Kalix on the Kalix River with Sweden’s northernmost archipelago

Kalix is located where the Kalix River flows into the sea and is home to Sweden’s northernmost archipelago. Within the municipality’s immediate urban area, in addition to Båtskärsnäs, there are also Kalix, Sangis, and Töre.

Archipelago, River and Water

The Likskär nature reserve comprises 25 islands and numerous smaller skerries. The Kalix River is one of Europe’s last undeveloped rivers. You can fish for wild salmon in its rapids, while the region’s numerous lakes offer opportunities to fish for perch. In the archipelago, described as the world’s northernmost, you can troll for large pike.

There are also various ways to get around on the water: In Kalix, kayaks can be rented or used on guided tours of lakes, rivers, and the archipelago. Boat tours of the Kalix archipelago can be taken independently or with a guide. Today, you can also visit the memorial stone, sail around the buoy at the northernmost point, and receive a certificate as a memento of your visit.

Nature and Trails

Fattenborg is a municipal nature reserve established to protect unique archaeological remains. It contains numerous graves, stone settings, settlement walls, and trapping systems dating from the Early Bronze Age. A nature trail with information boards runs along a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk; there is also an information building with an exhibition.

The municipality of Kalix has hiking trails, walking paths, and training routes of various lengths throughout the municipal area. The accessible route at the Kalix ski stadium is 2.5 kilometres long and serves as a cross-country ski trail in winter. Gullihatten is a mountain in Båtskärsnäs with a boardwalk leading to a barbecue shelter, a cabin, and an observation tower.

Cultural History

Vassholmen is a historic timber-sorting site on an island in the Kalix River dating from the era of log floating. The preserved buildings and quay facilities at Vassholmen give the area significant cultural and historical value. Kalix kyrka is Sweden’s northernmost medieval church; construction probably began in the first half of the 15th century. Companies can book guided tours on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Siknäsfortet has four complete underground levels carved out of solid rock. At Siknäsfortet, guides take visitors through the decades from the beginning of the Cold War until the decommissioning of the fixed gun emplacement, which has been preserved in its original condition. At Kalix Kopparbruk, you can see the remains of the old smelting works, pits, slag, and a large charcoal-burning platform; mining dates back to the 1660s and earlier.

Taste and Travel

Kalix Löjrom has the European Union’s protected designation of origin (PDO). Kalix Löjrom must be produced, processed, and prepared within a defined geographical area.

The E4 runs through the municipality of Kalix. Rail services provide commuter connections to and from Luleå, Boden, and Haparanda.

To the higher-level travel overview: Norrbotten.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Älvsbyn, Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arjeplog.