Snow castle 2011 / Castillo de nieve 2011 / Château de Neige 2011

February 18, 2011

Snow castle 2011 / Castillo de nieve 2011 / Château de Neige 2011

Filed under: All art pics,All snow & ice pics,Best places to go,Castle-Snow,Snow castle,Towns-Kemi,Travel in Finland,World’s biggest — Sartenada @ 09:06
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In English:

World’s biggest Snow Castle in Kemi.

I have been visiting Snow Castle (Fort) in 2006, 2009 and 2011. This year I went to there by night train spending the day in Kemi. After visiting the Snow Castle I spent one night in a hotel and next day back on day train.

Every year the Snow Castle must be rebuilt. Actually the Snow Castle is not a castle, but much more. There is ice bar, restaurant, cabinets, chapel and snow hotel. Just outside the Snow Castle there is of course Cafe and the Souvenir-shop. To children it is offering a tube sleigh and an Arctic sled in addition to all what there is to be seen inside.

Let us see some statistics. The snow castle’s area is about 5300 m²/ 57048 ft². The amount of snow is 21000 m³ = 741608 ft³. That is about 2100 lorry loads. Tables and ice sculptures ice required more than 200 m³ / 7062 ft³ which were taken from the Bothnian Bay.

The average amount of couples who get married in the chapel of Snow Castle is about 20. When I return back, I read from a local newspaper from one English couple who got married in Snow Chapel and their entourage was 24 persons. After marriage the young couple started their honeymoon on Caribbean. Well, that I understand and both of them give great experiences.

The Snow hotel has 18 doubles, two group rooms for five and of course a Honeymoon Suite. Inside temperature in these rooms is -5 ºC / 23 ºF. People are sleeping in sleeping bags.

The theme of 2011 is comic strip, because the Finnish comics celebrate this year its 100th anniversary. This means that inside can be seen familiar cartoon characters carved in ice. There are Garfield, Batman Spiderman, Moomins, Asterix, Snoopy, Lucky Luke and many more. I started my set of photos with Arctic sunset at the gates leading thru two high towers to the castle. At the end I show some snow carvings in Kemi and the last photo ends with afterglow of Arctic sunset. Well, no more talks and please let’s start the tour in the Snow Castle with me.

En español:

El Castillo de Nieve más grande del mundo en Kemi.

He visitaba Snow Castle (Fortaleza) en 2006, 2009 y 2011. Este año me fui allá en el tren nocturno pasando un día en Kemi. Después de visitar el Castillo de Nieve pasé una noche en un hotel y al día siguiente tomé de nuevo el tren y esta vez el tren diurno.

Cada año, el Castillo de Nieve debe ser reconstruido. En realidad, el Castillo de Nieve no es sólo un castillo, pero mucho más. Hay un bar de hielo, restaurante, gabinetes, capilla y hotel de nieve. Justo al lade del castillo de nieve hay, por supuesto, café y la tienda de souvenirs. A los niños se está ofreciendo un tobogán de tubo y un trineo Ártico, además de todos lo que hay que ver en el interior.

Vamoa a ver a algunas estadísticas. La zona de castillo de nieve es de unos 5.300 m² / 57,048 pies cuadrados. La cantidad de nieve es de 21000 metros cúbicos / 741.608 pies cúbicos. Eso es cerca de 2100 camiones cargados. Las tablas y esculturas de hielo requieren más de 200 m³ / 7,062 pies ³ que se tomaron de la bahía de Botnia.

La cantidad de término medio de los matrimonios en la capilla del castillo de nieve es aproximadamente20 parejas casadas. Cuando vuelvo volví, leí en un periódico local de un pareja inglés que se casó en la Capilla de Nieve y su acompañamiento fue de 24 personas. Después del matrimonio la joven pareja inició su luna de miel en el Caribe. ¡Qué buenissíma!, lo entiendo bien y ambos le dan una gran experiencia.

El hotel de nieve tiene 18 dobles, dos habitaciones para grupos de cinco y, por supuesto, una suite de luna de miel. Dentro de las habitaciones la temperatura es de -5 º C / 23 º F. La gente está durmiendo en sacos de dormir.

El tema de 2011 es personas de historietas, porque el cómic finlandés celebrará este año su 100 aniversario. Esto significa que en el interior se pueden ver personajes conocidos de dibujos animados talladas en hielo. Hay Garfield, Batman. Spiderman, Mumins, Astérix, Snoopy, Lucky Luke y muchos más. Empiezo mi serie de fotos con puestas de sol bañado a la luz del sol ártico mostrando dos altas torres que conducen al castillo. Al final les muestro algunas escalturas de nieve en Kemi y la última foto termina con el resplandor crepuscular de la puesta del sol ártico. Bueno, Ya basta la charla y vamos a empezar la excurción en el Castillo de Nieve conmigo, por favor.

