TornioHaparanda
photo ©TornioHaparanda
TornioHaparanda – Two Countries, One Experience
The northernmost twin city in the world! Tornio in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden meet seamlessly across the border. Three languages, two cultures, two currencies, and two time zones coexist side by side, only in TornioHaparanda. It is home to one of the world’s most peaceful and open borders.
Breathe the purest air, witness the Northern Lights without the crowds, shop and dine across borders, and enjoy authentic Arctic moments – from snowmobile adventures to sauna warmth and ice swimming.
Unique Experiences – Without Borders
Visitors can celebrate New Year’s twice – first in Finland, then an hour later in Sweden. At Green Zone Golf, players tee off in one country and putt in another, crossing the border mid-game. Under the Midnight Sun, it is even possible to attempt one of the world’s longest hole-in-ones.
Arctic Nature and Culture – Within Easy Reach, Without the Crowds
The Torne River, Kukkolankoski, and Matkakoski are renowned for their centuries-old dip-net fishing tradition, where locals stand on wooden platforms to catch salmon with hand-held scoop nets. This living heritage, passed down through generations, is now on its way to UNESCO recognition. Along the river, visitors can watch fishermen at work, explore the historic Kukkola Fishing Village, and learn about the unique river culture that unites both sides of the border.
Summer by the Sea and River
In summer, the Bothnian Bay Archipelago National Park offers pristine nature, tranquil seascapes, and the northernmost marine national park in the world. Visitors can explore the islands by boat or kayak, enjoy the peace of endless daylight, and experience the magic of the Midnight Sun as it glows through the night. The air is fresh, the water crystal-clear, and the rhythm of nature sets the pace for slow, mindful travel.
Winter Magic of the North
In winter, TornioHaparanda becomes a peaceful Arctic landscape of snow and ice. The frozen river and sea are perfect for ice fishing, snowshoeing, or taking a refreshing dip after a warm sauna. When darkness falls, the Northern Lights light up the sky in shades of green and violet. The quiet surroundings, cozy saunas, and welcoming atmosphere make winter here calm, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Events and Culture All Year Round
Cultural highlights include the Museum of the Torne Valley, which presents the shared cultural heritage of Finland and Sweden; the Aine Art Museum, showcasing Finnish and northern contemporary art; and the Lekkermanni Christmas and Toy Museum, offering a nostalgic look at Finnish Christmas traditions and vintage toys.
From the Twincity Festival and Tornio Ice Fishing Championships to the Classic Motormeet and Happy New Twice celebration, TornioHaparanda hosts vibrant events throughout the year that connect both sides of the border.
A Shopper’s Paradise
The Rajalla På Gränsen shopping center, IKEA, factory outlets, boutique stores, and Candyworld create a compact and diverse shopping destination. The area offers excellent value with the Swedish krona exchange rate and the convenience of shopping freely across two countries without a passport.
Easy to Reach
TornioHaparanda sees more than 14 million border crossings each year. The area is easily accessible by air via Kemi-Tornio, Oulu, Rovaniemi, and Luleå airports. Train connections run to Tornio, Haparanda, and Kemi, and there are frequent bus, taxi, and rental car services available.
