Enjoy a summer staycation with lots of activities in the southern parts of Övertorneå
A design retreat
If you want to splurge on a retreat without traveling far, then Arthotel is the perfect destination. Perfect for celebrate a birthday or anniversary. Spend a night amongst interesting design and beautiful paintings. You are guaranteed to be taken care of.
A cool forest cabin
In the forest of Vitsaniemi, you find a minimalistic tower – The Lookout Tower. A simple and cool forest cabin. You can rent this through Arthotel, stay a night and perhaps shut off your phone. Guide and food can be arranged through Arthotel.
Bike on Sweden’s longest abandoned railway
Rail bike on Sweden’s longest abandoned railway. Bring a picnic basket and bike as far as you can. The total stretch is 93 km (one way) for you who want a challenge! Rent a rail bike from RiipiBo. A perfect activity for the entire family, young and old.
Relax in an eco-lodge
After all that biking on the railway, you can head to RiipiBo’s eco-lodge, which is situated in the woods around Persomajärvi. The cabin got solar panels that you can charge your phone with, camping water and a more modern outhouse. Perfect for you who like the nature, but prefer comfortable amenities. The cabin and adjacent sauna is facing the lake Riipi. A place to relax for a moment.
Did you know?
Most villages in Övertorneå got both a Swedish and a Finnish name. When the railroad was extended to Övertorneå, the names were translated (roughly) to Swedish. Today, the railroad is gone, but the double names remain.
See the lost church bell
Hietaniemi Church sits on a cape in Hedenäset, right by the border to Finland. In 1717, the church was robbed by Russians who stole the church bell. 170 years later, the bell was found in a chapel royal outside Saint Petersburg and was returned as a gift from Russia to Hietaniemi Church. Today, the lost church bell can be found in the bell tower again.
Stay at the king’s favorite place
Vitsaniemi Gård is said to be one of the Swedish king’s favorite places. Stay here with breathtaking views of the majestic Torne River.
Fika and shop local gems
Stop for a Swedish Fika, a cup of coffee and a pastry while you shop for local gems and stone jewellery at Stencaféet in Hedenäset. A great place to find unique gifts or buy yourself something nice.
Edible and drinkable country
Restaurang Utblick has moved in with Huuva Hideaway. Take a tour to Liehittäjä and enjoy world-class food and drink experiences with new views. Just remember to book first! If you like you can also spend the night in the Ajtta or sleep on the lake in the Floataway cabin.
Shop artisanal bread
While you are in Liehittäjä you can buy artisanal bread directly from Yvonne’s Bakery. The bread is gluten and lactose free, and the herbs are hand-picked from the surrounding nature.
Explore caves
We dare to say that Luppioberget is our most beautiful mountain. A landscape lodge is being built and plan to open late 2021. Don’t worry. The mountain will always be open for the public. There are plenty of BBQ-spots, you can explore caves and enjoy the spectacular view.

A part of the heart in Swedish 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!