En francais:

Le plus grand Château de Neige du monde á Kemi.

J’ai visité le château de neige (Fort) en 2006, 2009 et 2011. Cette année, je suis allé là par train de nuit en passant la journée à Kemi. Après avoir visité le château de neige, j’ai passé une nuit dans un hôtel et le lendemain j’ai fait mon retour à bord du train par jour.

Chaque année, le château de neige doit être reconstruit. En fait, le château de neige n’est pas un château non seulement, mais beaucoup plus. Il ya un bar de glace, restaurant, cabines, la chapelle de l’hôtel de neige. Juste à l’extérieur du château de neige il ya bien sûr un Cafe et une boutique du souvenir. Pour les enfants, il offre un tube de glisse et un toboggan Arctique, en plus de tout cela ce qui doit être vu à l’intérieur.

Voyons quelques statistiques. La zone de château de neige est d’environ 5300 m² / 57048 m². La quantité de neige est de 21000 m³ = 741608 pi ³. C’est environ 2100 camions. Les tableaux et les sculptures de glace requéraient plus de 200 m³ / 7062 ft ³ qui ont été prises de la baie de Botnie.

Le montant moyen des couples qui se marient dans la chapelle du château de neige est d’environ 20. Quand je suis rentré, j’ai lu dans un journal local d’un couple anglais qui se sont mariés dans la neige Chapelle et de leur entourage était de 24 personnes. Après le mariage, le jeune couple a commencé leur lune de miel dans les Caraïbes. Eh bien, que je le comprends bien et les deux leur donnent de grandes expériences.

L’hôtel de neige a 18 doubles, deux salles de groupes de cinq et bien sûr une suite nuptiale.La température à l’intérieur de ces chambres est de -5 º C / 23 º F. Les gens dorment dans des sacs de couchage.

Le thème de 2011 est la bande dessinée, parce que la bande dessinée finlandaise célébre cette année son 100e anniversaire. Cela signifie que l’intérieur peut être vu personnages célèbres de bande dessinée sculptés dans la glace. Il y a Garfield, Spiderman Batman, Moumines, Astérix, Snoopy et les Peanuts, Lucky Luke et beaucoup plus. Je commence ma série de photos avec le coucher de soleil arctique dans les portes avec de hautes tours du château. A la fin, je montre des sculptures de neige à Kemi et la dernière photo termine par la rémanence du coucher du soleil de l’Arctique. Eh bien, j’ai fait trop de baratin, commençons la visite au château de neige avec moi, s’il vous plaît.

Snow castle / Castillo de nieve / Château de Neige

All posts about Kemi / Todos los mensajes acerca Kemi / Tous les messages sur Kemi:

Snow castle 2013 / Castillo de Nieve 2013 / Château de Neige 2013 / Castelo de Neve 2013

Snow castle 2009 / Castillo de nieve 2009 / Château de Neige 2009

World’s Biggest Snow Castle 2012 / Castillo de nieve más grande 2012 / Château de neige le plus grand 2012

Pink church of Kemi / Iglesia rosa de Kemi / Église rose de Kemi

Walk with me / Caminen conmigo / Promenez avec moi – Kemi

My video from Snow Castle 2012 / Mi video de Castillo de Nieve 2012 / Ma vidéo de château de neige 2012:

Comments (70)

70 Comments »

Fabulous story and photos of this snow castle in Kemi! I have a friend living in Kemi, now I have to visit her and see this castle in person!!
Almost all of my relatives are living in Oulu, where also we lived before Joensuu and I could visit Oulu too during same trip. Thank you for this post and inspiration 🙂
Sunny weekend to you! We have here now only -23 degrees Celsius, yesterday morning it was -32 C.

Comment by Leena — February 18, 2011 @ 09:24 | Reply
- Hello Leena.
  
  Thank You. I am glad that You liked my post. As You noticed, I “invested” very much my mental power to this post. I have to say with full heart that it was an experience really to visit in SnowCastle this year. Best time to take outside photos is just before sunset. Here in the Southern part we had -31.5 degrees Celsius and it was this winters record. To me it is “too much”. When I was photographing in Kemi, then it was about -17 Celsius and in the morning -29 Celsius. At this time of year Sun is warming during day about 10 degrees.
  
