Culture and history
Övertorneå as a town is around 500 years old. But there have been people living in Torne Valley for a very long time. One of the earliest settlements has been found in the northern parts of Övertorneå, dating back some 6000 years. Övertorneå has a rich culture with an interesting mix of Sámi, Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian traditions. There are lots of stories from this borderland town – we encourage you to experience it first-hand.
Hanhivittikko
Visit the summer pasture Hanhivittikko, idyllic meadowlands where you can watch grazing cows and learn more about the traditional way of life in Torne Valley.
Särkilax Church
This church resurrected 400 years after the spring flood swept it away. It was rebuilt by volunteers in a traditional way. Visit and get a guided tour inside Särkilax.
Övertorneå Church
The most famous piece inside Övertorneå Church is the pipe organ, which has an interesting history. The organ is beautifully ornamented, with sculptures made by Mårten Redtmer who decorated the famous ship Vasa.
Aunesgården
Aunesgården is an old homestead in Övertorneå. Here you find an exhibition of Torne Valley history and culture.
Svanstein Church
You can’t miss the pink church in the village Svanstein! The building itself is beautiful and has a rich 150-year old history.
Röda Kvarn
Röda Kvarn translates to the red mill and was actually named after the Parisian Moulin Rouge. A historic site for entertainment.
Struve Geodetic Arc
The world heritage Struve Geodetic Arc consists of several measure points. One of them is found on the mountain Pullinki in Övertorneå. The arc defined the shape of the earth back in the 1800s, way before Internet and space travel.
Hietaniemi Church
Hietaniemi Church sits on a cape in the village Hedenäset. It has a fascinating story about the church bell that disappeared and returned almost 200 years later.
War memory in Vyöni
In the winter of 1716-1717, a band of Russian Cossacks were on a robbery campaign in Torne Valley. After several weeks, they were ambushed by the local defense. The cossacks fell to the last man, about 50 in total. Today you can visit the memory stone of the local heroes that stopped the ravaging robbers outside of the village Vyöni.