Kemijoki River

The water regions of Kemijärvi and Pelkosenniemi belong in their entirety to the River Kemijoki main watercourse with origins in Russia. The river is approximately 600 km long measured from the River Kitinen. Lake Kemijärvi is the third largest lake in Lapland. The Kemijoki River traverses through the Municipality of Pelkosenniemi, which splits upstream from the village of Pelkosenniemi into three main rivers: the Kitinen, Luiro and Kemijoki. The Vuotosjoki and Pyhäjoki rivers are tributaries of the River Kemijoki. The width of the Kemijoki River, Finland’s greatest river, varies in Pelkosenniemi between approximately 200 – 500 metres.

Keminsaaret Islets: series of water meadows, deltaic deposit. Bird watching tower. Species of bird include, e.g. short-eared owl, honey buzzard and great grey owl.

Jänkäläisenkoski is the biggest and most renowned rapid water section of the River Kemijoki, where a number of boats have overturned over the centuries. For example General K. M. Wallenius travelled down the rapids hitting a rock while arriving to open the Petsamo border in September 1921. I. K. Inha, writer and well-known Lappish photographer broke out into quite a sweat in 1906 as he tried to navigate up the rapids, pushing his way along with the help of his guide to Lake Kuolajärvi.

On the northern shore of this rapid section of the river is a traditional Lappish tepee structure suitable for overnight stays and owned by Pelkosenniemen jakokunta. The structure is free for use and was renovated in 2001. The rapids are excellent fishing spots for large trout and grayling, although some of the larger fish have already learnt to be more cautious and provide the angler with a bit more of a challenge.

The river Kemijoki broadens into the lake Kemijärvi near the city centre. The two parking lots by the highway 5 / E75 near the bell tower, next to the long bridge, are excellent places for the visitors to stop and admire the beautiful landscape of water and fells. To mention just one example of vegetation is the peculiar ”eastern wanderer”, the Tartarian catchfly (Silene tatarica), the occurrence of which on the sandy town centre rail and roadsides and shore cliffs of Kemijärvi is perhaps still Finland’s largest. This plant only thrives in open sandy regions and does not grow on lawn areas. This plant has spread with the railway from the East in Russia.

A scenic cruise on the lake Kemijärvi or river Kemijoki is a good possibility to learn to know Lappish nature.
M/s Ahti: 40 places on deck and around 57 places in the saloon.
Further information below.