Tornio is the oldest city in Lapland. It writes its chronicle from 1621. Tornio has an inseparable twin-brother - Haparanda in Sweden. These cities have had a common history and dialect since the reign of Swedish monarch Gustav II Adolph.
The wars didn’t seriously damage Tornio, which has saved many old buildings.
Sights in Tornio
Tourists will be able to get acquainted with the history of Tornio-Haparanda and the region as a whole in the Regional museum.
It will be interesting to visit the old wooden church (1868), Alatornio church (1797) in picturesque surroundings on the bank of the river, the Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul, which was erected for a military garrison by the decree of Alexander I in 1825.
Aine’s Arts Museum will show you the art of Finnish masters of the early XIX century. There are different handicrafts in the Museum of village. The history of West Lapland is well represented in the Museum of province Tornionlaakso.
Brewery “Lapin Kylta” is a popular place in the city. It was opened on the island Suensaari in 1873. The guests will be able to taste and buy natural beer during the excursion to this oldest business in North Finland.
The botanical gardens “Arboretum”, where you’ll find about 2500 cereal plants, is considered to be an interesting place, too.
Cultural events in Tornio
Beer festival, music festival, the famous in Finland salmon fair “Lohifeast” are held in Tornio every year. All comers can taste the largest in the world pie, stuffed with salmon, and take part in choosing the most beautiful fisherwoman of summer during this unique fair.
National parks
Nature lovers will be happy to visit the National Park of Gulf of Bothnia, which is united with the National Park of the Archipelago Haparanda in Sweden. This is a favorite place for fishing, boating, birds watching, swimming and so on.
Active leisure in Tornio
You’ll understand in Tornio, how they use the best natural features for the different ways of active leisure.
The picturesque rapids Kukkolankoski on the river Torniyoki are the most beautiful place in the outskirts of Tornio. Tourists are offered rafting and fishing for white-fish there. There is the recreation centre “Kukkolaforsh” with camping n the Swedish territory. You’ll be able to go shopping, to visit a restaurant or the Museum of fishing.
There are numerous ski-tracks, snowmobiles’ and dogs’ sledding routes along the ice-bound Gulf of Bothnia and the river Tornionyoki in winter. You’ll find there all necessary conditions for ice-fishing and swimming in the ice-hole after sauna.
Tourists from all over the world visit Tornio to enjoy a wonderful holiday in such an extraordinary place.