  I wish a very happy weekend to You and Your family.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 10:46 | Reply
What a beautiful castle. And your photos taking me on a tour. I love all the different cartoon characters, especiall Sid from Ice Age :)>

Thanks for sharing.

Comment by Saravanan — February 18, 2011 @ 10:59 | Reply
- Hello Sarito.
  
  I am so glad after reading Your comment, if You felt like visiting it thru my photos. Thank You
  
  Happy weekend!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 11:40 | Reply
Cool Photos! …freezing actually, but you know what I mean 🙂
It’s an amazing concept that you can make a structure this big with snow. I’m not convinced I’d like to spend the night there though… I feel the cold, but a visit to see it in person would be amazing.
The cartoon sculptures/iceworks are the “icing” on the cake, many of them are amazingly detailed… there are some very talented artists there.

Comment by kiwidutch — February 18, 2011 @ 11:48 | Reply
- Hi Kiwidutch.
  
  Freezing… yes I understand it very well. I was for the first time in this winter using my down jacket. It keeps me warm up to -40 ºCentigrade / -40 ºFahrenheit.
  
  I agree with You about those ice works, they have been made by real artists. It is a pity that they are not eternal, but happy thing is that we can admire them thru my photos. Well, not only thru my photos, because there were tourists from everywhere from our world and they took photos and photos as I did. Thank You comenting.
  
  Happy weekend!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 12:00 | Reply
Absolument impressionnant ! Quelle belle forteresse et quel travail pour la construire ! Tous les personnages sont bien sculptés, j´ai reconnu mes favoris : Capitaine Haddock, Tintin, Milou, Les Dupont-Dupont et bien sûr le fabuleur professseur Tournesol. Merci Matti d´avoir pris ces belles photos par ce temps glacial.

Comment by isathreadsoflife — February 18, 2011 @ 11:59 | Reply
- Bonjour Isa.
  
  Mon cœur se réjouit en lisent ton commentaire et bannit le froid d’ici! Moi, j’aime Tintin depuis de nombreuses années et c’est la même chose pour mon fils. Merci en ayant fait ton commentaire.
  
  Bonne fin de semaine!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 12:36 | Reply
Hello Matti,
non non, pas trop de baratin, c’est intéressant tout ça !! 😉
Quel endroit fabuleux qui permet de se plonger dans des ambiances et des décors très variés. Je pense que les Caraïbes ont dû paraître bien banales aux jeunes mariés après ce somptueux spectacle !
Bises et bon week-end.

Comment by Marion B. — February 18, 2011 @ 16:26 | Reply
- Bonjour Marion.
  
  Merci d’avoir visité mon blog.
  
  Oui, j’ai pensé moi aussi aux jeunes et peut-être c’était une mémoire tout au long de vie pour eux!
  
  Bon week-end á toi et ta famille!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 16:37 | Reply
I’ve heard of this snow castle and have even seen a few pictures of earlier versions, but I’ve never had such an extensive tour of one before. The castle is absolutely amazing and your photos are wonderful. I would love to be able to see this in person, but I than you for taking us along with you through your pictures.

Comment by seniorhiker — February 18, 2011 @ 16:57 | Reply
- Hi George.
  
  So nice that You visited this castle “with me”. I am also glad that my photos pleased You. It was cold and to stroll around with camera in that kind of conditions frightened me, because I was afraid about how my camera resists the cold. Happily all went well.
  
  Happy week-end!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 17:11 | Reply
Superbe série , quel incroyable travail , beauté des sculptures , des jeux de lumière. Et tellement de photos , avec toi on en a pour son argent ! merci pour le partage
A bientôt

Comment by Jean-Luc Marechal — February 18, 2011 @ 17:40 | Reply
- Bonjour Jean-Luc.
  
  Je te remircie d’avoir fait ton commentaire si belle et visité avec moi le chateau. Eh bien, je suis heureux que mes photos t’as plues.
  
  Bonne journée!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 18, 2011 @ 17:47 | Reply
How delightful! Ice takes light so nicely. I especially love the woolly mammoth in the dining hall. Some years, the Saint Paul Minnesota Winter Carnival gets to do a large ice palace, but no hotel. We too are blessed with ice and snow carvers who help us enjoy our long winters. Thanks for sharing.

– Mary, The Curious Quilter

Comment by thecuriousquilter — February 18, 2011 @ 18:00 | Reply
- Hi Mary.
  
