Time Zone |
Europe/Helsinki |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Jerusalem |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Located on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia in northwestern Finland, Kemi is an important gateway city to Lapland, just an hour's drive from the Arctic Circle. This small seaside town of 19,000 attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique polar landscapes and world-famous ice architecture.
Kemi's most famous landmark is the Ice Castle, rebuilt every winter, a magical castle made of sea ice that includes a hotel, church and art gallery. Visitors can also experience an icebreaker trip on the Sampo, where they can feel the shock of ice breaking up on the frozen sea and take part in the unique activity of floating on the ice.
As an aurora spot, Kemi is home to the Northern Lights from September to March. In the summer, the spectacle of the Midnight Sun takes place, and outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing can be enjoyed during the white nights. The city is also home to Havisanda, the longest food street in Northern Europe, offering authentic Lappish specialties.
Kemi is easily accessible by plane or train from Helsinki. The best seasons to visit are December to April (ice activity) and June-August (Midnight Sun). It is advisable to book accommodation in ice hotels in advance and prepare cold weather gear for extreme temperatures of -30°C.
Arad is a modern city in the Negev Desert in southern Israel, located about 103 kilometers east of Jerusalem and about 50 kilometers north of the Dead Sea, where the desert meets the oasis, making it one of the transportation and economic hubs of southern Israel. Founded in the 1960s to receive immigrants, the city has grown into a multicultural city with a population of about 24,000 and is known for its inclusiveness and innovative spirit. Arad is surrounded by a wealth of natural and historical resources: with Masada National Park (a World Heritage Site) to the west, and the Dead Sea and the Ngodi Desert to the east, it is an ideal base for exploring the desert landscape, floating in the Dead Sea and hiking. The city's internationally acclaimed Arad Music Festival attracts visitors from all over the world. With its pleasant desert climate, clean air and unique location, Arad has become an important center of tourism, science and technology, and agricultural innovation in Israel, blending the energy of a modern city with the charm of the natural wilderness.