Heart of Lapland, summer 2016

Culture
EASTERN SWEDISH LAPLAND – A COLOURFUL REGION
i t’s a colo u r f u l re g i o n, east e r n sw e d i s h
l a p l a n d. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that
in days gone by the populations of the two river
valleys were isolated, each on its own side of the
mountain crest separating them. In those days the
rivers were the transportation channels in both
summer and winter and the obvious pantry year
round. Settlements and villages grew up around the
rivers, subsequently developing into meeting places
and communities. Completely different languages
have developed along both of the river valleys.
By the river Kalix River, in Överkalix, Överkalixbondskan
is one of the country’s most distinctive
dialects. It differs markedly from the dialect spoken
in the neighbouring municipality of Kalix. And in
Tornedalen, Torne River Valley, a minority language
known as Meänkieli, or “Torne Valley Finnish”,
is spoken. It is closely related to Finnish. That’s
fascinating, considering that only a few kilometres
separate the two valleys. And in addition to these
three languages, Swedish, Finnish and Sami also
are spoken in the region. The border culture has
many different aspects, and at Tornedalen Museum
you can learn more about all of the dramatic
historical events that have left their stamp on life in
the area.
The churches in eastern Swedish Lapland are
unquestionably worth a tour of their very own. The
Photo: Fredrik Broman
church in Kalix is, in fact, Sweden’s northernmost
medieval church. In the Övertorneå church you can
see and listen to Sweden’s oldest organ. And you
will clearly see that the region has had, and continues
to have, exchan- ges in an east-west direction
when you visit the orthodox churches in Överkalix
and Haparanda. Sauna culture is something of a
religion of its own for eastern Swedish Lapland.
Those who believed that there is only one way to
bathe in a sauna have a lot to explore with us. Try
your hand at distinguishing between an electric
and wood-fired sauna, between a smoke sauna and
a steam sauna. And don’t miss allowing the whisk
of birch twigs to bring your skin back to life in the
heat. Now that you are here in winter, it’s obligatory
to jump right out in the snow, directly from
the sauna without a stitch of clothing. Guaranteed
rejuvenation.
The handicrafts culture is strong, and the
region’s very own hallmark is genuine and wellmade
products of the highest quality. Look for
Made in Kalix products and Kero’s supreme leather
crafts in Sattajärvi. Or visit Simu Nordic in Övertorneå.
Many tourist offices in the area sell local crafts
and can tell you more about the many skilled artisans.
Welcome to an exploration of the boundlessly
interesting culture in eastern Swedish Lapland.
Photo: Lulebild AB/Michael Törnqvist
Photo: Linda Vuollo
Kukkolaforsen - The kingdom
of saunas and whitefish
The locals of Kukkolaforsen are immensely proud of their history
and culture. Join a guided tour through the beautiful village
with its Fishing Museum and Sauna Museum. You’ll discover
how the locals worked around and in the river over 500 years
ago and still do (some fishing methods have actually stayed
the same!). www.kukkolaforsen.se
Unique whitefish fishing with net
Whitefish fishing in Kukkolaforsen is like no other fishing
experience. The method used here originates from the 16th
century and involves a net with a long shaft. This method is also
unique from a geographical point of view – it’s only used in the
Amazon River in Brazil and here in eastern Norrbotten! This
method is normally used from the beginning of June through to
mid-September.
Fancy trying this unique fishing method? At Kukkolaforsen Turist
& Konferens guests are offered the opportunity to try this unique
fishing experience. Net, fishing and instructor are catered for.
Plus, you’ll get to keep all fish you catch during the hour!
Though, you don’t need to fish yourself to be able to enjoy
exquisite flavours. In the restaurant you can order various dishes
prepared from local produce and fish caught in the area. How
about grilled whitefish in herbal sauce or a roasted salmon?
Be inspired by true
craftsmanship
The KERO company has a long and solid history. Yrjö Kero
founded the company in 1929 together with Karl Wälivaara
and made it his life’s mission to create the thriving company
that developed into the still-thriving company culture in the
small village of Sattajärvi, 20 kilometres south of Pajala in
Sweden’s far north. At KERO’s you can buy everything from
coffee bags and backpacks to knives and shoes , all made with
care and love. www.kero.se
The man who’s all about
saunas
It’s safe to say that what Svante Spolander doesn’t know
about saunas, isn’t worth knowing. He was born and raised
in Kukkola in the central parts of Torne Valley. Here the
sauna is a natural part of everyday life; the place where life
begins, where life goes on and where life ends.
- I use the sauna every day, it’s my life elixir. There I get to
enjoy some peace and quiet for myself and get a chance to
clear my head and regain energy, says Svante Spolander.
In fact, one of Svante’s first childhood memories features
the sauna. He recalls looking for his father and then found
him and other men from the village in the public sauna.
- As a little boy, at first this was a terrifying experience, all
these men and the heat from the steam. The fear soon gave
away for a sense of belonging that’s not very easy to explain.
There in the heat, without a stitch of clothing, everyone’s
the same: young or old, tall or short, Finnish or Swedish. All
wrongs and arguments are left outside the sauna. The sauna is
indeed a place for reconciliation and ever since that moment,
the sauna has been in my heart, says Svante and puts his hand
on his chest.
Discover the cultural history
The resident exhibition of Tornedalens Museum, ”Möten på
gränsen – vår gemensamma älvdal”, tells the story of the roots
of the people living here: why they have chosen this area and
how they’ve lived their lives. Visit the exhibition and find out
what archeological findings can tell us about the life thousands
and even hundreds of thousands years ago, learn about traditional
industries and the effects that war has had on the locals.
The history and stories are conveyed through artefacts, pictures,
sound and films. The proximity of the border and its impact
is a big part of the exhibition. Other typical phenomena of the
area are also represented, including cuisine, rock music, local
identity, language and dialects. www.merilapinmuseot.fi/sv
Photo: Pantheon
Photo: Tomas Bergman
WELCOME!
Visit us: Sattajärvi 320, 984 92 Pajala
14 DESTINATIONS OF SWEDISH LAPLAND KALIX PAJALA ÖVERKALIX ÖVERTORNEÅ HAPARANDATORNIO 15