Överkalix: Midnight Light, Waterfalls and Nature Reserves

The Arctic Circle runs north of Överkalix. In summer, the sun barely sets here, while in winter it sometimes barely rises; this creates midnight light and midwinter darkness.

Nature and Water

In Jockfall, you will find the 9-metre-high Jockfallet, which forms the highest drop in the Kalix River. Linafallet has a drop of 16 metres, is Norrbotten’s highest waterfall and lies where the Lina River and Ängesån converge.

Laxforsberget Nature Reserve is a primeval forest area with old pine trees, deciduous forests, a hiking trail and views of mountains, valleys and bodies of water. In the reserve, camping, hiking, lighting a small fire, riding snowmobiles on sufficiently snow-covered ground, picking berries and edible mushrooms, as well as fishing and hunting, are permitted within the scope of applicable laws.

Malungsberget Nature Reserve is located along the E10 and encompasses three mountain peaks, ancient pine trees and extensive fields of shingle. At high water levels in spring and early summer, Brudslöjan transforms into a powerful waterfall. At normal or low water levels, it looks more like a curved veil in high and late summer.

Grelsbyberget offers views of the Kalix River, the centre of Överkalix, the village of Boheden and Djupträsk. The mountain has hiking and fitness trails, picnic areas and fire pits. From Brännaberget, you can see Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains.

Trails and Activities

Halljärv has marked hiking and running trails of various lengths. Malungsberget Nature Reserve also has a red fitness loop. Prepared cross-country ski trails are located on Storlappberget; in summer, the paved trails are also used for roller skiing.

Jockfall offers varied fishing opportunities for grayling, trout, whitefish, pike and, above all, salmon. In addition to fishing, the nature around Jockfall is suitable for activities such as hiking, cycling and snowmobiling. A bookable raft trip with a sauna on the Kalix River combines sauna bathing, swimming and a dinner prepared during the trip.

The central waterfront promenade in Överkalix combines a walking path with an inflatable jumping pillow area, a skate park, an outdoor fitness area, an obstacle course, beach volleyball and pétanque. The Sanningslandet bathing area in Lansjärv has barbecue areas, changing rooms and numerous parking spaces.

Culture and History

Rikti-Dokkas is an old settler farm built in 1847 by the Sámi man Pher Persson and now protected as a cultural heritage site. The farm comprises three residential buildings as well as stables, a bakery, a dairy room, a sauna, a storage building, hay sheds and a threshing floor.

The Dirivaara Stone, also known as Lappstenen, is associated with the traditional story that it was once a sacrificial site used by the Sámi. At Kaatis Reindeers, you can feed reindeer and moose and listen to Sámi stories.

Martingården in Nybyn is a preserved farmhouse from the early 19th century where you can experience what life in the countryside of Norrbotten was like. During the snow-free season, Martingården offers guided tours. Rödupp – Innatbackens Herb Garden contains around 100 culinary and medicinal plants.

Getting Around

There is an accessible viewing platform at Linafallet. Brudslöjan is located directly along Road 835; there is a parking bay immediately by the waterfall. Malungsberget Nature Reserve can be reached from the E10, and a hiking trail leads from the car park to one of the peaks.

It is easy to get around the centre of Överkalix on foot. For the surrounding area, a rental car, bicycle or taxi is recommended. Överkalix can be reached by plane, car or bus.

To the main travel overview: Norrbotten.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Kiruna, Gällivare, Övertorneå, Piteå, Kalix, Älvsbyn.