  Snow and ice carving is an art like any other arts, is my opinion. The same thing is valid for making sand statues. It is just sad that time takes these works of art out of admiration some day. New winters are coming and new pieces of art with them. Next summer again there will be sand art in Lappeenranta.
  
  I liked that Mammoth too and that is why I took from it a close-up.
  
  Thank You.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 09:13 | Reply
Wow ! What a wonderful series… I’m so glad you’ve posted this ! I really have the feeling I was there too 🙂 Thanks for sharing ! Have a great weekend 🙂

Comment by Tamara — February 18, 2011 @ 19:43 | Reply
- Hello Tamara.
  
  I am glad that You liked my post. As You see our world is wonderful and we bloggers make it known to each others.
  
  Happy week-end to You too.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 09:16 | Reply
I am amazed at the talented people who build these structures, and who carve all the artwork in such cold environment. When seeing the photos I was reminded of our visit to the ice hotel in Jukkasjärvi in Sweden in 2002, – that was a very special experience too. There was not such spectacular lighting as in this one, – the natural daylight (very soft on a grey day) coming through the ice “windows” gave a very special atmosphere inside. I did not have a digital camera at the time, so the number of photos I could take was very limited, sadly.
I enjoy seeing your photos here all the more. Thank you for taking the trouble(minus 17 is COLD), and for sharing so liberally.

Comment by kameleonquilt — February 19, 2011 @ 02:20 | Reply
- Hi Kameleonquilt.
  
  Thank You for Your visit and leaving comment. I know Jukkasjarvi, but never visited there. When photographing ice is “funny thing”. Without any artificial (color) light it might give the result that ice is grey inside the castle, but if is daylight with is enough strong, it strengthens ice. I wrote earlier to Leena, that the best time is to go for photographing is just before sunset. Those first two photos verify my thoughts. Actually I visited the castle twice. Once on midday and later just before sunset. Some photos I took at midday, but some photos I photographed again later in the evening.
  
  To me, although this was the third time visiting the castle, is every time a “new experience” and it causes to me a problem how to photograph inside the castle. I solved this problem to take my shots by setting ISO 3200 and no flash light. I do not know if it is really the best way, but the result can be here.
  
  Happy week-end.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 09:31 | Reply
Oh my goodness! How fascinating and what a place full of colors and sculptures! How in the world can a place like this be built! It sure looked cold, though, but what fun to visit. Lovely photo series. I enjoyed this. 🙂

Comment by Anna — February 19, 2011 @ 02:43 | Reply
- Hello Anna.
  
  To build this kind of place requires plenty of planning, material, great artists and of course the cold weather. Also it is important that the material is available nearby the castle and in this case it is. The time to build it took nearly two months! This was the 16th Snow Castle and last year the number of visitors was 104000 visitors.
  
  Thank You Anna for Your comment.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 09:40 | Reply
Thank you for the excellent photos! What an incredible place that is! The cartoon theme was very well done and attractive. I have heard of snow castles or palaces, but this is by far the best I’ve seen.

Comment by montucky — February 19, 2011 @ 04:13 | Reply
- Hi Montucky.
  
  Thank You praising my photos. I am so glad if I my photos succeeded to make people interested in the beauty of ice and snow carving.
  
  Happy week-end!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 09:46 | Reply
Simply INCREDIBLE!! This is a fantastic series, I love all your photographs excellently captured all the elements, your good composition…the colours and mood really magical, very inviting..it makes me want to visit the snow castle right now!!! Superb 5-STARS or maybe more than 5***** I give towards this wonderful series, thank you very much for your great effort in presenting this amazing collection which I truly enjoyed so much!!
Have a great weekend, Sartenada!

Comment by Anne — February 19, 2011 @ 12:51 | Reply
- Hi Anne.
  
  So nice to read that You appreciate my effort for this post. Well, I nearly could say that welcome by Finnair flight, but we restart our direct flights to Singapore in May and then it is too late for visit. Well, of course there other companies…
  
  I am so glad about Your comment. Thank You.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 13:10 | Reply
Wow! That is amazing! It bogles my mind to think of all the time and effort that went into building this castle. How long dose it typically last? I bet it would be interesting to visit the ruins as well when it starts to melt.

Comment by kateri — February 19, 2011 @ 14:47 | Reply
- Hello Kateri.
  
  Officially the season ends expire on April 8 th, 2011, depending the prevailing weather conditions. This winter has been hard now few weeks, but situation can change soon. At first time when I visited it in April 4th, 2006, I noticed that Spring had melted snow and that mean concretely that snow was no more so pure.
  
