Road trips
Road trip to Tornio River Valley Lapland!
Embark on a summer road trip to Lapland! Experience the thrill of freedom and let the road lead you through the Tornio river valley, a shared cultural area between Finland and Sweden. Skip the usual routes and zigzag on both sides of the river. We have put together some thematic route suggestions to inspire you. Choose the most suitable option or create your own travel itinerary!
- LIFE IN THE NORTH – Arctic Circle Road Trip
- FISHERMAN’S FOOTSTEPS – Tornio River Valley Waters Road Trip
- ANIMALS AND SWIMMING – Lapland with the Family
- RETRO ROAD TRIP – All Things Old in the Tornio River Valley Lapland
- JAW-DROPPING ROAD TRIP – Crazy Phenomena in the Tornio River Valley Lapland
Original Lapland is the route to the Tornio river valley Lapland. Welcome!
These road trips have been produced as part of the Taste of Original Lapland – Along the River project, which received funding from the Lapland ELY Centre for tourism projects in sparsely populated areas (HAMA).
1. LIFE IN THE NORTH – ARCTIC CIRCLE ROAD TRIP
You may have crossed the Arctic Circle sometime on your way from south to north? What if this time you decided to linger a little longer in the region of the Arctic Circle and explore the ambiance, breathtaking scenery, and unique way of life in the Tornio Valley?
The Arctic Circle Road Trip is an approximately 200 km long circular route, which should take a few days to complete. Along the way, you can stop by the village shop or pop in on the Swedish side, buy local handicrafts to take home with you and taste Tornio River Valley’s rich, fresh fish delicacies, almond potato and cloudberries.
Oranki Art offers a unique environmental art experience in the middle of the forest and all sorts of special events color the everyday life at the Arctic Circle on weekends. Ylitornio is defined as the official starting point of the route, but you can hop on the route anywhere.
Download the brochure:
Arctic Circle Road trip
2. FISHERMAN’S FOOTSTEPS – TORNIO RIVER VALLEY WATERS ROAD TRIP
Tornio River Valley Laplands is a fisherman’s paradise. Tornio River is the longest free-flowing river in Europe and the largest salmon river in Finland. In addition to versatile fishing activities, a road trip following waterways offers a lot to those interested in fish, fishing tradition and sea food dishes. Drive along the river, explore the lake scenery, visit the rapids and the little streams. On this road trip, you can let the northern waters take you away.
Various places of interest are calling you along the way, from a fishing museum to a themed library and works of art. The dancing rapids, centuries-old fishing traditions, diverse guided or independent fishing experiences and the ever-changing magnificent landscapes create unforgettable memories for lovers of fishing and the northern lifestyle. Plan your road trip from south to north or vice versa. Or you can pick just the best parts for you.
Foodies are in for a treat on this road trip: the Tornio River reigns supreme with its bountiful salmon, while the vast lakes boast a diverse array of fish. The pristine waters of the upper fell areas add their own unique variety of species to be caught. In the charming fishing villages along the lower Tornio River, grilled whitefish and other delectable whitefish delicacies take center stage in the local cuisine. The tradition of cooking over an open fire runs deep in the Torne Valley, and this journey provides ample opportunities to savor a meal amidst nature, whether it’s in a cozy kota hut or perched on a tree trunk in the forest.
Download the brochure:
FISHERMANS FOOTSTEPS ROAD TRIP
3. ANIMALS AND SWIMMING – LAPLAND WITH THE FAMILY
Take your children on a discovery trip to Western Lapland! Crossing the Swedish border as many as six times across six different bridges brings its own colour to the this Lapland trip! Experience exciting things together on both sides of the border river. Finland, Sweden, Finland… Going abroad doesn’t get any easier!
As you journey through, you’ll have the chance to encounter reindeer, sheep, horses, and other adorable furry companions. You’ll come across various farm animal enclosures and reindeer farms along the route. And for those scorching summer days, you’ll find numerous refreshing swimming spots here and there. Don’t miss out on Haparanda’s renowned “world’s largest candy store” on the Swedish side! Be sure to pack some delectable snacks in your backpack and embark on a delightful nature trail adventure, as there are countless easily accessible options available! For an unforgettable experience suitable for both young and old, consider a fishing or kayaking excursion led by a skilled professional.
Download the brochure:
Animals and Swimming, Lapland with the family Road trip
4. RETRO ROAD TRIP – ALL THINGS OLD IN LAPLAND
Second hand and whitefish markets, traditional food, old cars and architecture. In Tornio River Valley, you can immerse yourself in the past on many levels: you can come across a centuries-old log house, a traditional fishing practitioner or an incredible flea market find. The area has a long history with tourists: the first midnight sun admirers traveled here from near and far already several centuries ago.
Retro or vintage, history, past, tradition… When you put retro glasses on your nose, you can see the Tornio River Valley Lapland in a completely new (old) way. It’s fascinating to find new experiences in the old. Go on a retro trip in Tornio River Valley and discover the magic of time travel!
Download the brochure:
RETRO ROAD TRIP, all things old in Lapland
5. JAW-DROPPING ROAD TRIP – CRAZY PHENOMENA IN THE TORNIO RIVER VALLEY LAPLAND
Tornio River Valley invites you to explore the completely unique cultural area shared by Finland and Sweden. Drive on the Swedish side exploring funny place names, eavesdrop on the peculiar mixed language of the residents of the border, buy fermented herring, tunnbröd flat bread and hallon soda raspberry drink on the Swedish side. A smile on your face is guaranteed – see if you also bump into something that raises the eyebrows!
Download the brochure:
Jaw-dropping Road trip
