Holiday apartment in Överkalix – Arctic Circle, waterfalls and culture

Överkalix is located in northern Sweden, where the Arctic Circle runs through the northern part of the locality. As a result, the sun barely sets in summer, while in winter it sometimes barely rises. This creates the special midnight light and midwinter darkness. Överkalix can be reached by plane, car or bus.

Nature

In the Laxforsberget nature reserve, the landscape is characterised by a primeval forest area with old pines, deciduous forests, a hiking trail and views of mountains, valleys and bodies of water. Camping and hiking are permitted there, as are lighting a small fire, picking berries and edible mushrooms, and fishing and hunting in accordance with the applicable laws. Snowmobiling is also permitted on sufficiently snow-covered ground.

The Malungsberget nature reserve is located along the E10 and encompasses three mountain peaks, ancient pines and extensive fields of clapper stones. The reserve can be reached from the E10; from the car park, a hiking trail leads to one of the peaks. There is also a red exercise loop.

One of the area's notable waterside attractions is Linafallet. With a drop of 16 metres, it is Norrbotten's highest waterfall and is located where the Lina River and Ängesån meet. An accessible viewing platform is located directly at Linafallet. Brudslöjan changes its character with the water level: when water levels are high in spring and early summer, it becomes a powerful waterfall, while at normal or low water levels it resembles a flowing veil in high and late summer. The waterfall is located directly on Road 835, with a lay-by immediately beside the water.

From Grelsbyberget, the views extend over the Kalix River, the centre of Överkalix, the village of Boheden and Djupträsk. From Brännaberget, you can see Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains.

Jockfall is home to the 9-metre-high Jockfallet, which forms the highest threshold of the Kalix River. The area 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.

Outdoor activities

Halljärv has marked hiking and running trails of various lengths. Grelsbyberget offers hiking and fitness trails, picnic areas and fire pits. Överkalix's central waterfront promenade combines a walking path with an inflatable jumping pillow area, a skate park, an outdoor fitness area, an obstacle course, beach volleyball and boules.

The Sanningslandet bathing area in Lansjärv has barbecue areas, changing rooms and numerous parking spaces. There are prepared cross-country ski tracks at Storlappberget. In summer, the paved tracks are also used for roller skiing.

A bookable rafting trip with sauna is available on the Kalix River. It combines sauna bathing and swimming with a dinner prepared during the trip.

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 monument. The farm consists of three residential buildings, as well as stables, a bakery, a dairy room, a sauna, a storage shed, hay barns 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. In Nybyn, Martingården has been preserved as a farmhouse dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Visitors can experience what rural life in Norrbotten was like there; guided tours are offered during the snow-free season.

Rödupp – Innatbackens Herb Garden comprises around 100 culinary and medicinal plants. At Kaatis Reindeers, visitors can feed reindeer and moose and listen to Sámi stories.

Getting around Överkalix

You can get around the centre of Överkalix easily on foot. For the surrounding area, a rental car, bicycle or taxi is recommended. In addition, the local pages for Överkalix and Lansjärv provide further information.

More local pages: Gällivare, Arjeplog, Älvsbyn, Haparanda, Piteå, Roknäs.

To the overarching travel overview: Norrbotten.