Explore the town Övertorneå. Here you can make your own Sámi cup, see public art and stay central. Welcome!
An accessible winter experience
Are you doing a staycation with someone with additional needs or do you have a functional diversity yourself? The Friendly Moose makes Swedish Lapland accessible for everyone. Spend the night 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.
Make your own wooden cup
You have probably drank from a wooden cup when you’ve been camping. 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!
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 You can also find gifts for your near and dear.
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!
Hamburger cravings
In the mood for a straightforward burger? Get your fix at Övertorneå Grillen in central Övertorneå!
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.
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?
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.
Did you know?
Legend has it that there is a treasure buried somewhere around the lake Särkijärvi.
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 walk or cross-country skiing.
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.
Stay at Norrsken Lodge
At Norrsken Lodge, right next to Torne River in Övertorneå, you can stay in cabins or rent hotel rooms in the old vicarage. Norrsken Lodge has a wide selection of winter activities. To quote Norrsken Lodge themselves: “Have a fantastic time!”
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.
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.
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!
