Holiday apartment in Pajala: rivers, culture and nature
Pajala is a town on the Torne älv. The municipality includes around 1,150 kilometres of waterways and approximately 680 lakes with fish species such as pike, perch, roach, whitefish, burbot, grayling and trout. The municipality encompasses five rivers; the Torne älv and the Kalix älv are protected as national rivers from hydropower development. The Torne älv near Pajala is associated with salmon fishing. Fishing is possible in lakes and rivers in the municipality’s active fishing areas, while salmon fishing and walks along the riverbank are possible at Kengisforsen.
Nature and winter
The Vasikkavuoma nature reserve is located about 10 kilometres from Pajala and offers boardwalks, parking areas, barbecue sites, a rest cabin and toilets. A historic hay meadow has been preserved there, where around 80 hay huts still stand. Approximately 70 bird species have been observed in Vasikkavuoma. According to the nature reserve regulations, hiking, camping and lighting fires in designated areas are permitted there.
In winter, ski trails are often prepared across the Vasikkavuoma marshland. The ski trails in Pajala begin at the football pitch, the sports hall or the illuminated trail and are connected to the trails of the nearby Vasikkavuoma hay meadow. The Pajala Nature Map includes excursion destinations, fishing lakes, snowmobile routes, ski trails and other activities within Pajala Municipality. The Rian area of Pajala has a sports hall, an ice rink, an artificial-turf pitch and ski trails.
Culture and history
The Laestadius Museum consists of the vicarage, Pörte and the herb garden and conveys the life and work of Lars Levi Laestadius. The museum preserves original objects documenting the lives of Laestadius and Brita-Kajsa. The Laestadius Museum also includes an interactive nature corner, which can be visited in summer when guides are present.
Pajala Church stands on the Torne älv. It was built in Kengis in 1797 as a parish church, moved to Pajala and remodelled between 1869 and 1871. Lars Levi Laestadius preached at Pajala Church from 1849 to 1860. The Laestadiuspörtet Museum is located near Pajala Church. Laestadiuspörtet is protected as a historic building because of its historical connection to Lars Levi Laestadius. Soltorget is home to the largest sundial of its kind in the world.
Language, theatre and festivals
Tornedalsteatern – Tornionlaakson teatteri is based in Pajala. Meänkieli and Finnish are important parts of local cultural life, including music, theatre and literature. Kväänifästi is an annual gathering and always takes place in connection with the Pajala Market. In addition to talks and discussions, Kväänifästi offers history, workshops, handicrafts, art, theatre, music, language immersion and culinary experiences.
Römppäviikko was revived in 1987; since then, the tradition has been intended to return year after year. The origins of the Pajala Market date back to the 18th century.
Getting there
Pajala can be reached via Route 99 along the Torne älv or via Route 395 from Kiruna–Vittangi. Pajala Airport offers a connection to Luleå.
Other places
Other places belonging to this destination area are Pajala, Korpilombolo, Muodoslompolo, Tärendö and Kangos.
To the higher-level travel overview: Norrbotten.
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