ACTIVITIES
A mesmerising holiday in the gate of Lapland!
Winter
Karemajat is located in Ylitornio on top of Ainiovaara and from the yard of Karemajat starts lighted ski trails of different levels and lengths that wander throughout Ainiovaara. The mountain landscape is also well suited for snowshoeing. From the hotel reception you can rent cross-country skis and snowshoes. You can see also northern lights from Karemajat!
Behind the hotel you´ll find a 150 meters long lighted sledge slope that you can see in the winter photo. From the Karemajat there are wonderful views to Torne River and Sweden all year round. Lean-to shelters and campfire spots you don’t have to seek far. There is a lapp hut next to Karemajat and the nearest lean-to shelter is only a few hundred meters away. There opens a splendid view to the west side of the Ainovaara, whereas other lean-to shelter is located on east side of the mountain.
We also organize activities for small/big groups. For example: Huskyes, reindeers, snowmobilies.
In Ylitornio it is possible also go downhill skiing and snowboarding. The Aavasaksa Ski Resort is located about 10 km north of the Karemajat. There is one ski lift, one kids lift, 3 slopes, snow tube and sledge slope, and equipment rental. Prices are very competitive, and rapidly changing weather is not an issue here like in bigger mountains. There are also other ski centers like Ruskola Backen (Övertorneå, 15 km), Svanstein Ski (Övertorneå, 40km), Kallin hiihtokeskus (Keminmaa, 85 km), Ounasvaara (Rovaniemi, 132 km), Ylläs (Kolari, 160 km) and Levi (Kittilä, 210 km).
There are many winter activities you can do in the area. More links you will find at the bottom of this page.
Summer
From Karemajat you will a have direct access to jogging and bicycle tracks in the summer, and there is also an easy Ainiovaara nature trail, length 4km. The trail starts from Karemajat and along the trail there is a lean-to shelter on the Tornio River side. In Ylitornio there are a variety of marked nature trails, that are suitable for day outings and even an overnight trekking. For example, Aurinkovaarojen Jotos, covers a distance of about 50 km, and walking through the whole route takes two days. The route is equipped with one rental cabin (Eholampi), 2 wilderness huts, 2 kota shelters, 4 lean-to shelters and 2 campfire spots.
Summertime we recommend swimming in the Torne River or in the outdoor swimming pool in the centre of Övertorneå (Ekobadet), where you can find water slides for the children's delight. The Ylitornio indoor swimming pool is usually open until midsummer, and after summer break it opens again on August.
We have a 18-fairway frisbeegolf track nearby. You can rent frisbee golf discs from the hotel reseption. In addition, you can find also the 9-fairway frisbee golf track next to Ainiovaara ski stadium.
We organisize hiking safaries and fishing safaries to Torne River.
The free-flowing Torne River and its rapids should also be experienced. Make a trip through Pello or Tornio and check out the view of the river and its rapids on both sides of the border. Driving through Tornio and Haparanda, you can explore the Kukkolankoski rapids, where you can see the traditional smelt fishing of whitefish. Circulate through Pello and the trail hits the Kattilakoski rapids viewed from the rest area on the Swedish side, which has been selected as the most beautiful stopping place in Sweden. When driving Pello route you cross the Arctic Circle twice!
You can find activities, places to see and experience in Ylitornio and surrounding areas all year round!
Karemajat overlooks the calm flowing Torne River and the surrounding mountains, but the scenery can also be viewed from other mountains of which the closest is the famous Aavasaksa calotte mountain. Aavasaksa has been known for centuries as a Finland's southernmost point where you can see the midnight sun in midsummer night. There is also the Imperial Lodge and a viewing tower. On the top of the mountain circles also the Crown Tour, Aavasaksa scenic path, which allows you to walk over the huge boulders and to admire the views to the west, north and east. Aavasaksa is one of Finland's national landscapes and there is also one of the world heritage sites Struve Geodetic Arc.
Almost opposite of Ainiovaara on the Swedish side is Luppio mountain, which stones have been shaped like a terrace by the ice age, just as if they were formed by humans. In Luppio are also old war bunkers as well as a small look-out tower. There is also a panorama café and restaurant. The photo above is taken from the Luppio towards Ainiovaara.
More info about the area
Get to know activities and make a reservation
You can make a reservation for a paddling trip or snow mobile safari via Karemajat Johku booking site. You can rent just the equipments and make your own paddling trip as well. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are also available via Johku.
Original Laplandi provides pages where you can find variety of activities like fishing, paddling, escape games, snow mobile safaris, reindeer farm visits, biking, husky safaris, cross-country skiing and guided tours.
And here are some important things to remember!
How to hike responsibly? Here you may get to know Outdoot Etiquette.
You find Instructions for Responsible Tourism in Lapland, that helps you to visit Lapland in a way that preserves the unique local nature and maintains a positive atmosphere between tourists and local population.
And here is also a small Survival Guide.
THANK YOU! And welcome to the Torne River Valley!