15 tips for finding things to do in Tornio
Explore the Tornio and Haparanda region - a diverse range of culture, history, nature, food and shopping on the border between the two countries.
City articles
9.12.2024
Tornio, a border town in northern Finland, was for a long time the northernmost town in Finland. The town offers a wide range of cultural and natural experiences and a unique opportunity to experience the meeting of cultures from two countries.
Among the most important cultural events are the Tornio Days in May, when the city celebrates its history. In the summer, local restaurants showcase their delicacies in the Apteekinpuisto (Pharmacy Park), and people in the city enjoy a good time together. In spring, the area hosts the Park Carnival, part of the Tornio Days programme.
Tornio's cuisine combines Finnish and Swedish flavours, such as fresh salmon soup and reindeer stew. Local cafés complete the experience, offering kampanisu, cinnamon rolls and other delicacies to be enjoyed on the terraces in summer or indoors in the warmth of winter.
The joint events calendar of Tornio and the neighbouring town of Haparanda is a good source of information. You can find tips on local events and activities.
Discover with us the best places in Tornio!
Old windmill in Tornio
Visit the Aine Art Museum, the centre of cultural life in Tornio. The museum offers a variety of art exhibitions throughout the year, presenting both exhibitions from its own collection and temporary special exhibitions. Each year, the museum hosts 4-6 temporary exhibitions, which constantly bring new experiences and perspectives to art.
The museum actively organises workshops and events, which are a great way to get to know art better and test your creativity. You can take part in a variety of art education activities and deepen your understanding of different artistic phenomena.
The Aine Art Museum is located on Tornio's West Coast and is a popular destination for art lovers. With your visit you will support local cultural life and enjoy unique art experiences.
Discover the diverse architecture of the Kemi-Tornio area. In the centre of Tornio, you can admire well-preserved wooden houses representing traditional Northern Finnish architecture.
Tornio Church is an impressive sight; built in 1686, it is one of the oldest and largest wooden churches in Finland.
Alatornio Church, built in 1797, is located a little further from the centre. The church is known for its beautiful details and historical significance. Both churches are important attractions because of their architecture and history.
The Kemi Cultural Centre is an impressive example of Finnish architecture from the 1980s. Its curved shape and wide glass surfaces create an interesting contrast with the surrounding landscape.
Walking through the streets of Kemi and Tornio, you will notice an interesting mix of old and new. Old wooden houses and modern buildings create a unique cityscape that reflects the rich history of the area, as well as the present.
Discover the rich history of the region at the Tornion Valley Museum. Located in Tornio, the museum specialises in the Tornion Valley way of life and border phenomena. The exhibitions vividly illustrate the unified cultural and dialect area of Tornionlaakso, located between Finland and Sweden.
In addition to the main exhibition, the museum has temporary special exhibitions. For example, you can take a virtual visit to the Struve chain of sites, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The museum also organises events, workshops and guided tours.
Be sure to check the museum's opening hours before your visit. You can enter the museum with a debit card, Museum Card or Kaikukort. On 18 May, International Museum Day, admission to the museum is free.
Visit Tornio Brewery, a historic craft brewery on the banks of the Tornio River. The brewery was founded in 1873, but has been interrupted from time to time. It reopened in 2016, continuing the region's rich beer tradition.
The brewery produces high-quality craft beers from domestic ingredients and pure water from Lapland. Tornio Brewery is especially known for its excellent lagers. By booking a visit, you can learn the secrets of beer brewing and taste different beers.
For brewery manager Kaj Kostiander, it is important to continue the beer tradition in this historic setting. Tornion Brewery's products have achieved success in competitions, winning gold and silver in the Finnish Best Beer competition.
During your visit you can also get to know the products of Tornio Distillery, which are produced in the same brewery. This will give you a comprehensive insight into local beverage production and its traditions.
Deepen your knowledge of Tornio's history and attractions by taking a guided walking tour. These tours are a great way to learn about the city's past and discover its most important landmarks.
On guided tours you can see the main sites of Tornio and hear interesting stories from knowledgeable guides. The tours are often themed, focusing on architecture, cultural history or local legends, for example.
You can choose a general city tour or a more specialised thematic tour, depending on your interests. Tours usually last 1-2 hours and provide a good overview of the city, helping you to plan your own visits.
Taking a guided tour is an easy way to explore Tornio without having to plan the route yourself. Your guide can also tell you about the lesser-known places and details that make the city unique.
Kiviranta Local Heritage House is a charming cultural site that offers a glimpse into the history of Tornio and the traditional northern Finnish way of life. The house hosts exhibitions and events showcasing the history, craft traditions and everyday artefacts of the area. Situated in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Tornio, the surroundings provide an excellent setting for a peaceful walk in a historic setting.
River Tornionjoki, Kukkolankoski
7) Hike on the banks of the Tornio river
Walk along the banks of the Tornio River and enjoy the stunning scenery. The paths along the river lead you through beautiful natural landscapes. You can start your hike in the centre of Tornio and head either north or south along the river.
Along the way you will see varying views of the river and its surroundings. In summer, you can stop for a picnic or just sit back and admire the flowing water. In autumn, the colours of the browns create a breathtaking backdrop for your walk.
