Tornio is a city rich in art, history and culture. Admire one of the oldest wooden churches in Scandinavia and visit a museum filled with Finnish expressionist works. You can also use the city as a base to explore a nearby national park.
Things to do in Tornio
Discover wild and untouched landscapes in Bothnian Bay National Park. The park protects more than 150 square kilometres of rocky islets and is accessible only by boat. Dock on Selkä-Sarvi Island to explore a nature trail and visit the 16th-century fishing village. On islands like Vähä-Huituri and Pihlajakari, you’ll find sandy beaches where you can swim, sunbathe and picnic.
Tornio Church towers over the city and is one of the oldest and best-preserved wooden churches in Scandinavia. The church was consecrated in the late 1600s and built to honour a Swedish queen. You’ll be impressed by the enormous belltower and cavernous vaulted ceilings decorated with centuries-old paintings.
You can trace the city’s creative legacy at the Aine Art Museum, which has a diverse collection that includes a mix of modern and historic art. There’s a special focus on Finnish expressionists, who were known for their bold colours and brushstrokes. Enrich your visit with guided tours, artist-led workshops and educational lectures.
Spend the day sightseeing in Kemi. Admire sparkling sapphires and rubies at the Gemstone Gallery and attend a concert or theatrical show at the Kemi Cultural Centre. Every winter, an enchanting SnowCastle is built just north of the city. It’s one of the largest in the world and will dazzle you with its shimmering walls, furniture and art exhibitions carved from ice and snow. Enjoy a meal in the ice restaurant and stay the night at the snow hotel.
Getting around Tornio
Tornio is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is a 1.5-hour drive from Oulu and 30 minutes from Kemi. Local buses travel between the two cities in 30 minutes. Kemi-Tornio Airport is a 20-minute drive away.