  I have the opinion that rests of Snow Castle are quite soon taken away, because the place is onboard of the sea in summer harbor area, summer pavilions and cafeterias will to be opened for summer season decorating boulevards and cruises on sea start.
  
  Thank You Kateri.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 19, 2011 @ 15:53 | Reply
Hooray! Another post about the snow castle. I love the entertainment theme of it this time. I’m so glad you shared these pictures. BTW, I added a visit to here to my bucket list thanks to your suggestion!

Comment by elleswim — February 19, 2011 @ 21:36 | Reply
- Hello Elleswim.
  
  So nice to read Your comment. Thank You so much. Happy Sunday!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 09:43 | Reply
Another superb Blog, with really amazing photos. I really loved photos 13 to 17, as you walked towards the mammoth. It is a beautiful carving.I like the sculptures from ice blocks in 23 and 24 and the outside photos 56 to 60. I think all the carvings are excellent, I just wish that they had not chosen American cartoons for Finland, although I realise that it would be good for tourism and children would enjoy them. I was amused by your story of the couple who were married in the ice chapel and then finished their honeymoon in the Caribbean. Thank you for this great visit, to a very unusual place.

Comment by jackiequeen — February 19, 2011 @ 23:08 | Reply
- Hi Jackie.
  
  Photos 23 and 24 are showing the chapel. It is a little bit hard to recognize that is the chapel. One mark might be that hanging ship model, because in many of our churches we have so called “Votive ships” and fur covered pews. But in reality when inside the chapel it is clear water that it is chapel. Those photos from 56 to 60 please me too and personally I am proud of 59 and 60. Why? I think that I managed to capture the cold, arctic night and its feeling in them.
  
  About those cartoons. The fact is that Finland is in Europe the most “American” country. Well, some of us are not proud of it, because it is slowly “killing” one’s identity. As a small country and having our own, but extremely difficult language I wish that our own identity remains. I think also that having own identity among the peoples of the world is richness. Internet, net radios, net TV, blogs, Facebook, music and whatever affect on young people more than to elder generation. Our world is shinking. I remember about 30 or 20 years ago when French people was worried about their language because English words in daily use was “too heavy”.
  
  Thank You Jackie. Have a wonderful Sunday!
  
  P.S. Let us see who finds my two photos from hotel rooms!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 09:42 | Reply
Gorgeous series…wish we’re there to see these in person. Thank you for sharing and giving us this wonderful journey. So glad to find you again. we’re planning to visit Finland next year.

Comment by nopham — February 20, 2011 @ 02:19 | Reply
- Hi Nopham.
  
  It was so nice to read that You liked my post. Well, if You plan to come to Finland next summer, You’ll find plenty of interesting places and happenings to visit here in my blog. After few weeks, I am publishing my absolute favorite place in Finland and easy to make a trip from Helsinki.
  
  Have a wonderful Sunday.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 09:51 | Reply
Hello Sartenada,
I found your blog site through Ed’s “Thoughts from the Road” “Sunday Stills”…. I am Ed’s step-father and follow his blog closely, although I rarely comment on any of his photos since I get to comment in person and directly to him. His mother, my wife, does post on the blog site… she is dibear – her blog site is “Retired and lovin’ it”… I noticed your comment on Ed’s Sunday stills this morning and noted that it appeared to have been translated, so clicked on your name and followed it to your blog site….

Loved the snow castle pictures..but more especially I liked the wacky statues.. they were very interesting and lovingly done.

I also read your bio and noted that you and I more or less followed the same career path… I worked for 11 years for TWA, based in San Franciso. I was also more or less a jack of all trades… I was load master on the cargo planes for a few years, then transferred to the ramp where I was load master on the passenger planes for a couple of years, I also did work in the FIC (flight information coordination) office where I arranged aircraft positioning into and out of SF. I was working the night that flight 72 was hijacked out of Los Angeles en route to SF and landed in SF with the hijacker on board where he agreed to deplane most of the passengers and then was shot by a Brinks guard who was on board the plane.. an exciting night of work. I left the airlines in 1976 and went into freight forwarding until I retired in 2005.

Love your shots… I think I’m going to add your blog to my favorites to watch… great job.

Comment by Chuck Ellis — February 20, 2011 @ 16:11 | Reply
- Hi Chuck.
  
  Thank You Chuck. It was interesting to read about Your career. There is one more common thing. In 1978 Caravelle with 5 crew and 43 passengers was hijacked on its daily route from Oulu to Helsinki. I was working at that time in Ramp Control as chief and I was the only link between authorities and the pilot in command in cockpit thru our own radio channel. It was hard because the hijacker required this and that and authorities seemed to “dawdle” in their decisions. Okay this is not the right forum to tell all, but what coincidences our world is full.
  
