The area & locations

The Heart of Lapland is located between the dramatic mountains and extensive forests of Swedish Lapland and the grand steppes, thousands of lakes and untouched wilderness of Finnish Lapland. The destination consists of five municipalities characterised by their own history and local living conditions. The multicultural border town of Haparanda, the coastal town and fishing paradise of Kalix, Pajala - the cradle of Laestadianism, the ecologic municipality of Övertorneå and idyllic Överkalix with its time-honoured traditions.

Two powerful national rivers run through the area: the river Torne älv, which makes up the border between Sweden and Finland and the river Kalix älv with its world-renowned salmon fishing. A fascinating cultural landscape has emerged ever since the first inhabitants settled here more than 6,000 years ago. Both rivers flow out into an enchanting archipelago with hundreds of islands and islets.

Its proximity to Finland has made for a multicultural atmosphere. Five languages are spoken here: Swedish, Finnish, Lappish, Tornedal Finnish (Meänkieli) and the distinctive Överkalix dialect. Food, music, literature and religion all carry traces of influences from the east.

Get to know Heart of Lapland
Welcome to the Heart of Lapland. Make yourself at home. But don’t expect it to be like home. A different atmosphere prevails in the Heart of Lapland that has grown out of a proximity to its neighbour countries in the east and the presence of two national rivers. Of cold, dark winters and wonderfully bright summers. Of the sparse population and the close relationships between people. An atmosphere characterised by simplicity and authenticity.
Heart of Lapland shortcuts:
HaparandaTornio - place of international meetings
Welcome to Haparanda-Tornio. Make yourself at home. But don’t expect it to be like home. A different atmosphere prevails in Haparanda-Tornio that has grown out of the proximity to its neighbour country in the east. Of cold, dark winters and wonderfully bright summers. Of the sparse population and the close relationships between people. An atmosphere characterised by simplicity and authenticity.
HaparandaTornio shortcuts:
Kalix - where the river meets the sea
In Kalix you don't have to choose between river or seaside - you'll find it both in Kalix. Be surprised by the adventure and calmness in an environment where you as a guest always are in the centre!
Kalix shortcuts:
Pajala - multi-cultural traditions
Pajala has a strong, multi-cultural history where traditions from northern Sweden, Finland and the Sami people mixed into the unique cultural identity of the Pajala area.
Pajala shortcuts:
Överkalix - wealth of nature
Embedded like a little pearl, situated by the Arctic Circle and in the centre of Heart of Lapland is Överkalix. Experience the Midnight Sun that gives everlasting light and warmth to the wonderful summer nights. Or come to see the magic northern lights sweeping across the winter sky.
Överkalix shortcuts:
Övertorneå
Standing by the brink you can watch the Tornio River dancing by. In the middle of the river is "the friendliest border of the world", the border between Sweden and Finland.
Övertorneå shortcuts: