The maritime Kiikeli urban forest has been a popular recreational area among locals for decades, showcasing the sustainable coexistence of industry and residents. Kiikeli is a favorite destination for outings all year round. The forest is easily accessible: the starting point of the accessible trail is located right next to Kemi city center.
At the destination by the sea shore is an unobstructed observation tower as well as a lean-to for a calm break. At the lean-to you can relax watching the flames dance in the campfire and enjoy the different natural phenomena such as the midnight sun in summer and the starry sky in winter. If you’re lucky, from autumn to spring time you might get a chance to admire the arctic northern lights.
The Kiikeli area is rich in plant species and has been allowed to develop quite freely toward a natural state over the years. Traces of human activity, such as old pastures and meadows, can still be seen in the terrain.
In spring, migratory birds return to Finland and begin nesting. The area is popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as rare birds can be spotted in Kiikeli during their migration. Early summer brings a symphony of birdsong throughout the forest and along the shores, as dozens of bird species nest in Kiikeli. The 300 birdhouses installed in spring 2017 have increased the number of cavity-nesting birds and may even enable new species to breed in the area.
Kiikeli Outdoor Trails
From the Kiikeli Bridge starting point begins the year-round outdoor trail (round trip 2.4 km). At the end, by the sea, there is an accessible observation tower and a lean-to shelter for a peaceful break and enjoying a campfire. From the lean-to, you can relax by the fire and admire natural phenomena such as the midnight sun in summer and twinkling stars in winter. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the northern lights from autumn to spring.
See the Kiikeli outdoor trail on the map.
Kiikeli Year-Round Outdoor Trail (1.2 km)
The trail starts at Kiikeli Bridge and is open all year (round trip 2.4 km). The path can be damp in places depending on rainfall and season. The one-way distance to Kiikeli Point is 1.2 km. At the end, by the sea, you’ll find an accessible observation tower and a lean-to for resting and enjoying a campfire. From the trail, you can continue to the Kiikeli Loop and Snellman Nature Trail, and then return via Sopula Bridges to the Kiikeli Bridge starting point. The longest possible loop is 3.1 km.
You can also start the trail from Kemi Inner Harbor along the Ruutinranta Path, making the distance to Kiikeli Bridge 1.4 km one way. In that case, the longest possible route is 5.9 km.
The Kiikeli trail is suitable for visitors with strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed dogs. The width of the trail allows walking, jogging, and cycling during snow-free seasons, and in winter, also snowshoeing.
A small parking area is located near Kiikeli Bridge at the end of Leppäkatu.
Kiikeli Loop (0.8 km)
From Kiikeli Point, the route continues as the Kiikeli Loop (0.8 km), ideal for fitness and day trips. The difficulty level is easy, and along the way, you can read interesting information about the area’s nature and birds. The Kiikeli Loop connects to the year-round outdoor trail.
Snellman Nature Trail (0.5 km)
The Snellman Nature Trail (0.5 km) branches off from the Kiikeli Loop. The trail is named after Lieutenant Snellman, the owner of a house that once stood at Kiikeli Point. The path led to the area’s most impressive two-story log house. After the house was abandoned, local children began calling it the “Haunted House.”