  Fic seems to be nearly same kind of organization as our Ramp Control. It had responsibility to coordinate leaving and landing flight, giving information to pilots, mechanics, ground personnel who relayed info to passengers and much, much more. We had masters of “Follow-.me-cars” in the same room as we worked, but they were airport officials. I am still grateful to my company when I was flying during 5 years as flying officer. That was time which remains all my life in my mind. To sit in cockpit during five years and to see how airplane is flown is great experience. My farthest place in which I visited in this job was Buenos Aires in Argentina. We transported from Berlin to Buenos Aires Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra with all of their instruments. Task was not so easy, because lack of space to load all instruments and how to calculated Balance Chart correctly when having instruments loaded on hat racks. Aircraft type was DC-8-62CF. Flying officer was also somehow the same as You described ” jack of all trades”, he had to organize all at destinations.
  
  I am glad that my wacky statues also pleased You in addition to these of Snow Castle.
  
  Happy Sunday Chuck!
  
  I forgot to say that I have a post from old DC3:
  
  https://sartenada.wordpress.com/category/vintage-dc-3/
  
  It might be interesting to You.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 18:05 | Reply
Very cool post and pics, I even noticed the Thompson Twins from the Tin Tin Books..:-))

Comment by Ed — February 20, 2011 @ 16:18 | Reply
- Hello Ed.
  
  So nice to read that You visited my post liked my photos. Thank You. Happy Sunday!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 17:34 | Reply
I think the hotel rooms must be 34 and 35, with all that fur. If the carvings had been perhaps of characters in Finnish Fairy Stories, or even Scandinavian, then American and non Scandinavians would have learnt something of your culture.

Comment by jackiequeen — February 20, 2011 @ 16:25 | Reply
- Hi again Jackie.
  
  Yes, You are right and the number 33 is showing the corridor to rooms.
  
  We have in Finland only Moomins which are famous ouside Finland. Those characters can be seen on towers. Children still love them, although times have passed. I think that Moomins are loved due to that because in their stories are no violence! In Japan Moomins are known maybe best outside Finland. Here is a photo from MD11 with Moomins theme:
  
  http://aviationphotos.fi/view/112
  
  In Naantali there is Moomins world:
  
  http://www.muumimaailma.fi/in_english
  
  More info about Moomins:
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moomin
  
  I agree Your thoughts about more Finnish or Scandinavian cartoon would have been great to present.
  
  Thank You again.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 20, 2011 @ 17:32 | Reply
The ice castle is beautiful and looks very cold. If I remember right you had some photos once where they stored these ice sculptures during the warmer months. Not sure, but I’ve seen them somewhere. You took some very clear and crisp photos, they look great.

Comment by Preston Surface — February 21, 2011 @ 01:09 | Reply
- Hi Preston.
  
  So nice that You left Your comment here. About those photos, You mentioned, it might be so that You have seen some of them in my About-page or in my Snow Castle 2009.
  
  Have a wonderful day!
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 21, 2011 @ 08:30 | Reply
You make me want to fly to Suomi right now to see the castle myself!
I know Suomi is famous for its many, many lakes!
But I didn’t know snow can be so famous out there.

I wonder if their toilets are also made from ice?
It must be very cold to on them! Ha ha…
Even worse, cold ice can make your bum stick on the surface?!

Comment by London Caller — February 21, 2011 @ 04:18 | Reply
- Hello London Caller.
  
  So nice that You remembered that Finland is called in Finnish Suomi. Thank You. I am sure that You knew that toilets are in another place. 🙂 I liked your sense of humor. Well, they were just behind the cafeteria that I mentioned and they are clean. I checked that one meant for Gents. LOL.
  
  Cold ice is not slippery!!! It is slippery when the temperature is varying just below or just up zero centigrade / 32 ºFahrenheit. Thank You commenting.
  
  Happy Monday.
  
