Tornio / Torneå
The city of Tornio (Swedish: Torneå) lies in the southwest of Finland’s Lapland region, directly on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, the northernmost part of the Baltic Sea. Together with the Swedish city of Haparanda Tornio also forms the northernmost point of the Baltic Sea. A settlement of indigenous tribes existed at the site of today’s city from an early date. The city itself was founded at the beginning of the 17th century by order of the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. Finland was part of Sweden at that time. Tornio, on the Baltic Sea, has always been a centre of trade with Lapland. The Tornionjoki River (Swedish: Torneälv) connects the city to the inland region and has formed the border between Sweden and Finland since 1809.
Aines Kunstmuseum in Tornio
Photo: © HaparandaTornio_TouristOffice
The twin cities of Tornio and Haparanda
Despite their different time zones, languages and currencies (Sweden is not a member of the eurozone), the two cities on the Baltic coast of the Gulf of Bothnia effectively form a single unit. They share a coat of arms and promote themselves in every field with the motto “Borderless experiences together.” Tornio’s centre lies on an island in the Tornionjoki, which is very wide near its mouth. Further joint infrastructure projects are planned for the two cities, whose cooperation is unparalleled.
Tourism and active holidays
Tornio has a strong industrial character. A unique attraction is the cross-border golf course. Because the course spans two time zones, the ball effectively stays in the air for a whole hour during play. Several historic buildings bear witness to the city’s past, including the single-nave wooden church from the 17th century and the wooden town hall, built in 1874. The city and its surroundings offer a wide range of opportunities for an active, relaxing family holiday on the Baltic coast and in the hinterland. Fishing trips, canoe excursions, wilderness tours, berry picking and snowmobile trips on land and ice in winter are just some of the options. Holiday accommodation is available both in and outside the city, including hotels, holiday homes and campsites.
A holiday on the Baltic coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, in and around the Finnish city of Tornio, combines active pursuits with relaxation, nature with urban atmosphere—whether among the skerries in summer or out on the ice and in the wilderness surrounding the city in winter.
