Cruise to Old Kemi with Guided Walking Tour

Exploring Old Kemi with a Guided Cruise and Walk

This cruise to Old Kemi offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s industrial past set against scenic coastal views. You’ll hop aboard the charming Leila yacht, sail between islands, and explore the abandoned sawmill village on Laitakari. It’s a well-balanced mix of history, nature, and gentle walking — perfect if you’re after an authentic, relaxed day out.

What makes this experience stand out is the intimate guided walking tour through the ruins and industrial monuments, which really helps bring the area’s past to life. Plus, the opportunity to enjoy a casual seaside cookout with sausages makes it feel both cozy and informative.

One thing to consider is the duration — at four hours, it’s a fairly leisurely experience, but if you’re looking to explore more expansive sites or dive into detailed history, you might find this tour a bit limited. It’s best suited for travelers interested in history, scenic boat rides, and light walking rather than intense trekking or extensive sightseeing.

This tour is a cozy, informative option for those who love nature, history, and small-group experiences. It’s ideal for families, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a peaceful, authentic taste of Kemi’s coastal heritage.

Key Points

• Authentic History: Discover Kemi’s roots and industrial past through a guided tour of old ruins and monuments.
• Scenic Boat Ride: Sail on the vintage Leila yacht, with views of islands like Selkäsaari and Laitakari.
• Relaxed Walk: Enjoy a flat, 1.5 km walk inside Laitakari, ideal for all fitness levels.
• Local Flavors: Savor sausages cooked over a campfire with sea views, adding a cozy touch.
• Educational Experience: Learn how Laitakari and Kemi evolved from small settlements to a city, including stories about Russian Emperor Alexander II’s influence.
• Value for Money: At $117, this tour offers a well-rounded mix of maritime, cultural, and scenic experiences in a compact time frame.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Meeting and Starting the Voyage

The adventure begins at the Kemi Inner Harbor, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto the MS Leila. This boat isn’t a giant cruise liner but a more intimate vessel, perfect for creating a cozy, personal atmosphere. The boat itself has a storied past, having been part of Korkeasaari and Vesijärvi in previous days, adding an extra layer of charm.

On board, expect a friendly vibe—many reviews note the crew’s helpfulness and knowledge, with guides speaking both English and Finnish. The boat ride lasts approximately 40 minutes, giving you time to settle in, enjoy the fresh air, and get your first glimpses of the surrounding islands.

The Boat Ride and Island Views

Sailing between the islands of Selkäsaari and Laitakari, you’ll appreciate the calm waters and the serenity of the archipelago. The boat’s vantage point provides excellent photo opportunities of the rugged coastline and maritime landscape. The gentle 20-minute cruises are relaxed and scenic, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions or simply soak in the views.

Exploring Laitakari: A Walk Through Time

Upon reaching Laitakari, the focus shifts to exploring Old Kemi’s industrial heritage. The guided tour lasts about two hours, during which your guide will recount stories of the sawmill and village that once thrived here. You’ll see the deserted sawmill ruins and get a sense of what life was like when this was a bustling industrial hub.

One review highlights, “We loved the way the guide brought the history to life — you really feel like you’re stepping back in time.” The flat terrain makes the walk accessible for all, and the 1.5 km route inside the island is largely easy terrain, with some standing at the old industrial buildings and ruins.

The Campfire and Lunch Break

Midway through the visit, there’s a short break of around 30 minutes. This is when you can enjoy sausages cooked over a campfire with a view of the sea — a simple but appreciated touch that adds warmth and a sense of camaraderie. The break is relaxed, giving you time to absorb the atmosphere and take photos of the scenic surroundings.

Returning to Kemi

After the break, the boat ride continues back to the harbor, passing by Snowcastle, a popular landmark, and other notable points in Kemi’s coastal landscape. The entire experience wraps up back at the harbor after roughly four hours, leaving you with a well-rounded taste of the area’s maritime and industrial history.

Pricing and Value

For $117 per person, this tour offers a blend of boat excursions, guided history, and scenic walking. Considering the inclusion of visits to both Selkäsaari and Laitakari, plus the personalized guiding and the cozy campfire, it’s quite a reasonable price. The small-group format ensures a more intimate experience, and the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance adds flexibility.

Why the Price Makes Sense

While food isn’t included, the sausages and scenic ambiance at the campfire are included, which adds to the overall value. The tour is particularly good for those who want a relaxed, culturally enriching day without the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple tickets.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs eager to learn about Kemi’s industrial past, nature lovers looking for scenic island views, and families or small groups wanting a leisurely outing. It’s also suited for those who appreciate authentic, small-group experiences over large touristy tours.

The gentle walking and flat terrain make it accessible for most, including older travelers or those with mobility concerns, provided they can handle a brief walk on uneven ruins.

The Sum Up

In essence, this Cruise to Old Kemi with Guided Walking Tour offers a peaceful, insightful way to connect with the town’s history and coastal landscape. The combination of scenic boat rides, engaging guides, and a walk through historic ruins provides a well-rounded experience for a reasonable price. The cozy campfire sausages add a delightful, rustic touch that makes the tour feel personal and memorable.

If you’re interested in Finnish coastal history, enjoy gentle outdoor activities, or simply want a unique way to see Kemi from the water and land, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate authentic stories, scenic views, and a laid-back pace. For those after a more intense or extensive sightseeing day, other options might be better — but for a relaxed, educational outing, this tour delivers genuine value.

FAQ

How long does the entire tour last?
The full experience is approximately four hours, including boat rides, walking, and breaks.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Kemi Inner Harbor, where you’ll meet your guide and board the Leila yacht.

Is the walk inside Laitakari difficult?
No, the walk is on flat terrain and covers about 1.5 km, making it accessible for most people, including those with mobility concerns.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes visits to Selkäsaari and Old Kemi Laitakari, a guided historical tour, and the cozy campfire sausages. Food and drinks are not included.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the relaxed pace and flat terrain make it suitable for families, especially those interested in history and scenic outdoor activities.

This cruise and walking tour offers a charming, authentic way to experience Kemi’s coastal heritage and industrial past, perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching day out.