Discover Överkalix on the Kalix River
Accommodation in Överkalix
The Kalix River flows through Överkalix and is one of Sweden’s pristine, protected national rivers. Along its banks is the central riverside promenade, which is illuminated and directly borders the town centre. The central part of town is also located on a peninsula. There is a skate park by the promenade, too. Here, the riverbank and town centre are right next to each other.
Trails and viewpoints
Near the centre, Brännaberget offers views of Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains. A road leads up to the mountain, where there is also a large car park. Grelsbyberget is also close to the town and easy to reach. Trails and training routes lead to rest areas with views and information about the town and its surroundings.
Nearby, a hiking trail in the Laxforsberget Nature Reserve leads from Jockfall to the summit. It passes through old-growth forest with ancient pines and deciduous woodland. There is also an older rest cabin on the mountain. Those interested in varied landscapes will find three mountain peaks, large rock surfaces and scree fields in the Malungsberget Nature Reserve. Several of the ancient pines there are more than 450 years old.
The Kalix River and waterfalls
Jockfall is near Överkalix. The nine-metre-high waterfall forms the highest drop on the Kalix River; the surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking and cycling. On the drive from the town centre to Jockfall, you cross the Arctic Circle. This makes the route interesting for travellers seeking a distinctive geographical landmark as well as natural attractions.
Another nearby waterfall destination is Linafallet. The 16-metre-high waterfall is described as the highest waterfall in Norrbotten. There is an accessible viewing platform; the footbridge is closed due to its poor condition. Salmon fishing is possible in the Kalix River and in the Ansvar-Polcirkeln and Ängesån fishing conservation areas. Check the current fishing rules and access conditions before heading out to fish.
You can also book a trip on a sauna raft on the Kalix River. While you sauna and swim, an experienced chef from River Rafters prepares dinner. Check which days the experience is available before your trip.
Activities through the seasons
Storlappberget Ski Centre offers well-groomed cross-country ski trails in winter and a paved roller-ski track during the snow-free season. The downhill run is 440 metres long, with a vertical drop of 90 metres. Its length and vertical drop give you specific points of comparison when weighing up the downhill run alongside the ski centre’s other offerings. As operating conditions may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.
For public swimming and bathing, there is Badhuset, which caters to all age groups. Facilities include a swimming pool, showers, a sauna and changing rooms. Nearby, Jakobgården offers a sheep experience: visitors can feed the sheep and enjoy fika in the sheep pasture or farm shop. Check the dates for the experience in advance.
Church, collections and local life
The present-day Överkalix kyrka was inaugurated in 1943. A chapel had stood on the site since 1636. One detail inside the church is the stone baptismal font, made from local stone. This brings together a historic connection to the town and a distinctive feature of the church.
Holgers Traktormuseum, in Svartbyn, houses up to around 200 tractors. The collection also includes historic machinery, such as fire engines, trucks, crude oil engines, motorcycles, boat engines and chainsaws. Individual visitors can view icons and works of art at Sirillus by contacting the organisation in advance.
The Överkalix library has a local collection of books, maps and articles about the town. For genealogical research, it has material on Tornedalian families and internet computers that provide access to the Swedish National Archives’ church records. Överkalix sommarmarknad takes place every year on the third weekend in July and is a tradition for residents, returning visitors and visitors. The programme may change from year to year.
Getting here and other destinations
You can reach Överkalix by car via the E10 and National Road 98; buses to the town are operated by Länstrafiken Norrbotten. If you are travelling by bus, check the timetable before departure. Discover other destinations: Lansjärv.
Back to the main travel overview: Överkalix.
