The Finnish frontier town of Tornio (Swedish Torneå) lies on the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of the Tornionjoki (Torneälv). It consists of three parts, the most westerly of which is on the former island of Suensaari, now joined to the mainland on the Swedish west bank of the river.
The town first appears in the records in the 14th century, when Archbishop Hemming baptized Finns and Sami (Lapps) here. The church was constructed in 1686 and the spire is a notable landmark. Tornio received its municipal charter in 1621, and thanks to its strategic situation soon developed into a considerable trading town.
A modern building in Torikatu houses the Aine Museum of Art (19th and 20th century Finnish art). In Keskikatu is the Regional Museum (folk material from the Tornio valley and Lapland).
Address: Aine Art Museum, Torikatu 2, SF-95400 Tornio, Finland
3km/2mi south of the center of Tornio we come to the district of Alatornio, which was incorporated in Tornio in 1973. It has a fine church (by Jacob Rijf, 1794-97) in Swedish neo- classical style.
This festival follows the Tornio Jazz Festival in early July. The festival is held on either side of the border between Finland and Russia and includes a number of musical concerts featuring acclaimed musicians from throughout Europe.
Address: International Kalottjazz & Blues Festival, Tornio Cultural Office Keskikatu 22, SF-95400 Tornio, Finland
Tornio's wooden church (1684-88) is one of the best preserved 17th century wooden churches in Finland. Its high saddle roof is covered with shingles arranged in a pattern; the separate belfry has a steeple surrounded by five turrets. The interior is attractive, with a painted timber ceiling, a carved wooden pulpit and a brass chandelier. To the north of the church is a water tower with a viewing platform and a cafe.
The four-day festival has venues on both sides of the Finland-Sweden border and thus include musicians from both countries, along-side internationally acclaimed musicians.
Address: International Kalottjazz & Blues Festival, Tornio Cultural Office Keskikatu 22, SF-95400 Tornio, Finland
An attractive excursion from Tornio is a drive up the Tornio valley to the north. 17km/11mi from Tornio a side road goes off to the Kukkolankoski rapids, which have a fall of 13.8m/45ft over a distance of 3.5km/2.5mi. There is a restaurant with good fish dishes. On the last Sunday in July a Whitefish Festival takes place at the rapids, with rafting races.
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