Summer Holiday in Lapland – Experience the Tornio Valley
Road trip!
The Tornio Valley on the border between Finland and Sweden is a fantastic destination for a summer road trip! Two birds with one stone – two countries in one journey! The Tornio River, known locally as Väylä, flows through a diverse landscape for 500 kilometers, with lively towns and villages scattered along both sides of the border. Cross the river as many times as you like using the numerous bridges along the way and zigzag through this unique cultural region. There’s plenty to see and experience: nature, culture, events, and fascinating places to visit. Check out our themed tips for your road trip!
Sauna is part of Summer
What would a summer holiday be without a sauna? The Tornio Valley offers a wide range of accommodation options, and wherever you stay, a sauna is never far away. You’ll find lakeside saunas with hot tubs, traditional smoke saunas, barrel saunas, saunas overlooking open fields, by the river, or even on top of a fell. There’s something magical about a summer night sauna – even the mosquito bites become just a memory after a good session with a birch whisk. Take a look here for examples of accommodation and sauna experiences!
Fishing Adventures
Have you packed your fishing gear for the summer trip? Casting a line off the end of a dock on a calm summer day is a classic holiday pastime – but the waterways of the Tornio Valley offer so much more when it comes to fishing experiences. The free-flowing Tornio River is famous for its salmon, and guided salmon rowing trips are available for both beginners and seasoned anglers. You can also rent fishing equipment from local businesses in the area. Lake fishing opportunities are excellent too – be sure to try the zander and vendace from Lake Miekojärvi! And up north, the crystal-clear waters bring an extra touch of magic to the region’s fishing adventures.
Nature Trails
The nature trails along the Väylä River are calling for an adventure! The region offers an abundance of routes for all levels – short and long, challenging and easy, winding through forest shade or along scenic ridges. Aavasaksa is a true classic, while the northern Saana trails offer a taste of the fells. Eero’s Scenic Trail shares the story of a legendary skier amidst hilly landscapes, and near Pajala, the steep but short path to Jupukka leads you to a UNESCO World Heritage Site – part of the Struve Geodetic Arc.
From Haukkavaara, you’ll get sweeping views, and Pieskänjupukka opens up to the beautiful Lake Miekojärvi, which is also accessible via the Orhinselkä Sandbank nature trail. Many routes are well-marked and feature campfire spots perfect for a snack break. You’ll find signs pointing to smaller trails along the roadside – why not take a little detour for a mini-adventure?
Guided Experiences
How about trying a low-threshold guided experience for a change? At a reindeer farm, you can stop by to feed the reindeer and hear fascinating stories about the lives of both the animals and the people who care for them. A few hours slip by easily when you’re out paddling on a calm tributary, hiking, or cycling with a knowledgeable local guide.
Why not try something unique like a “lippokala” cycling tour that combines e-biking and traditional net fishing? You can also enjoy horseback experiences like short rides or forest treks, and yes – even a husky ride is possible in summer, with eager dogs pulling a cart instead of a sleigh.
The Tornio Valley also offers farm stays, petting zoos, and even a farm-themed escape game played among real animals – fun for the whole family!
Rental Equipment
Many local tourism companies in the region rent out all sorts of gear perfect for summer holiday fun. You’ll find bikes – both electric and traditional – as well as SUP boards and pedal boats for relaxed outings on the water. Kayaks are great for exploring even the smaller waterways. Many riverside businesses also offer a variety of equipment for water sports and games.
Frisbee golf discs are available to borrow at several locations, and the courses take you through some truly scenic surroundings.
Looking for more summer inspiration in Lapland? Visit: www.originallapland.com
Plenty of Beaches
Along the Väylä River, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect swimming spot for every holidaymaker! There are hidden, secluded shores, official municipal beaches, long stretches of fine sandy shores, and refreshing spots to dip between the rocks… Be sure to check out the unique Orhinselänniemi sandbank, which can be reached via a nature trail or by water, located on the border of Ylitornio and Pello. Don’t miss the exotically curved Tirroniemi beach and the striking Red Sand (Punainenhiekka) in Kittilä. On the sandy beach of Seskarö, you can explore the Haparanda archipelago in the southern part of the Tornio Valley.
Art, Culture and Heritage
For a Rainy Day
If you feel like staying indoors for a day, the towns and villages along the Tornio River offer plenty of cozy options – from bowling alleys and libraries to swimming halls, museums, and movie screenings. Or how about trying an escape room game at a farm? You’ll also find charming little shops selling local handicrafts and natural products here and there.
A quick trip across the river to the Swedish side is always a good idea too – the different selection in grocery stores might surprise you and make for great souvenirs. A rainy day is the perfect excuse to visit a summer café or enjoy a leisurely dinner made with local ingredients at a restaurant – or even around the fire at a traditional reindeer herder’s hut, with stories to go along.
