Överkalix brings together the Kalix River, a central district on a peninsula and destinations in the surrounding countryside. When choosing a hotel, the exact location is a useful starting point: consider whether you mainly want to explore the town or plan activities further afield. Check each accommodation and its availability for your travel dates.
Waterfront, views and trails
The illuminated Strandpromenaden waterfront promenade lies along the Kalix River and borders the centre of Överkalix. There is also a skate park on the promenade. The central district itself is on a peninsula. The river also shapes the character of the town: the Kalix River flows through Överkalix and is one of Sweden’s pristine, protected national rivers.
Near the centre, Brännaberget offers views of Överkalix, the Kalix River, Tallviksavan, Ängesån and the surrounding mountains. A road leads up to the mountain, where there is also a large car park. At Grelsbyberget, trails and training routes lead to rest areas with views and information about the town and its surroundings. The Överkalix Naturkartan adds activity descriptions, maps, GPS data and contour lines to outings like these.
Forest, water and activity
Three peaks, extensive rocky areas and boulder fields define the terrain in the Malungsberget Nature Reserve. Among the old pines, several are more than 450 years old. In the Laxforsberget Nature Reserve, a hiking trail from Jockfall to the summit passes through old-growth forest with ancient pines and deciduous woodland. There is also an older rest cabin on Laxforsberget.
Nearby, the 9-metre-high Jockfallet is the Kalix River’s highest drop. Jockfall offers opportunities for fishing, hiking and cycling. Salmon fishing is also possible in the Kalix River and in the Ansvar-Polcirkeln and Ängesån fishing conservation areas. Fishing rules and access conditions can change, so check them before you fish. On the way from the centre to Jockfall, you cross the Arctic Circle.
Storlappberget Ski Centre also offers different ways to stay active: in winter there are groomed cross-country ski trails, and during the snow-free season there is a paved roller-ski track. One downhill run is 440 metres long, with a vertical drop of 90 metres. Operating conditions can vary; check before travelling. In the Överkalix countryside, you can also walk, hike, run, cycle, ski and paddle.
Nearby is Linafallet, a 16-metre-high waterfall considered the highest in Norrbotten. There is an accessible viewing platform. A footbridge is closed due to its poor condition; check current access before visiting. You can also book a trip on a sauna raft on the Kalix River: while you sauna and swim, an experienced chef from River Rafters prepares dinner. Check the available dates before travelling.
Culture, collections and special experiences
The present-day Överkalix Church was inaugurated in 1943; a chapel had stood on the site as early as 1636. The baptismal font is made from local stone. In Svartbyn, Holger’s Tractor Museum has up to around 200 tractors and other historic machinery, including fire engines, lorries, crude-oil engines, motorcycles, boat engines and chainsaws. The library in Överkalix Municipality has a local collection of books, maps and articles about the area. For genealogical research, it also has material on Tornedalian families, and internet-enabled computers provide access to the Swedish National Archives’ church records.
The facilities at Badhuset include a swimming pool, showers, a sauna and changing rooms; public swimming and bathing are offered for all age groups. Individual visitors can view icons and artworks at Sirillus if they contact the establishment in advance. Nearby, Jakobgården offers a sheep experience: visitors can feed the sheep and enjoy fika in the sheep pasture or farm shop. Check Jakobgården’s operating dates before travelling. Överkalix sommarmarknad takes place on the third weekend in July; the programme may vary from year to year.
Getting there and accommodation
You can reach Överkalix by car via the E10 and National Road 98. Buses to the town are operated by Länstrafiken Norrbotten; check the timetable for your travel dates. If you are looking for a hotel, choose based on your planned priorities between the centre and nearby nature destinations.
Discover more destinations: Lansjärv.
Back to the main travel overview: Överkalix.
