Kemijärvi, lake in Kemijärvi, Finland
Kemijärvi is a lake reservoir in Finnish Lapland that spreads out around the city in multiple directions. The water is dotted with small islands, some holding summer homes, and its clear surface invites swimming, fishing, and recreational boating.
The reservoir was created by damming the Kemijoki River for hydroelectric power in the 20th century, shaping the town's development. The area also saw military activity during World War II, with fortifications built to defend the region, and traces of these structures remain visible today.
The name Kemijärvi comes from the Kemijoki River, which shapes the identity of the town. Locals use the water year-round for swimming, fishing, and gathering with family and friends, and the lake becomes a social center during winter when it freezes solid for ice skating and snowmobile travel.
The water is accessible for swimming, boating, and fishing from the shores or by renting boats locally. The location is easy to reach by car from Rovaniemi in about an hour, or by train and bus for those arriving without a vehicle.
The water freezes solid in winter, transforming into a playing ground for ice skates, snowmobiles, and traditional Finnish lean-to shelters called laavu with fireplaces. In summer, the Midnight Sun stays above the horizon for many nights, while winter brings the opposite with long darkness but frequent chances to see the northern lights dancing in the sky.
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