Överkalix: Light, Waterfalls and Forests

The Arctic Circle runs through the north of Överkalix. In summer, the sun barely sets there, while in winter it sometimes barely rises. Midnight light and midwinter darkness are among the year’s striking contrasts. Add river landscapes, forests and waterfalls, which offer very different impressions depending on the season.

Waterfalls and River Landscapes

At Jockfall, the 9-metre-high Jockfallet forms the highest drop on the Kalix River. The area is also known for fishing: target species include grayling, trout, whitefish, pike and, above all, salmon; fishing conditions vary by season. The natural surroundings of Jockfall also offer hiking, cycling and snowmobiling. A bookable raft trip with a sauna on the Kalix River combines sauna bathing and swimming with a dinner prepared during the trip. If you plan to take this trip, confirm availability in advance.

Linafallet lies at the confluence of the Lina River and Ängesån. With a drop of 16 metres, it is Norrbotten’s highest waterfall. An accessible viewing platform offers a view of this natural attraction; before visiting, it is advisable to check the condition of the nearby bridge. Brudslöjan offers a different sight: when water levels are high in spring and early summer, it becomes a powerful waterfall. At normal or low water levels, it looks more like a graceful veil in mid- to late summer. It lies directly beside Road 835, with a parking bay right by the waterfall.

Forests, Trails and Viewpoints

Laxforsberget Nature Reserve is an old-growth forest area with ancient pines and deciduous woodland. A hiking trail leads to views of mountains, valleys and waterways. Hiking, camping, lighting a small fire, and picking berries and edible mushrooms are permitted in the reserve. Snowmobiling is possible where there is sufficient snow cover; fishing and hunting are subject to applicable laws. Check the protected-area regulations before your visit.

Malungsberget Nature Reserve encompasses three mountain peaks, ancient pines and extensive fields of glacial erratics. It is accessible from the E10; a hiking trail leads from the car park to one of the peaks. There is also a red fitness trail in the reserve. At Grelsbyberget, hiking and fitness trails connect with rest areas and fire pits. From there, the view stretches across the Kalix River, Överkalix centre, Boheden and Djupträsk. Brännaberget offers a view of its own: you can see Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains.

Halljärv has marked hiking and running trails of various lengths. Those interested in cycling can explore Överkalix’s old network of paths, now used for cycling. It developed when forestry workers began cycling to work, making it of interest to visitors keen on local culture too. At Storlappberget, there are groomed cross-country ski trails and opportunities for downhill skiing. In summer, the paved trails there are also used for roller skiing; operating conditions may vary by season.

Culture, Farms and Encounters

Rikti-Dokkas is an old settler farm built by the Sámi man Pher Persson in 1847. Today, the farm is protected as a cultural heritage site. The property includes three houses as well as stables, a bakehouse, a dairy room, a sauna, a storehouse, hay barns and a threshing floor. An event there invites visitors to watch the mowing or join in. Dates vary from year to year; check the event calendar if you would like to plan this visit.

Martingården in Nybyn is a preserved farmhouse dating from the early 19th century. Visitors can experience what rural life in Norrbotten was like. Guided tours are offered during the snow-free season. Martingården is also one of the earliest listed buildings in Norrbotten. Another historical trace is associated with the Dirivaara Stone, also called Lappstenen: according to tradition, it was once a sacrificial site used by Sámi people.

At Kaatis Reindeers, visitors can feed reindeer and moose and listen to Sámi stories. Visits are by prior booking only. The offering also includes a farm shop specialising in Sámi handicrafts. At Fårfika, you can feed the sheep at Jakobgården and enjoy a Swedish coffee break in the sheep pasture or farm shop. In Rödupp, Innatbackens Herb Garden contains around 100 culinary and medicinal plants. A tractor museum in Svartbyn displays more than 200 different tractors and machines, as well as other historic everyday objects; contact the museum in advance to arrange a guided tour. An Orthodox church was built by the writer, playwright and poet Bengt Pohjanen and the visual artist and icon painter Monika Pohjanen.

Activities in the Centre and Practical Information

There is also room for exercise and leisure in the centre. The central promenade connects a walking path with a bounce pillow, a skatepark, an outdoor fitness area, an obstacle course, beach volleyball and pétanque. In Lansjärv, the Sanningslandet bathing area has barbecue spots, changing rooms and plenty of parking; as seasonal facilities may change, check conditions if you are relying on them.

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; by road, the E10 and National Road 98 lead there. Transport providers and timetables may change, so check your connection before travelling. When choosing a hotel, you might first consider whether you want to focus on walks in the centre, nature destinations or cultural visits.

Discover more destinations: Överkalix, Lansjärv, Piteå, Jokkmokk, Kalix, Arvidsjaur, Boden, Älvsbyn.

See the main travel overview: Norrbotten.