  Comment by sartenada — February 21, 2011 @ 08:39 | Reply
Good morning Matti,
I love the ice castle very much. Figures 1 to 6 are a nice introduction to this series. The sunset gives a pleasant atmosphere, including the lighted ice. Figure 3 looks very dangerous (laughter) from. I hope that no one was eaten. I like it including the color.
In the images of 7-12, I saw the Simpson family. The little Smurf on the mushroom I did very well, including in the images 31 and 32 Figures 13 to 19 are my favorites. The blue lighting including the interior are to my taste. Above all, I recognized the characters from the movie Ice Age 3, the mammoth Manny, the sloth Sid and the saber-toothed tiger Diego. I saw this movie some years ago in the cinema. In Figure 26 I saw Garfield the cat. In Figure 27, I saw Spiderman. In Figure 64 I saw Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. All other figures are unknown to me. In images 36 to 39, I enjoyed the sleigh ride. For children and adults it is a fun occasion. The figures 40 to 42 are also very interesting and beautiful including the lighting. The pictures 43-46 are also among my favorites. The colors including lighting I really liked. In Figure 43 I realized Asterix and Obelix. The two enjoyed many adventures with the Romans. Thank God there was the magic potion to strengthen it. The colors in Figure 47 work, invigorating. The figures in the images 48 to 52 are unknown to me. The lighting incl colors in Figure 53 is also my favorite. In Figure 54 are you if I am right. If it is so, it is also one of my favorites in the first place. It’s nice to see you in warm clothes. I think that the temperatures are very cold in the ice castle. The design in Figure 56 to 60, very interesting. In Figure 63 I discovered Lucky Luke. He experienced many adventures. The images 66 to 72 are a nice way to end this fantastic series. I thank you for allowing me to watch this series and look forward to the next. Thank you for all your nice comments and stars in my blog.
We wish you and Anja, all the best and health on your common everyday ways. God bless you both. Please check the e-mails. Dear greetings Christel and Detlev

Comment by Christel — February 22, 2011 @ 01:35 | Reply
Hello Christel.

Thank You commenting my post. You are about the photo 54, Yes, it is me in this photo. Photo was taken by one young Japanese girl who can be seen in next photo. It read that You like Asterix, so nice. Nowadays there are some real movies, not only comics, and they are great. We bough “Asterix bei den Olympischen Spielen” somewhere in Germany. In this movie there is great humor with the former Formel 1 pilot Michael Schumacher in short role. The stomach is “ill” with laughter when looking at these movies. Lucky Luke is one of my favorites and he is fast.

It was so nice that You noticed sleigh ride in photos 36 to 39. This model is very traditional sleigh in Finland. When I was young there was one on nearby lake. Normally it is on ice and then on ice it is rotating very fast. I can say that is was on those days like “poor man’s” widget on an amusement park! 🙂 Now in Snow Castle it was on snow, that’s a pity, but it gave a good idea how it is working. Those two people were guides of castle who presented it in action. I guess that this kind of sleight is not known anywhere else than in areas of cold countries and then on areas where there are lakes nearby.

I got Your mail with nice photos. Thank You so much.

Herzliche Grüße!

Comment by sartenada — February 22, 2011 @ 07:38 | Reply
Great pictures. i really will have to go one year.

Comment by bagnidilucca — July 30, 2011 @ 09:23 | Reply
- Hi Bagnidilucca.
  
  That was nice to hear. What is best month or time for visit is relative. Personally I like in February before our winter holidays begin. They begin generally speaking in the fourth week of February. If You visit in Kemi, then also visit its Pink church
  
  Happy weekend!
  
  Comment by sartenada — July 30, 2011 @ 11:01 | Reply
Wow seems like an awesome place. Your photos of it are amazing!

Comment by AvocadoPesto — September 15, 2011 @ 16:14 | Reply
- Hello AvocadoPesto.
  
  Thank You. I am so glad that my winter photos pleased to You and that You made so nice comment.
  
  Happy Thursday!
  
  Comment by sartenada — September 15, 2011 @ 16:19 | Reply
Wow. Absolutely gorgeous photos. I am definitely adding the SnowCastle to my travel list! Thanks so much for the gorgeous insights. Your use of lighting is also very beautiful.
Kate

Kate Silver
http://www.thekatesilver.wordpress.com

Comment by Kate Silver — September 28, 2011 @ 15:47 | Reply
- Hello Kate.
  
  Your comment was so nice to read. Thank You. If You come some winter in Finland, then this is a “must”. It is situated in small town called Kemi. In Kemi You could also take a cruise on an icebreaker called Sampo! From Helsinki it can be reached by plane or train. I love night train (departure in the evening and arrival in the next morning); because in sleeping cabins there is also shower!
  
  Have a lovely Day!
  
  Comment by sartenada — September 28, 2011 @ 16:18 | Reply
Very interesting and above all colorful photos!
It seems quite uncomfortable to me, to sleep with -5 degrees, even in a sleeping bag, while I already have troubles to sleep when the temperature is below +15 degrees at night 🙂

Comment by insiderbrazil — October 13, 2011 @ 06:46 | Reply
- Hello Insiderbrazil.
  
