Hedenäset

Hedenäset combines history along the Torne River with trails for walking and cycling. In summer, several long sandy beaches along the Torne are part of the local landscape. Those who want to plan a trip with culture, nature, and varied daily itineraries will find different points of interest in Hedenäset – from Kyrkudden and Hietaniemi Church to an old railway embankment and a combined cycle and walking path.

Kyrkudden and the history of Hietaniemi

Kyrkudden in Hedenäset was already a gathering place for markets in the Middle Ages. Today, the site still serves as a meeting place for the annual summer market. Several information boards provide details about the history and remains of the site; there is also a rest area with a view of the river. You can reach Kyrkudden from Route 99 via Hedenäset Church. From there, a gravel road approximately 400 to 500 metres long leads to the church car park.

The first Hietaniemi Church was built in 1617 on a peninsula in the Torne River to serve parishioners on both sides of the river. The wooden Hietaniemi Church was built in 1747. Its history also includes the bell: in 1717, it was stolen by Russian raiders. 170 years later, the bell was found in a castle chapel outside Saint Petersburg and returned to Hietaniemi Church as a gift from Russia. Hietaniemi Church and its bell tower burned down during the night of 26 September 2023. The Hietaniemi kyrkstuga at Kyrkudden can be rented for various gatherings.

Walking, cycling, and summer along the Torne

A combined cycle and walking path runs through Hedenäset along the road and the Torne River. During the snow-free season, the old railway embankment also offers a route for walking, cycling, and running. This allows you to combine an activity by the river with a longer route through the area, depending on your daily itinerary, without limiting your trip to a single excursion destination. The long sandy beaches along the Torne provide another reason to plan time outdoors in summer.

There are also specific destinations for shorter stays. In the second week of July, Market Week continues on Thursday in Hietaniemi/Hedenäset with a small and popular market. At Stencaféet, you can take a coffee break and buy local stone jewellery. Hábmen AB/Erica Huuva Design has a shop at Skolbacken 21, 95795 Hedenäset, Sweden. Hedenäset also has an outdoor gym.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Hedenäset, you can first determine the mix you want for your trip. If you would like to discover historical sites and local traditions, Kyrkudden, the market history, and Hietaniemi Church take centre stage. For active days, the cycle and walking path and the route along the old railway embankment are good options. In summer, you can also combine your stay with time at the sandy beaches along the Torne.

For a trip outside the warm season, Hedenäset swimming pool may be of interest: it is available for private bookings from September to May. This complements the outdoor activities with a seasonal option. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these aspects of the area are important for your stay, and use Hedenäset as a base for your personal combination of history, exercise, a market visit, and river scenery.

Other places for your travel plans

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Hedenäset, you can also include Juoksengi and Övertorneå in your travel plans.

To the overarching travel overview: Övertorneå.