories.

From the road 5, signs direct you to Puikkola and then to Kotavaara parking area. From the parking lot, it’s about a 400-meter walk along a steep path to the summit, where a three-story observation tower awaits. Near the tower, there is a shelter and a campfire spot, offering a place to rest and enjoy some snacks. Kotavaara’s observation tower is an excellent destination in both summer and winter, and its amazing views attract nature hikers year-round.