Cruise to Old Kemi with Guided Walking Tour

Exploring the historic heart of Kemi on a cruise to Old Kemi with a guided walking tour offers a unique blend of maritime adventure and industrial archaeology. This experience promises a peaceful boat ride, fascinating insights into early Finnish industry, and a chance to see ruins that tell stories of a bygone era. The highlights include sailing past islands like Selkäsaari and Laitakari, exploring deserted sawmill sites, and walking through flat, accessible terrain—perfect for most travelers.

What we particularly love about this tour is the intimate, educational atmosphere. You get to stand where industry once thrived, learn how Laitakari’s success sparked the founding of Kemi, and enjoy a relaxed walk with the bonus of sausages by a campfire with seaview. Yet, a word of caution: food isn’t included, so bring snacks if you’re hungry. This tour suits history buffs, nature lovers, and those curious about Finland’s industrial roots who enjoy light walking and scenic boat rides.

Key Points

• Authentic Industrial History: Explore ruins and monuments that reveal Kemi’s origins.
• Scenic Boat Journey: Cruise on the Leila yacht with views of islands and the Arctic scenery.
• Guided Insights: Learn about Kemi’s development from a small settlement to a city.
• Accessible Walk: A gentle 1.5 km walk on flat terrain inside Laitakari Island.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy sausages around a campfire while soaking up seaside views.
• Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel easily with 24-hour notice.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Cruise to Old Kemi with Guided Walking Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

Your journey begins at Kemi Inner Harbor, where you’ll meet your guide and hop aboard the Leila cruise boat. The boat itself is a charming vessel with a history—having sailed in Korkeasaari and Vesijärvi in its earlier days—adding an extra layer of authenticity to your maritime adventure.

The cruise offers a leisurely ride, allowing you to take in the sights of the surrounding islands—most notably Selkäsaari and Laitakari. The boat’s slow pace means you can truly enjoy the scenery and listen to your guide’s stories without feeling rushed. Expect to see calm waters reflecting the sky, often dotted with seabirds, creating a peaceful ambiance that complements the historical exploration ahead.

Visiting Selkäsaari and Laitakari Islands

The first stop is Selkäsaari Island, which, although smaller and less pronounced in ruins, provides a scenic introduction to the region’s maritime landscape. Here, you’ll get a quick taste of island life and the strategic importance of these islands for Kemi’s maritime history.

Next, the boat navigates toward Old Kemi Laitakari Island, the heart of the tour. This site is a treasure trove of industrial remnants, once bustling with activity around the sawmill. Travelers tell us that the ruins feel remarkably intact despite their age, giving a real sense of what life was like for the workers and their families. The guide offers narratives about how Laitakari was established before Kemi itself, highlighting how the success of the mill caught the attention of Russian Emperor Alexander II, which led to the city’s formation.

The Industrial Monuments and Village Ruins

Once on Laitakari, you’ll explore deserted sawmill structures and village ruins. These remnants include old industrial machinery, foundations, and abandoned buildings, all telling stories of a bygone era of Finnish industry. According to visitors, the atmosphere is quite evocative—standing amid the ruins feels like stepping back in time.

One reviewer notes, “The guide really helped us understand how Laitakari’s sawmill shaped Kemi’s growth, making the whole experience much more meaningful.” The ruins are mostly flat and accessible, making the walk comfortable and suitable for most ages and fitness levels.

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The Guided Walk and Campfire Sausages

After the exploration, you’ll enjoy a relaxed 1.5 km walk along flat terrain inside Laitakari, which is easy to manage even for those less comfortable with hiking. During the walk, your guide shares stories about how this island was inhabited and its significance before the city’s rise.

A highlight? The sausages cooked over an open campfire with the sea as your backdrop. Many travelers comment on the cozy, authentic feel of this part of the tour—simple, tasty, and atmospheric. It’s a perfect moment to reflect on the history and enjoy the serene environment.

Practical Details and Value

The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, making it an ideal half-day activity. The $116 per person fee covers the boat cruise, the island visits, the guided tour, and the sausages, offering solid value for such an educational and scenic experience. Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included, so bringing a water bottle or snacks is recommended if you want to stay energized.

The tour operates in English and Finnish, with clear explanations that make the history accessible. Booking is flexible—reserve now with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews highlight how the guide’s storytelling made the ruins come alive—not just a walk through old structures but a vivid narrative about Kemi’s origins. One guest mentions, “The boat ride was peaceful and the guide’s insights made everything more meaningful.” Others appreciate the flat terrain, making the walk suitable for most visitors, including families and older travelers.

Some point out that food isn’t included, so planning for a snack beforehand improves the experience. Others note that the timing is perfect for a morning or early afternoon activity, avoiding the late afternoon chill or early sunset.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits history enthusiasts eager to learn about Finnish industry and nature lovers drawn to scenic island landscapes. It’s perfect for families, given the flat route and manageable walk, as well as small groups seeking an intimate, educational outing. If you’re after a relaxing, culturally rich activity that combines maritime charm with historical insight, this tour hits the mark.

It’s less ideal if you prefer food-inclusive experiences or want a more physically demanding adventure. Also, travelers with mobility issues might want to check the specific accessibility details, but the generally flat terrain on Laitakari makes it fairly accessible.

Final Thoughts

This cruise to Old Kemi offers a genuine glimpse into Finland’s industrial past, told by knowledgeable guides aboard a charming historic boat. The blend of scenic sailing, ruins exploration, and storytelling creates an engaging and atmospheric experience. It’s an ideal way to connect with the region’s history without strenuous activity, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

The value lies not only in the sightseeing but also in the stories shared—helping you understand how a small island and its sawmill played a crucial role in shaping a city. The experience’s relaxed pace and easy walk make it a memorable, educational, and enjoyable outing.

Ultimately, if you’re curious about industrial heritage, enjoy sea views, and want a light, accessible activity, this tour makes a thoughtful choice. It’s a quiet, reflective, and beautifully simple way to spend part of your time in Kemi.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour covers a cruise on the Leila boat to Selkäsaari and Old Kemi Laitakari Island, a guided walk around the ruins, and sausages enjoyed around a campfire.

Is food provided during the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or water with you.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 3 hours, offering a relaxed half-day activity.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is offered in both English and Finnish.

Is the walk suitable for everyone?
Yes, it involves a flat, 1.5 km walk inside Laitakari Island, making it accessible for most ages and fitness levels.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the boat have any special features?
Yes, the Leila yacht has a history of sailing in Korkeasaari and Vesijärvi, adding a vintage maritime touch to the journey.

Who would enjoy this tour most?
History buffs, families, nature lovers, and those seeking a calm, educational escape will find this experience especially rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: