Discover Keminmaa: Churches and Nature

Keminmaa combines a rich church history with discoveries along the Kemijoki River and experiences in nature. The ceiling paintings in Pyhän Mikaelin Church, a local heritage museum in an old granary, and trails through protected areas each offer something different. You can tailor your trip to whether you are more interested in history and architecture or in outdoor activities.

Keminmaa at a glance

• The ceiling paintings in Pyhän Mikaelin Church date from 1650 and depict the Passion of Christ.
• The Old Church is a medieval grey-stone church built mainly between 1551 and 1553.
• The local heritage museum is housed in an 1849 granary on the banks of the Kemijoki River, next to the Old Church.
• At Kallinkangas, an approximately 1.9-kilometre circular trail passes 13 information boards about the area's nature.
• The municipality also has trails in the Martimoaapa mire conservation area, including a hiking trail approximately 13 kilometres long.

Church history through the ages

The Old Church tells the story of Keminmaa's medieval architecture: it is a grey-stone church built mainly between 1551 and 1553. Its history also includes the mummified remains of the vicar Nikolaus Rungius, which lie in a glass-lidded coffin inside the church. This unusual detail makes engaging with the historic site different from simply viewing its architecture. The Old Church is designated as a roadside church.

The paintings in Pyhän Mikaelin Church also offer a specific insight into the religious imagery of their time. Dating from 1650, they depict the Passion of Christ. Those interested in art history will find a different perspective here than in the medieval Old Church's architectural style: the focus is on a particular subject from the 17th century.

Keminmaa's New Church marks a later period in the area's architectural history. It was completed in 1827 and designed by C. L. Engel. The Old and New Churches thus represent different periods and architectural contexts. The first church of the Kemi parish was also built in Valmarinniemi. This connection to the area broadens the view beyond individual church buildings to the history of early church sites in the region.

Local heritage by the Kemijoki River

The local heritage museum is housed in a granary built in 1849 on the banks of the Kemijoki River, right next to the Old Church. The building itself links its former purpose with its present role as a museum. Inside, exhibits include objects relating to the municipality's history and traditional fishing equipment.

The collection offers two complementary perspectives: objects bring the municipality's history to life, while the fishing equipment illustrates a traditional occupation. Together with its riverside location, this gives the museum a distinct focus, separate from the churches and their architectural and artistic histories. Keminmaa's cultural heritage is therefore not limited to a single building when planning a trip: the churches, museum, and early church history of Valmarinniemi each offer a different perspective.

Nature trails and activities

Kallinkangas is a valuable conservation and recreation area near the centre of Keminmaa. Along the approximately 1.9-kilometre circular trail, 13 signs provide information about the area's nature. Its approximate length and nature-themed signs make the trail a compact way to explore Kallinkangas. Some sections follow a fitness trail or cart track rather than unspoilt terrain throughout—a useful detail when choosing the right nature experience.

Kalli Ski Centre offers more ways to stay active, including a nature trail for walking, fitness stairs, and a nine-hole disc golf course. Mountain bikers can rent electric fat bikes there and ride through the Meri-Lappi landscape. Availability of rentals may change, so it should not be assumed that they will be available for every visit. Kalli and Kallinkangas offer different activities: a circular trail with nature signs at the former, and various ways to be active at the ski centre.

The municipality of Keminmaa also has nature destinations that are not in the town centre. At Martimoaapa, an 815-metre accessible trail ends at a viewing platform. Another trail, approximately 13 kilometres long, runs through the Martimoaapa mire conservation area. The shorter route to the platform and the longer hiking trail differ considerably in their stated lengths and destinations. They offer different ways to explore the protected area and should not be confused with each other.

Which experiences will shape your choice of accommodation?

These themes describe different reasons to visit, but do not specify the facilities or location of any accommodation. Knowing your priorities can help you search for a hotel in Keminmaa more effectively, without combining culture and activities into a single itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Kolari, Ranua, Kemi, Äkäslompolo, Nellim, Luosto, Muonio and Sodankylä.

Frequently asked questions about Keminmaa

What is special about the Old Church?

The Old Church is a medieval grey-stone church built mainly between 1551 and 1553. It also contains the mummified remains of the vicar Nikolaus Rungius in a glass-lidded coffin. The church is designated as a roadside church.

What can you see at the local heritage museum?

The local heritage museum displays objects relating to the municipality's history and traditional fishing equipment. It is housed in a granary built in 1849 on the Kemijoki River, next to the Old Church.

How long is the circular trail at Kallinkangas?

The circular trail is approximately 1.9 kilometres long and has 13 information boards about the area's nature. Parts of the trail follow a fitness trail or cart track, so it does not run entirely through unspoilt terrain.

What nature trails are there in the municipality?

At Martimoaapa, there is an 815-metre accessible trail ending at a viewing platform, as well as a hiking trail approximately 13 kilometres long through the mire conservation area. Both trails are in the municipality of Keminmaa.

For the broader travel guide: Lapland.