Post code: SF-94100
Telephone code: 16
The Finnish town of Kemi lies at the north end of the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the Kemijoki. Well placed for water transport, it was already a busy settlement trading in skins and fish in the Middle Ages. It received its municipal charter in 1869, and with the development of
industry became an important port.
Woodworking plays a major role in its economy. The Kemijoki was once well stocked with fish, particularly salmon, which came here in large numbers at spawning time: hence the salmon which features in the town's coat of arms. The growth of industry and the construction of hydro-electric stations, however, have restricted their habitat.
Kemi is also well-known for the world's largest snow castle, which is rebuilt each year using varying styles of architecture.