Övertorneå: Culture, Nature and Winter Experiences
Nature
At Luppioberget, visitors can explore interesting caves. Luppioberget offers views over the Torne Valley. You can drive to Luppioberget as far as a car park at Lapland View Lodge and then hike to the summit.
Kattilakoski offers views of the rapids of the Torne River. Near Övertorneå, the Torne River runs directly along the border between Sweden and Finland. In the town of Övertorneå lies the Isovaara Nature Reserve, designated to protect natural values and provide opportunities for recreation. Near Armasjärvi–Luppio, two adjacent mountain peaks are separated by a large field of scree called Pirunpelto. Near Pullinki outside Övertorneå, there is a restored cairn and a viewpoint offering one of the most impressive views in the entire valley.
Culture
Konstens väg runs along the old railway embankment in Övertorneå and features artworks by renowned artists. The trail can be explored on foot, by bicycle or on skis in winter. The artwork Tornedalskvinnan is located in the centre of Övertorneå and is designed like a skirt floating on water. Tornedalskvinnan is heated to 37 °C all year round and can be used as seating.
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 in Övertorneå with an exhibition about the history and culture of the Torne Valley. Övertorneå has a rich culture with a mix of Sami, Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian traditions.
Water and Warmth
Ekobadet is a public outdoor swimming pool in Övertorneå heated with solar panels; the water is 25 °C regardless of the weather. Ekobadet has 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 Reindeer Herd enables guests to meet reindeer, learn more about Sami culture and the everyday life of reindeer herding, and try lasso throwing; contact with the reindeer takes place during the winter season, when the animals are in the enclosure.
Hiking and Nature Experiences
The Naarajärvi Trail in the Rantajärvi Vildmark area is a 6-kilometre forest route that can be walked independently using a map and following instructions, or as part of a guided hike. In the vicinity of Rantajärvi Vildmark, canoes can be rented at Rantajärvi. In the vicinity of Rantajärvi, ice fishing for pike, trout and perch is possible near the Arctic Circle.
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 see the Northern Lights are offered in Övertorneå, including tours by snowmobile, snowmobile and dog sled, as well as tours with photographic accompaniment.
Hanhivittikko and Local Flavours
Hanhivittikko invites visitors year-round to explore the grounds and look inside the buildings that are open. Hanhivittikko offers guided tours with walks among plants, animals and buildings. The Hanhivittikko Cultural Reserve contains valuable meadow and pasture areas with high biodiversity, including plants that are threatened with extinction in Sweden.
After an approximately one-hour guided experience at Hanhivittikko, traditionally dressed fäbod caretakers serve coffee with pastries or a meal, usually with a traditional Tornedalian character. A guided nature and meal experience with local flavours and dishes is offered in the world’s largest open-air bar and the world’s largest open-air restaurant.
The destination area includes Övertorneå, Hedenäset and Juoksengi.
Location
Övertorneå is located on Road 99 between Haparanda and Pajala, directly on the border with Finland. Övertorneå can be reached by bus; the nearest Swedish airport is Luleå Airport and the nearest railway station is in Haparanda.
To the higher-level travel overview: Norrbotten.
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