Övertorneå: Torne Valley, Art and Nature

From Luppioberget, views open up over the Torne Valley; visitors can also explore interesting caves there.

Landscape and Trails

Drive to Luppioberget by car, to a car park at Lapland View Lodge, and hike from there to the summit. Kattilakoski offers views of the rapids of the Torne River. Övertorneå is located on Road 99 between Haparanda and Pajala, directly on the border with Finland. The town is accessible by bus; the nearest Swedish airport is Luleå Airport, while the nearest railway station is in Haparanda.

Near Övertorneå, the Torne River runs directly along the border between Sweden and Finland. The Isovaara Nature Reserve is located in the town and was established to protect natural values and provide opportunities for recreation. At Armasjärvi–Luppio, two adjacent mountain peaks stand separated by a large field of scree called Pirunpelto. Near Övertorneå in Pullinki, there is a restored stone cairn and a viewpoint offering one of the most impressive views in the entire valley.

The direct selection of destinations also includes Övertorneå, Hedenäset and Juoksengi.

Art and Culture

Konstens väg runs along the old railway embankment in Övertorneå and displays works of art by renowned artists. The trail can be explored on foot, by bicycle or, in winter, on skis. In the centre of Övertorneå is the artwork Tornedalskvinnan, designed like a skirt floating on the water. Tornedalskvinnan is heated to 37 °C all year round and can be used as a seat.

Övertorneå Church is known for its organ with sculptures by Mårten Redtmer. Röda Kvarn is a historic entertainment venue in Övertorneå. Aunesgården is an old local heritage and cultural farm with an exhibition about the history and culture of the Torne Valley. Övertorneå’s culture encompasses a mixture of Sámi, Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian traditions.

Nature, Water and Lively Places

Ekobadet is a public outdoor swimming pool in Övertorneå heated by solar panels; the water is 25 °C regardless of the weather. Ekobadet includes a swimming pool with a children’s area. Polar-Badet is an outdoor facility with a sauna and cold bath next to Övertorneå’s swimming hall.

The Naarajärvi Trail in the Rantajärvi Vildmark area is a 6-kilometre forest trail. It can be walked independently using a map and instructions, or as part of a guided hike. In the Rantajärvi Vildmark area, canoes can be rented at Rantajärvi. In the vicinity of Rantajärvi, near the Arctic Circle, it is possible to go ice fishing for pike, trout and perch.

The Hanhivittikko Cultural Reserve contains valuable meadow and pastureland with high biodiversity, including plants that are endangered in Sweden. Hanhivittikko invites visitors year-round to explore the grounds and look inside the buildings that are open. Guided tours offer walks among the plants, animals and buildings.

Winter and Special Trails

The Armasjärvi–Luppio Trail in Övertorneå is 5.6 kilometres long. In winter, Banvallen offers 29.1 kilometres of ski tracks along the old railway embankment through the river landscape. Dog-sledding tours are available in Övertorneå.

Excursions to observe the Northern Lights are offered in Övertorneå, including tours by snowmobile, snowmobile sled, dog sled and with a photography guide. The Reindeer Herd enables guests to meet reindeer, learn more about Sámi culture and everyday life in reindeer herding, and try lasso throwing. Contact with the reindeer takes place during the winter season, when the animals are in the enclosure.

Regional Flavours

After an approximately one-hour guided experience at Hanhivittikko, traditionally dressed Fäbod caretakers serve coffee with pastries or a meal, usually with a traditional Torne Valley character. A guided nature and dining experience with local flavours and dishes is offered at the world’s largest open-air bar and the world’s largest open-air restaurant.

To the main travel overview: Norrbotten.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Arvidsjaur, Jokkmokk, Luleå, Roknäs, Älvsbyn.