Travel along the riverbanks, explore lake landscapes, and visit streams. On this road trip, let the northern waters carry you away.
Along the way, you’ll find fascinating stops, from a fishing museum to themed libraries and art installations. Roaring rapids, centuries-old fishing traditions, diverse fishing experiences—whether guided or independent—and breathtaking scenery create unforgettable memories for fans of fishing and northern lifestyle. Travel the route from south to north or vice versa. You can also choose a shorter section that suits your plans.
Food lovers will be delighted: salmon is the undisputed king of the Tornio River, and the large lakes offer a rich variety of fish. The crystal-clear waters of the fells add even more to the range of species available. Crayfish are also caught later in the autumn. In the traditional fishing villages along the lower Tornio River, skewered whitefish and other whitefish dishes are central to the diet. Cooking over an open flame has a long tradition in Tornio Valley, and this road trip offers ample opportunities for wilderness dining in a hut or around a tree stump.
Download the route brochure here!
KUKKOLAFORSEN - HAPARANDA/TORNIO - KUKKOLANKOSKI - YLITORNIO
Kukkolaforsen: Fishing Museum/Fiskemuseet
Tornio: Kojamo sculpture by the riverbank, traditional fishing exhibition at Tornionlaakso Museum: lippous (net fishing), mertapyynti (trapping), kullenuottaus (netting)
Kukkolankoski: "Catch, Grill, and Enjoy Your Own Skewered Whitefish" experience, observe the lippous tradition and the whitefish-sharing ritual, IsoSiika sculpture
Lippomies statue, dining options
Accommodation suggestions: Vonka Village, Karemajat, Aava Sky Village, Loma-Vietonen, Lohijärvi Wilderness Center, Napapiirin Järvilomat
YLITORNIO - MATARENKI - MIEKOJÄRVI - PELLO
Stop in Matarengi for shopping, outdoor stores, and food and drink
From Aavasaksa Hill, enjoy the majestic view of the Tornio River
Riverboat in Kivilompolo, Turtola: visit a boat workshop, guided fishing experience on Miekojärvi with Lapland Wild Fish & Elämysvirta, and buy local fish as souvenirs directly from the fisherman
Pello, the fishing capital: fishing gear store Kalasaaga, chainsaw-carved salmon sculptures, occasional fishing competitions
Accommodation suggestions: Valkea Lodge, Arctic Camping, Hotel Pellonhovi, MiekoResort, Reindeer Lake Resort
PELLO - KOLARI (via Finland or Sweden)
Naamisuvanto: fly-fishing demonstrations, salmon rowing experience, etc.
LappeanLohi: salmon rowing school / salmon rowing demonstration / riverboat tour
Flame-grilled salmon meal and smoke sauna
Accommodation suggestion: LappeanLohi
KOLARI - MUONIO - KILPISJÄRVI
Muonio: Finnish Fishing Library and cultural site Keimiöniemi Fishing Cabins
Fishing culture and traditions at Hunter of the North
Kilpisjärvi: fishing guide services for northern species (grayling, char, etc.) with KJ-Experience
FISH ON THE PLATE
Creamy salmon soup, Miekojärvi vendace and zander, skewered whitefish, smoked whitefish, whitefish soup, cold-smoked salmon pizza, vendace burger, flame-grilled salmon, surströmming/fermented herring (if you dare!)...
SPOT A LEAPING SALMON!
Kukkolankoski, Matkakoski, Vuennonkoski, Kattilakoski, Valkeakoski, Kengis/Köngäs Fors, Äijäkoski...