Lake Kemijärvi
Monastery Large lake in Lapland near Kemijärvi town
Kemijärvi lake in Finnish Lapland sits by the town of Kemijärvi; visitors pursue fishing, canoeing and winter activities, with opportunities to see northern lights and access nearby forests.
Lake Kemijärvi is a freshwater lake in Finnish Lapland situated adjacent to the town of Kemijärvi. It is one of several lakes in the region that form part of local freshwater networks important to the town.
The lake shoreline near the town provides opportunities for fishing, small-boat boating, and lakeside walking; services and facilities are concentrated in Kemijärvi itself. In winter the area typically supports ice-related activities where conditions permit.
As with most lakes in Finnish Lapland, the basin developed through post-glacial processes following the last Ice Age. The lake has long been part of local livelihoods and settlement patterns centered on the town of Kemijärvi.
Lake Kemijärvi lies in northern Finland’s Lapland region next to the municipal center of Kemijärvi, in a sparsely populated boreal landscape of forests and smaller lakes.
How to Get to Lake Kemijärvi #
Kemijärvi town sits on the lake’s western shore. From Rovaniemi allow roughly 1.5-2 hours by car north on highway E75; Kemijärvi is also served by regional VR (Finnish Railways) trains (Kemijärvi station). Local buses and taxis link the station to lakeside spots; many visitors arrive by car for the easiest access.
Tips for Visiting Lake Kemijärvi #
- Visit at dawn for mirror-smooth water and the best chances of seeing osprey hunting.
- Take the short lakeside walk on the southern shore where stone steps worn by fishermen still show grooves.
- Check local train schedules - Kemijärvi is a regional rail terminus and timetables vary by season.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kemijärvi #
Best visited late spring through early autumn for open water and easier access; winter offers stark, frozen landscapes for those prepared.
Weather & Climate near Lake Kemijärvi #
Lake Kemijärvi's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -17°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (526 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 69 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
