PAJALA GEMS
#1 Vasikkavuoma
Vasikkavuoma is one of Europe’s largest contiguous hay meadows and is just as beautiful to visit whatever the season. It covers an area of 250 hectares and today around 80 barns remain of the original 280.
In winter, the area is perfect for cross-country skiers, whilst in spring and summer it is a birdwatcher’s paradise that you can enjoy either from the birdwatching tower or whilst walking along the boardwalks.
It’s easy to get here all year round, whether on foot, by bike, snowmobile or car, and in the cosy wind shelters you can make a pot of coffee, barbecue your dinner or – why not? – hire the lovely wilderness camp for a gathering with friends and family. The site is also wheelchair accessible.
#2 The World Heritage site – Struve Geodetic Arc
The hill Jupukka, 277 metres above sea level, north of Pajala, was used as a survey point for the geographical expedition in the early 19th century, when the shape of the Earth was to be determined once and for all.
The Struve Geodetic Arc is now one of Sweden’s 15 World Heritage Sites. The walk up the hill takes you through beautiful mixed woodland, and at the top there is a newly built fire pit and a fire hut. Bring your family or friends and visit this World Heritage Site to enjoy the views over the Torne River, vast forests and marshes. From the top, you can see four other survey points located tens of kilometres away.
Foto: Korpics
#3 The Kengis rapids
The mighty Kengis rapids flow right next to Kengis Ironworks, which was once Sweden’s northernmost ironworks. Today, salmon anglers from all over the world flock here to catch the first and largest salmon as they run up the Torne River in June. The rapids are the largest along the Torne River, with a drop of 18 metres and a length of 600 metres. If you don’t fancy fishing, you can settle down on the riverbank on the north side for an evening snack or take a stroll along the riverbank to the sound of the rapids. The ironworks area on the south side offers a glimpse into history and features interesting architecture.
#4 Anojärvi
The northern part of the municipality offers plenty of adventure. The forests around the village of Kitkiöjärvi have long been famous for the Muonionalusta meteorites; the first stone, weighing 7.5 kg, was discovered here in 1906, and the area still attracts meteorite hunters from all over the world in search of new finds.
Anojärvi is a lake with crystal-clear water and sandy beaches stretching out alongside the pine heath. Here, you can hire your own cottage from the local village association, go fishing and round off the day by heating up the outdoor sauna and taking a dip in the lake, before exploring the area further on a bear safari, hiking through ravines shaped from the Ice Age or canoeing.
#5 Puolamarova
Puolamarova, meaning ‘Lingonberry Hill’, is a nature reserve. The hill stands at 376 metres above sea level and was once used to keep watch for fires from a fire tower at the summit, from which vast areas could be surveyed.
The hill consists almost entirely of large boulders at its summit, and the view stretches for miles in several directions.
Puolamarova lies between Narken and Jokkfall along the Kalix river. The road up passes through the village of Iso Puolamaajärvi; it is in poor condition in places further up, so we recommend a vehicle with high ground clearance. Where the road ends, a footpath takes you on up to the summit.
Puolamarova is a perfect destination for both children and adults.
#6 Naakajärvi eko-park
In the northern part of the municipality, you’ll find one of the most unique forests, Naakajärvi Eco-Park, which offers a variety of unique environments to explore. Within the park, there are several hills, ravines and streams, as well as Lake Naakajärvi, which features a fishing camp and cottages for hire. One of the hills in the park, Manalainen, stands out in particular with its pine trees, some of which are nearly 500 years old, and the area is classified as one of Europe’s most worthy of protection. The park is rich in biodiversity, and here you can experience the forest’s natural cycle, untouched by human activity.
The park is signposted from the road, and there are information boards at suitable starting points.
#7 Pahakurkkio
In the western part of the municipality, just outside the village of Saittarova, the River Kalix breaks through a narrow gorge; the rapids are called Pahakurkkio, which means ‘rocky and treacherous rapids’ in Meänkieli. The spot is ideal for a full-day outing or a night in a tent on the beach. Here you can climb the rocks beside the roaring, wild currents, find a nice spot to light a fire, and the sandy beach below the rapids is perfect for a summer swim.
There are cottages and camping spots available to rent through the Saittarova Interest Association.
PLEASE NOTE!
The area has limited mobile phone coverage.
The forest track that begins when you turn off Road 867 towards Saarikoski is unmarked and can be difficult to access at times. In particular, the final 4 km stretch, after the left-hand bend past the red cottages by the Kalix River, is not always passable, especially after rain or snow. Alternatively, you can park and walk either along the forest track or southwards along the river through the forest.
#8 Palokorva
These days, you’ll see lorries transporting iron ore from Kaunisvaara to Svappavaara, but that’s nothing new. Down by the Torne River, south of Junosuando, you’ll find the remains of the large-scale steel production that was already in operation as early as the 1640s, when ore was transported by boat and horse-drawn cart between the mine and the ironworks.
In Palokorva stood one of the blast furnaces that formed part of the extensive Kengis Works, alongside the mine and blast furnace in Magsugnsbyn, the copper mine in Svappavaara and the hammer mills in Kengis. A short walk will take you down to the ruins, where you can learn more about how iron was produced in days gone by.
#9 Mestoslinkka
The Kalix River is 430 km long and is one of Sweden’s four national rivers. One of the Kalix River’s dramatic rapids is Mestoslinkka, situated next to the village of Narken. Mestoslinkka was assessed in the 1970s as a potential site for hydroelectric power development, but local protests by the River Conservationists succeeded in scuppering the plans.
Here you can walk along the riverbank and follow the river’s course for a long stretch upstream. Here are several fire pits and cosy fishing spots.
By the car park stands one of several large stone curbs that were once built into the riverbed for timber rafting.
The site is signposted from the main road, but the forest road can be difficult to navigate after rain or snow.
#10 Wooden Churches
If you’re keen on architecture and history, we highly recommend visiting the beautiful wooden churches around the municipality. There are no fewer than seven churches and two chapels, each with its own unique character.
The oldest of these is the Pajala Church, built as far back as 1797, which is open as a roadside chapel during the summer. There are also plenty of ghost stories associated with the old cemeteries, but we dare not write about them here.
Read more about the various churches in the Pajala episcopate via the link below, and take a trip to experience them for yourself.
Photo: Johan Fredriksson
