This Amazing Restaurant Is Made Entirely From Snow

Each winter in the town of Kemi in Finland, they build a stunning castle out of snow, which includes an amazing snow restaurant.

In 1996 the people of Kemi decided to build a snow castle as a gift to all the children of the world. That first castle drew over 300,000 visitors and was such a success that they did it again the next year, and every year since. Each time a different architect has been used, thus making each castle unique and different. And come the spring, it all melts away.

As well as the snow restaurant, there’s also a snow chapel, which is popular as a wedding venue, and a snow hotel, where guests can spend the night. There’s also ice sculptures, as well as other exhibitions. The area makes a great base for exploring, with plenty of other activities on offer in the region, such as a cruise on an ice breaker.

What to eat at the Kemi snow restaurant

Seated on fur-topped tree stumps and sat at a table made of solid ice must rank as a pretty unique dining experience. But the ice theme doesn’t stop there, even the drinks – made from pressed local berries – are served in solid ice cups. For something a little warmer, mulled wine and hot chocolate are provided, and if you fancy something stronger, the restaurant is fully licensed.

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The food is broad in range and simple in design so that there’s something for every visitor, but of particular note is the Snow Castle Feast (€58). This starts with a warming vegetable soup, followed by fillet of reindeer, vegetables and a sauce made with loganberries. A dessert of cranberry mousse cake brings things to a close. If you fancy something a bit lighter, then a simple lunch menu featuring Finnish pasties and soups is available.

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If you want to visit the Snow Castle, it opens in January 2018. See www.visitkemi.fi/en/snowcastle for more details.

About the author

Andrew Webb

Food & Drink Editor

Born in the Midlands and raised in the North West of England, Andrew came to London to attend St Martin's College of Art. After ten years working for the BBC and Channel 4, he set off on an eight month food tour of Britain, which led him to write his award-winning book, Food Britannia. He was previously the Editor of Lovefood.com and also produced and hosted delicious magazine's podcast. Responsible for the Culture Trip's food and drink content, he is interested in hearing about food events, product launches and potential interviews with chefs and food producers. He's also judged the British Pie Awards, reviewed restaurants, and spoken at food festivals, and so knows a good plate of food when he sees it. He can be found tweeting here @foodjournalist