Along the river there are several resting places and viewing platforms, which offer good opportunities to stop and admire the scenery and take photos. While hiking, you may see the diverse birdlife and other fauna of the area. Enjoy the closeness to nature and the peaceful atmosphere.
Experience the impressive scenery of Kukkolankoski, just 15 km north of Tornio city centre. It is Finland's largest unharnessed rapids on the Tornio River. It is 3.5 kilometres long and has a waterfall height of 13.5 metres.
Kukkolankoski is especially known for its traditional flag fishing. You can follow the skilled fly-fishermen who have been practising this form of fishing for centuries. You can learn about the local culture and history by visiting traditional buildings and learn more about the rich fishing tradition of the area.
The Whitefish Festival, held at the end of July, celebrates the rise of the whitefish in the river. The event is an opportunity to experience local culture and traditions. Around Kukkolankoski you can also enjoy beautiful walking trails and admire the diversity of nature.
Experience an adrenaline-filled experience by taking part in rafting on the Tornio River. Kukkolankoski offers a great setting for an exciting adventure on a rubber board. The excursion usually starts with a basic trail along the Finnish-Swedish border. This route is the fastest on the rapids and offers a fast-paced experience.
After the first landing, you can challenge yourself on the mission track, which includes moderately challenging tasks and adds an extra level of excitement to the adventure. You actively participate in the descent by paddling yourself on a rubber board, making the experience even more involving.
Koskenlasku is an excellent way to discover the beautiful nature of the Tornion River and experience a unique experience. Equipment and guidance are usually included in the tour package, so all you need to do is prepare to get wet and enjoy the trip.
Take a day trip to Ylitornio, about an hour's drive from Turku. Ylitornio's main attraction is the Tornionjoki, the largest free-flowing water body in the Baltic Sea region and an important salmon and sea trout river.
In summer, you can enjoy the river's bounty by fishing or canoeing. For nature lovers, Ylitornio offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. You can hike on the nearby nature trails or admire the scenery from the observation tower.
Discover the local culture and history by visiting the local museum, which showcases the traditions and way of life of the area. During your day trip, you can also sample local delicacies in the region's restaurants, where Lappish cuisine is very much in evidence.
Be sure to bring your camera, as Ylitornio's scenery offers great photo opportunities all year round. Especially when it is dark, the colours are breathtaking.
Cruises on the Bothnian Sea offer a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and cultural history of the northern seas. Cruises departing from the inner harbour of Kemi often visit islands in the Perämeri National Park, such as Pensaskari and Selkä-Sarve. On these islands you can experience landscapes shaped by the old fishing culture and enjoy the peace of nature.
The cruises are carried out on traditional ships, such as the Perämeri Jähdi, built in the shipbuilding tradition of the 19th century. The ship has comfortable facilities for passengers, and its restaurant serves snacks and refreshments during the cruise.
Cruises are available during the summer season, with schedules published in the spring. Private events and tailor-made sailing packages are also available for groups and companies.
Experience a unique golfing experience at Tornio Golf Club, also known as Green Zone Golf. This full-size course is located on the border between Finland and Sweden, within two countries and time zones.
The course offers challenges for players of all levels. The River Tornion flowing through it acts as a natural barrier and adds to the excitement of the game. In summer, you can enjoy the midnight sun and play around the clock, making your golf experience truly special.
The club also has indoor practice facilities and golf simulators available for your use all year round. You can find out more about the course and its facilities on their website at torniogolf.fi.
Enjoy nature by hiking at Kukkolankoski, a magnificent nature spot in Tornio. There are well-marked paths around the pond, where you can walk and admire the sparkling waters.
While hiking, you can stop by to watch the skilful whitefish fishing demonstrations by rapids fishermen. This traditional form of fishing is a unique sight. Bring your camera, as the scenery at Kukkolankoski is particularly beautiful.
There is also a café and restaurant on the banks of the lake, where you can rest and enjoy local delicacies during your hike. Be sure to allow enough time to enjoy all that Kukkolankoski has to offer.
Shop at Rajalla shopping centre, one of the largest shopping centres in Lapland. It is located on the border between Finland and Sweden in the heart of the twin towns of Tornio and Haparanda.
The shopping centre has around 50 businesses offering a wide range of services; you can shop for fashion, gifts and food.
You can also enjoy food and coffee in the various restaurants and cafés in the Rajalla shopping centre. Shopping is available in two languages and currencies, adding an international flavour to the shopping experience,
Shopping in Haparanda offers a wide and varied choice, combining international products, local culture and the opportunity to save money.
The area is particularly known for its large interior design stores, which attract shoppers with affordable and practical products. In addition, outlet stores offer branded products such as sports and outdoor clothing, accessories and equipment at substantial discounts.
For those who appreciate local crafts and design, the area offers small boutiques selling unique products inspired by northern nature. These include home furnishings, utility products and gifts, all carefully made with quality materials.
While you shop, you can enjoy the restaurants and cafés in the area, which combine Finnish and Swedish flavours. There are local specialities as well as traditional coffee experiences.
The favourable exchange rate of the Swedish krona increases the attractiveness of Haparanda. This will bring significant savings, especially on larger purchases.
