TORNIONLAAKSO / TORNIO VALLEY
Tornio Valley is a unique meeting point of cultures. Life on the border of two countries has made the river valley a rich and active area reflecting solidarity. Tourists from around the world can enjoy the traditions, hospitality and pure nature of the area.
Tornio Valley is located in the western Lapland, nearby the Swedish border. High road 21 from Tornio to Kilpisjärvi follows along the Tornio River. The landscape in Tornio River Valley is very beautiful with several lakes and grand hills.
The best known of the hills is Aavasaksa, 242 meters. Aavasaksa is known as "the sun hill" because it attracts thousands of visitors to admire the midnight sun every year. The Midsummer Festival in Aavasaksa is very old and still very popular event in Tornio River Valley. In the scientific literature the name of Aavasaksa became famous because of the geographic work that the Frenchman Maupertuis did in 1736-37. It is located in the area where the Arctic Circle crosses the border of Sweden and Finland.