WWW.HEARTOFLAPLAND.COM The five main towns: Kalix, Haparanda, Övertorneå, Överkalix and Pajala, are within comfortable distance <strong>of</strong> each other. This means that you don’t need to choose – you will be able to explore the entire region while you are here on holiday without having to take long trips in your mobile home. Experience the river valleys DISCOVER DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF THE DIFFERENT PLACES AND FIND YOUR FAVOURITE.
KALIX - WHERE RIVER AND SEA MEET Kalix is beautifully situated where the impressive and pristine Kalix River flows into the Gulf <strong>of</strong> Bothnia. The waters around Kalix are hiding fabulous riches. There are a lot <strong>of</strong> wild salmon and you’ve probably heard <strong>of</strong>, perhaps even eaten the gold <strong>of</strong> the sea – Kalix bleak roe (Kalixlöjrom). Kalix bleak roe is unique and is therefore origin protected under the European Union standard. The proximity to the East has characterized Kalix and the old wars against Russia have left their mark. In the area there are graves <strong>of</strong> Russian soldiers who perished on Swedish soil. And according to legend, there should be spoils <strong>of</strong> Russian gold buried in the woods north <strong>of</strong> Pålänge. Today it still attracts people into the forest to dig for gold. In Kalix, you don’t need not choose between coastal or river – here you’ll find both <strong>of</strong> them. Let yourself be surprised by the adventure and tranquility in an environment where the guests are always at the center. PAJALA - WHERE CULTURE FLOURISHES Pajala is molded by a century-long clash and melting pot between Finnish, Swedish and Sámi traditions. The Torne River Valley heritage and identity is deeply rooted in these three cultures, so far as becoming the home <strong>of</strong> a minority language <strong>of</strong> its own – Meänkieli. Not to mention the food! The local food traditions, dating back hundreds <strong>of</strong> years, <strong>of</strong>fer many joyful surprises. Such as Kaffeost, cheese you eat with or in your c<strong>of</strong>fee, and more. <strong>Summer</strong> in Pajala is something special – fishing, canoeing or rafting trips on any <strong>of</strong> the five pristine rivers, the cloudberries on the wetlands, elk hunting and berry picking. Enjoy our nature, culture and see our handicrafts traditions. Let the adventure take you away, listen to the silence and you will understand our pride in our home region. ÖVERTORNEÅ - THE HEART OF THE BORDER COUNTRY With good neighbors such as Finland and the Arctic Circle, Övertorneå has something to say about friendship – and making the most <strong>of</strong> borders. All friendships begin in the sauna, as we all know, and here’s plenty <strong>of</strong> it to go around. Try a traditional sauna, smoke sauna and why not a sauna raft along the Torne River? History, the nearness to Finland and the pure nature gives Övertorneå a special kind <strong>of</strong> character. ÖVERKALIX - WHERE PAST AND PRESENT COME TOGETHER This charming little town, nestled in the woodlands by the Arctic Circle, has many stories to tell. Fishing stories, that is. Some <strong>of</strong> Sweden’s best fishing spots are to be found here along with beautiful scenery, mighty waterfalls, rapids, and a very charming city center. Bring your fishing rod – and camera, here’s a lot to catch your eye. HAPARANDATORNIO - OUR BORDERLESS TWIN TOWN The border towns <strong>of</strong> Haparanda in Sweden and Torne in Finland have today grown into one single unit – HaparandaTorne. Visiting this area means twice the range <strong>of</strong> goods, culture, entertainment, education, and more. Since IKEA and several other large chain stores have chosen to establish here, HaparandaTorne has evolved into a vibrant commercial center, visited by millions <strong>of</strong> people annually. Other small shops as Butiken på Landet, Taavolagården, Udda med Flit and Pesula Gårdsbutik are well worth a visit. There is also a Swedish-Finnish border culture, developed through centuries with sauna, fishing traditions, smuggling and multilingualism. This border region has also been witness <strong>of</strong> wars and many other dramatic events through the years. Traces <strong>of</strong> history can still be seen, like the Orthodox Church, trading houses, museums and a manifold <strong>of</strong> monuments. The border itself has a special magic. As with the Swedish and Finnish time zones: on the local golf course, you can hit a ball over the border – and it will land an hour earlier because <strong>of</strong> the time difference. There are also great opportunities for recreation outside the city centers. You can find peace and tranquility in the beautiful Torne Valley, full <strong>of</strong> traditional culture, or enjoy nature in the unique Archipelago. Stop a day or two and explore the new meeting place in the north.
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