In the Likskär Nature Reserve, 25 islands and numerous smaller skerries are part of the protected landscape. The Kalix River also shapes the region: it is one of Europe’s last free-flowing rivers. The archipelago, river and lakes offer different discoveries—from archaeological traces and the history of log driving to activities on the water.
Water landscapes and trails
You can fish for wild salmon in the rapids of the Kalix River and for perch in the region’s many lakes. In the archipelago, described as the world’s northernmost, you can troll for large pike. If you want to explore the waters, you can rent kayaks in Kalix or join guided tours on lakes and rivers and through the archipelago. Boat trips in the archipelago are possible independently or with a guide.
Winter is also part of the water landscape: when the river and sea freeze over, many people head out on foot or on skis, travel by kick-scooter or take a snowmobile towards the sea.
At the Kalix Ski Stadium, the 2.5-kilometre accessible trail serves as a cross-country ski trail in winter. The municipality also has hiking trails, walking paths and training routes of various lengths throughout the area. In Fattenborg, a nature trail with information boards follows a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. This means there are specific distances for some routes, while the length of others varies depending on the route.
In Båtskärsnäs, a boardwalk on Mount Gullihatten leads to a barbecue shelter, a cabin and an observation tower.
Archaeology and local history
Fattenborg is a municipal nature reserve established to protect unique archaeological remains. Traces from the Early Bronze Age include numerous graves, stone settings, settlement embankments and trapping systems. There is an exhibition in the information building. The boardwalk, with its information boards, complements this view of the archaeological site with a circular walk and explanatory stops.
Vassholmen tells a different story: it is a historic log-sorting site on an island in the Kalix River, dating from the era of log driving. The surviving buildings and quay structures give the area considerable cultural and historical value. The log-driving museum is located in the workers’ dining hall, the former Tingshuset in Kalix. It tells the story of log driving and timber sorting on the Kalix River up to 1977, when operations ceased.
At Kalix Kopparbruk, you can see the remains of the old smelter, mines, slag and a large charcoal-burning platform. The mining history dates back to the 1660s. Vassholmen and the former mining site represent two different chapters in the region’s working history: timber sorting on the river and the visible remains of copper mining.
Church and fortress
Kalix kyrka is Sweden’s northernmost medieval church. Construction probably began in the first half of the 15th century. Guided visits can be booked for businesses on Mondays and Wednesdays; dates and booking terms may change. This visit option is available to businesses only.
At Siknäsfortet, guides take visitors through the decades from the beginning of the Cold War to the decommissioning of the fixed gun emplacement, which has been preserved in its original condition. Four complete underground levels were carved out of solid rock. The tour connects the history of the site with its exceptional construction. Opening days and hours may change; check the latest information before visiting.
Local origins and getting here
Kalix Löjrom has protected designation of origin status in the European Union. The product is subject to a defined geographical area in which it must be produced, processed and prepared.
The E4 passes through Kalix Municipality. Train services offer commuter connections to and from LuleĂĄ, Boden and Haparanda. As timetables may change, it is worth checking the latest connections before travelling. Along with its varied discoveries between the archipelago, river and cultural history, Kalix offers several ways to plan a trip around your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Töre, Båtskärsnäs, Kalix, Sangis.
More destinations: Pajala, Ă„lvsbyn, LuleĂĄ, Arjeplog.
Return to the main travel overview: Norrbotten.