  I think it is an experience that one never forgets. 🙂 Well in the town called Kemi there are nice small and intimate hotel. The snow castle is only one kilometers walk from hotels. Kemi has also pink church which is worth for visit.
  
  Thank You for Your comment and visit.
  
  Comment by sartenada — October 13, 2011 @ 07:02 | Reply
It looks really interesting! I think it’s worth a visit when I go to Finland one day.

Comment by Bama — October 19, 2011 @ 17:09 | Reply
- Hi Bama.
  
  Thank You for Your opinion. Best time for visit is in February and in two first weeks in March. Check that it is ready and open. It is worth of visit. In February nights are deep dark, sky full of blinking stars etc.
  
  Happy travel.
  
  Comment by sartenada — October 20, 2011 @ 08:16 | Reply
Amazing pictures! Love it. What a lovely place to live in. I’ll have to visit Kemi one day 🙂

Comment by skybambi — November 30, 2011 @ 02:23 | Reply
- Hi Skybambi.
  
  Thank You for Your visit and commenting. If You come someday, then the best time is in February, generally it opens in the beginning of February. Also two first weeks of March are good. Personally I prefer February, because the Northern night is then at its best.
  
  Happy travelling to You.
  
  Comment by sartenada — November 30, 2011 @ 09:02 | Reply
Lovely, Great images!!!

Comment by keltrustsnoone — January 19, 2012 @ 18:04 | Reply
- Hello keltrustsnoone.
  
  Thank You. I am very glad that You liked my photos.
  
  Have a lovely day!
  
  Comment by Sartenada — January 19, 2012 @ 18:11 | Reply
Absolutely spectacular images! 7, 13, 14, 15, 61 and 66 – incredible! These pictures should be in a book, they are magnificent. I am just a mere traveler, and someone who likes to take photographs – you are the true photographer!

Comment by luchaniktravel — June 13, 2012 @ 19:06 | Reply
- Hello Luchaniktravel.
  
  I am glad that You checked this post. The place is fantastic although there is cold. Happily man “invented” clothes to prevent freezing. 🙂 The town is small itself and not so much to see. There is also possible to make a cruise on an Ice Breaker and to swim among ice.
  
  Cruising on Sampo – Arctic Icebreaker
  
  I think that this You should experience!
  
  Thank You for Your comment. Happy day!
  
  Comment by Sartenada — June 14, 2012 @ 06:22 | Reply
Fabulous shots!!

Comment by Where's Wiwi? — October 26, 2012 @ 21:55 | Reply
- Hi Where’s Wiwi?
  
  The place is gorgeous and it is worth for a visit. Thank You praising my photos.
  
  Have a lovely week-end!
  
  Comment by Sartenada — October 27, 2012 @ 09:32 | Reply
All I can say is WOW, WOW,WOW ! Amazing and beautiful world of ice. Loved my armchair tour today thanks from down under.

Comment by linnyjcreations — December 16, 2012 @ 06:23 | Reply
- Hello Linny.
  
  It seems indeed, that You enjoyed my photos. Thank You very much for Your comment.
  
  Have a great Sunday!
  
  Comment by Sartenada — December 16, 2012 @ 16:42 | Reply
¡Que belleza! tus imágenes lo cuentan todo, debe ser maravilloso poder estar ahí, besos Matti

Comment by ManoliRizoFotografia — December 29, 2012 @ 05:04 | Reply
- Saludos Manoli.
  
  Muy bien. Me encanta que te gusten mis fotos. Muchas gracias al hacer tu comentario tan amable.
  
  Besitos.
  
  Comment by Sartenada — December 29, 2012 @ 16:18 | Reply
Wow! This is a really impressive place. 🙂

Comment by mskatykins — February 13, 2013 @ 12:50 | Reply
- Hi Katy.
  
  Thank You for Your kind words. As I told to You, we revisited the castle last Tuesday. We were very lucky, because sun was shining there which means that I got awesome photos. We started our car trip to Kemi early in the morning at 4:07 A.M. and arrived to Kemi at 1:00 P.M, meaning 9 hours driving thru icy and snowy roads. On Wednesday we visited Arctic Circle. Now I have winter photos from there. Yesterday (Thursday), we drove back to our home from Rovaniemi. The trip took 10:15 minutes. Finally at home we were happy but tired.
  
  Have a wonderful day!
  
  Comment by Sartenada — February 15, 2013 @ 08:59 | Reply