Pajala: Torne River, cultural heritage and wetlands

Situated on the Torne River, Pajala combines a distinctive landscape of rivers and lakes with places linked to the history of Laestadius. In the municipality, travel ideas range from fishing in rivers and lakes to wetlands, culture and winter ski trails. Kengisforsen and Vasikkavuoma reveal different sides of the surrounding area, while the museum and church offer insight into the town’s history.

Rivers, lakes and fishing

Pajala is a town on the Torne River. The municipality has five rivers; the Torne River and Kalix River are protected as national rivers from hydropower development. The municipality also has about 1,150 kilometres of waterways and around 680 lakes. Fish species found there include pike, perch, roach, whitefish, burbot, grayling and trout. Active fishing areas offer opportunities to fish in lakes and rivers. Professional fishing companies in Pajala offer guided trips, independent fishing and all-inclusive packages; check which providers and offers are currently available before your trip.

At Kengisforsen, you can fish for salmon and walk along the riverbank. The Torne River near Pajala is also associated with salmon fishing. Here, different perspectives meet along the river: the riverside landscape and the fishing that is part of the area.

Kengisforsen and Vasikkavuoma

Kengisforsen on the Torne River has a drop of 18 metres and stretches for 600 metres. On the south side of the rapids, the industrial surroundings of Kengis bruk offer history and interesting architecture. The stretch of river and the former industrial setting can be seen as two distinct features of the area.

Vasikkavuoma Nature Reserve is about ten kilometres from Pajala. It has boardwalks, parking, barbecue areas, a rest cabin and toilets. The preserved historic hay meadow is dotted with about 80 remaining hay barns; around 70 bird species have also been observed in Vasikkavuoma. Under the reserve’s rules, hiking, camping and lighting fires are permitted in designated areas. Follow the nature reserve’s current rules when you visit.

Ski trails and winter activities

In winter, ski trails are often prepared across the wetland at Vasikkavuoma, though trail grooming varies from one winter to the next. Ski trails in Pajala start at the football pitch, the sports hall or the lit trail, and connect to the trails on the nearby Vasikkavuoma hay meadow. For planning, there is a possible starting point in town and a connection to the trails in the wetland area; check conditions for the current season.

The Rian area of Pajala has a sports hall, an ice rink, an artificial-turf pitch and ski trails. If you plan to use these facilities, check access and conditions locally.

Laestadius and Pajala Church

The Laestadius Museum consists of the vicarage, the Pörte and the herb garden, and presents the life and work of Lars Levi Laestadius. The museum preserves original objects documenting the lives of Laestadius and Brita-Kajsa. An interactive nature corner can be visited in summer when guides are present.

Pajala Church stands on the Torne River. It was built in Kengis in 1797 as a church for everyday use, moved to Pajala and remodelled between 1869 and 1871. Lars Levi Laestadius preached there from 1849 to 1860. Laestadiuspörtet is protected as a listed building because of its historical connection to Laestadius; the Laestadiuspörtet Museum is near the church.

Language, events and Soltorget

Tornedalsteatern – Tornionlaakson teatteri is based in Pajala. Meänkieli and Finnish are important parts of local cultural life, including music, theatre and literature. Events also explore these cultural themes: Kväänifästi takes place annually in connection with the Pajala Market. The programme described for 2026 includes lectures and discussions as well as history, workshops, crafts, art, theatre, music, language immersion activities and culinary experiences. The Pajala Market dates back to the 18th century; depending on the year, it attracts around 45,000 visitors. Römppäviikko was revived in 1987; the tradition is intended to return year after year. Check the exact event dates before your trip.

Soltorget is home to the world’s largest sundial of its kind. The Visit Pajala information centre there provides information about places to visit and hosts art exhibitions by local artists. Offers and exhibitions may change.

Views, navigation and getting here

The climb to the summit of the Struve Geodetic Arc passes through mixed forest and takes about 15 minutes. From the top, views extend up to 70 kilometres in every direction across the Torne River, extensive wetlands and other survey points. The site is signposted from roads 395 and 99. For finding your way around the municipality, the Pajala Nature Map includes places to visit, fishing lakes, snowmobile routes, ski trails and other activities. Information about paths and facilities is regularly updated.

Pajala can be reached via route 99 along the Torne River or via route 395 from Kiruna–Vittangi. Check road conditions and seasonal accessibility before setting out. Pajala Airport offers a connection to Luleå; check flight schedules and services before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Pajala, Korpilombolo, Muodoslompolo, Tärendö, Kangos, Kalix, Arvidsjaur, Piteå.

For the regional travel overview: Norrbotten.