This Swedish border town sits at the northernmost point of the Baltic Sea, next to Finland. Local shops accept both euros and kronor, making it a hub for cross-border trade.
In Haparanda, Sweden's easternmost town, Swedish and Finnish cultures come together along the Torne River. You can walk across the border to Finland for lunch, play a round of golf with holes in two countries at Green Zone Golf Course, and experience two New Year's Eve celebrations an hour apart. The town's copper-clad church rises above the streets, while the sandy beaches of Haparanda Sandskär island stretch along the coastline just a short boat ride away.
Getting to Haparanda
You can reach Haparanda via the E4 highway or take a train from Boden. The closest airports are Kemi-Tornio Airport in Finland (26 km) and Luleå Airport in Sweden (137 km). Regional buses connect Haparanda with other towns in Norrbotten County, and local buses run between different parts of Haparanda and neighboring Tornio.
Weather and Seasonal Activities
The town's location near the Arctic Circle brings mild winters and warm summers. You can experience the midnight sun from June 19-25, and white nights from late April through August. Summer temperatures reach around 20°C (69°F), while winter averages -9°C (15°F). The sea freezes in winter, but summer water temperatures rise to 14.5°C (58°F).
Shopping Across Borders
At the Haparanda-Tornio border, you'll find the world's northernmost IKEA, with signs in both Swedish and Finnish and prices in Swedish kronor. Thanks to the Schengen Agreement, you can walk between the two countries freely - just watch for the language change on street signs to know which country you're in.
Unique Border Experiences
Green Zone Golf Course lets you tee off in Sweden and putt in Finland. On New Year's Eve, gather at Victoria Square to celebrate twice - first with Finnish time, then an hour later with Swedish time. A border park connects the two town centers with walking and cycling paths.
Kukkolaforsen and Sauna Culture
Drive 15 minutes from central Haparanda to reach Kukkolaforsen, where you can try any of 15 different saunas at the Swedish Sauna Academy. Watch local fishermen practice traditional whitefish netting in the Torne River - a fishing technique found only here and in parts of the Amazon. The river's rapids also create prime spots for salmon fishing.
Around Town
The copper-clad church and the grand Stadshotell from 1900 define the town center. Inside the Stadshotell, you'll find a stateroom decorated with Orrefors glass chandeliers. The 47-meter pepperpot-shaped water tower from 1920 serves as a navigation point. At the 1918 railway station, a plaque marks where Lenin passed through during his journey between East and West.
Haparanda Sandskär
This island in the archipelago has marked hiking trails through pine forests and along sandy beaches. In summer, you can take a boat from the mainland to explore the island's lighthouse, fishing cabins, and coastal meadows.
