Överkalix between the Kalix River, forests and history

Överkalix is a destination for anyone who wants to combine riverbanks, forest trails and local history. The beach promenade is situated along the Kalix River and directly borders the centre of Överkalix. The central district is located on a peninsula, providing a clear starting point for getting your bearings locally. There is also a skate park along the illuminated promenade.

Riverside trails, views and activity

On Grelsbyberget, trails and exercise routes lead to rest areas with views, as well as information about the town and its surroundings. Nearby Brännaberget, located close to the centre, also offers views of Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains. A road leads to Brännaberget, where there is also a large car park. Those who like to include different trail lengths and viewpoints in their daily plans will find various options here.

The Malungsberget nature reserve is located in the vicinity of Överkalix. It comprises three mountain peaks, extensive rocky areas and scree fields with old pine trees; several of these pines are more than 450 years old. In the Laxforsberget nature reserve, a hiking trail leads from Jockfall to the summit through primeval forest with old pines and deciduous woodland. There is also an older rest cabin on Laxforsberget. Such destinations are suitable for travel plans in which nature experiences and breaks at viewpoints play an important role.

Waterfalls, river and nature experiences

In the vicinity of Överkalix, the 9-metre-high Jockfallet forms the highest drop in the Kalix River. In Jockfall, there are opportunities for fishing, hiking and cycling. Linafallet is a 16-metre-high waterfall described as the highest waterfall in Norrbotten; it has a largely accessible viewing platform. On the journey from the centre of Överkalix to Jockfall, you cross the Arctic Circle.

The Kalix River flows through Överkalix and is one of Sweden’s pristine, protected national rivers. A sauna raft trip can be booked on the river. While you sauna and swim, an experienced chef from River Rafters prepares dinner. Salmon fishing is possible in the Kalix River and in the Ansvar-Polcirkeln and Ängesån fishery conservation areas. For planning your own activities, Naturkartan for Överkalix provides detailed descriptions of outdoor activities as well as maps, GPS data and contour lines.

Culture, everyday life and special discoveries

The present-day Överkalix kyrka was inaugurated in 1943. A chapel already stood on the site in 1636. The church’s baptismal font is made from stone sourced locally. Individual visitors can view icons and works of art at Sirillus if they contact the organisation in advance.

The Holgers Traktormuseum, with up to around 200 tractors and other historic machines, is located in the village of Svartbyn. These include fire engines, lorries, crude-oil engines, motorcycles, boat engines and chainsaws. Nearby, Jakobgården offers a sheep experience: visitors can feed the sheep and enjoy fika in the sheep pasture or at the farm shop. Överkalix sommarmarknad takes place every year on the third weekend in July and is an important tradition for the residents of Överkalix, returning visitors and tourists.

Getting there and choosing your accommodation

Överkalix can be reached by car via the E10 and National Road 98. By bus, you can reach the town via Länstrafiken Norrbotten. When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore first consider what you want to focus on during your trip: the beach promenade, the skate park and the viewpoints around the centre favour staying in the town itself.

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Överkalix, you can also visit the page for Lansjärv.

For the overview of the wider region: Överkalix.