Keminmaa: Filming Rural Sea Lapland

Keminmaa sits between the cities of Kemi and Tornio, along the Kemijoki river just before it empties into the Gulf of Bothnia. This rural municipality is home to the photogenic Kivalot hill ridge, and the town’s buildings have a distinct distinct retro look, harkening back to the 70s.

Features of Keminmaa

When it comes to nature, Keminmaa shares characteristics with many other Lapland locales, including nearby forests and marshes and a long, snowy winter. In fact, it’s often referred to as a microcosm of Arctic Finland. One of Keminmaa’s top selling points is the Kemijoki River, which runs through two dams in Keminmaa before widening into a delta and emptying into the Gulf of Bothnia about 5 km from downtown. Another natural feature is the Kivalot ridge, a popular route for hikers.  In Keminmaa, the most popular hilltops are covered in stones, reminiscent of the gorges in Pyhä or even more northerly fells carved up by Ice Age glaciers. The Kallinkangas hiking route also passes by giant’s kettles, deep ponds carved out of stone by the same glaciers.

In winter, Sea Lapland’s only ski resort, Kalli, offers a handful of gentle slopes and rental fatbikes. In summer, Kalli is an outdoor activity resort.

As Lapland modernizes and renovates its buildings, it can be harder and harder to find photogenic retro buildings and homes. But Keminmaa has kept the character of its town, lending vintage vibes to any production that films here. Some examples include the Motel Käpylä and its lounge, which will transport your viewers to a grainier yesteryear, and the municipal library. Those looking for even older buildings will no doubt be captivated by the Old Church, built in the 1300s.

Last but not least, Keminmaa has a growing business and industrial district with warehouses, offices, roads and lots, both paved and unpaved. The business district lies between the highway and the Kemijoki river, specifically where it meets a hydroelectric dam and the small island of Vallitunsaari.

Logistics in Keminmaa

In Keminmaa, they say they’re in a nice place between two dams. The town also sits about ten minutes by car between the cities of Tornio and Kemi in either direction. The Kemi-Tornio airport is only a few minutes away, or if you come via Rovaniemi, it’s about 1 h 30 min.

The Kalli Ski Resort and the nearby cities offer plenty of accommodation and activity services. Accommodation in and around Keminmaa includes cabins, apartments, hotels and seaside holiday villages.

Contact Keminmaa directly for more information.