Enjoy a summer staycation with lots of activities in the central parts of Övertorneå

 
 

Swim in the public outdoor pool

If you like pools better than open waters, visit the public outdoor pool Ekobadet. It is a popular place for families and friends to hang out on those hot summer days. When it is cloudy and the air is a bit more cool, you can still keep warm in the 25°C water, warmed by solar panels.

 
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Make your own wooden cup

You have probably drank from a wooden cup a million times. Perhaps you have gifted it to someone who is not from the north. But have you ever made your own wooden cup? At Forest Jewel you can create your own unique wooden cup, engrave it and even get a kitschy inauguration!

 
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Swedish Fika amongst flowers

Arctic Garden serves lighter lunches and Swedish Fika most days. In this flower shop-café, you can check out a fun plant or a beautiful flower and shop for interior decorations They also have outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching.

 

Meänkieli – the minority language

 

Meänkieli translates to Our Language and is a minority language in Sweden. It has been spoken for hundreds of years in the north and is similar to Finnish. Few people today speak Meänkieli as their only language, most speak Swedish and some Finnish as well. It has become more and more popular again amongst the youths and you can even take a university course in Meänkieli!

Read more here

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Hamburger cravings

In the mood for a straightforward burger? Get your fix at Övertorneå Grillen in central Övertorneå!

 
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Try a new pizza flavor

If pizza is more your thing, walk along the main street Matarengivägen to La Bontè. Dare to try a Härk or stick to the classic Vesuvio.

 
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Parisian vibes

Röda Kvarn translates to The Red Mill and is an interesting building in central Övertorneå. Even if you live here and see it almost every day, it is worth to stop and take a good look. It is built from leftover railway materials, hence the characteristic A-shape. Röda Kvarn has been a place for entertainment for about a century and sometimes it still opens for live music or movies. Did you know that it is named after Moulin Rouge (meaning The Red Mill) in Paris?

 
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Check out a controversial art piece

Never has something been so talked about in Övertorneå. The art piece Tornedalskvinnan (Torne Valley Woman) outside the pharmacy in central Övertorneå is created by Helena Byström and depicts a skirt floating on top of water. It has built-in heating, which makes it nice to sit on during the winter. Perhaps you’ve read about it or seen it on social media. Take a closer look IRL* this summer.

*IRL = In Real Life

 

Did you know?

Legend has it that there is a treasure buried somewhere around the lake Särkijärvi.

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The Road of Arts

While you are into art, you can walk down to the old railway embankment parallell to the main street Matarengivägen. The old railway is long gone and in 2018, The Road of Arts opened up in its place. A couple of artworks are already in place and more will be installed further south. The recreational path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, jogging or a bike ride.

 

Stay central

Tornedalens Bed & Breakfast offers simple, fresh and central accommodation within walking distance to everything in Övertorneå. Perfect for you who are looking for a budget-friendly option.

 
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The strange tales of the church

Övertorneå church has a rich and exciting history. It was erected in its place after a massive spring flood in the 1600s, which destroyed the old church upstreams. The first version of Övertorneå church at the new site was however built without a permit and classified as a jerry building. In the late 1700s a strange chain of events led to the purchase of an organ from the German Church in Stockholm. The organ is related to he famous Vasa ship – its ornaments are made by the same dude. Visit the church and see the majestic cultural object for yourself.

 
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An accessible staycation

Are you doing a staycation with someone with additional needs or do you have a functional diversity yourself? The Friendly Moose offers an accessible holiday with adapted accommodation with views over Torne River in central Övertorneå. The Roberts couple from England meet each guest on the guests own terms, both physical and mental, and can tailor experiences for your needs.

 
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A fantastic time

If you travel with a mobile home or caravan, there are camping sites at Norrsken Lodge, right on the beach by Torne River in Övertorneå. There are also rooms and cabins available. During the summer months you can enjoy the sandy beach, a game of mini golf and there are trampolines for the kids. You can also rent a canoe for the day. To quote Norrsken Lodge themselves: “Have a fantastic time!”

 
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Visit Aunesgården

Aunesgården is an old homestead museum from the 1800s, filled with treasures from Torne Valley. You find the museum next to Norrsken Lodge and the outdoor pool Ekobadet. Contact the local history society for opening hours and private showings.

 

Explore more
south or north

A part of the Heart of Lapland

 

Do you want to experience more of our region? Övertorneå is a part of the destination Heart of Lapland in the northeastern part of Sweden. There is plenty to see and do in the area! Plan your next road trip, vacation or staycation in the Arctic. Welcome to explore more!

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