Event Calendar

The Museum of Torne Valley showcases Torne Valley culture and history on both sides of the Finnish-Swedish border. We specialize in the local way of life and border region phenomena. Our permanent exhibition highlights the traditional means of living, the history of Tornio and Haparanda, border trade, smuggling and marriages across the border.

Visitors can also listen to local languages and dialects. The past comes alive through original artifacts and abundant picture and film material on display.

14.11.2025-2.8.2026

The exhibition introduces visitors to the stages of beer production and the factors that influence it. The exhibition also explores the role of beer in people’s daily lives, celebrations and beliefs, and looks at society as a regulator and structurer of beer-drinkers. Photographs, objects and advertisements from different eras will provide an introduction to beer memories of the past.

Exhibition loan from the Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Museum. The exhibition is complemented by a section on the history of brewing in Tornio.

The exhibition and its accompanying programmes are organised in cooperation with Tornio Brewery. During the exhibition, group guided tours will be organised, starting with a visit to the museum to learn about the history of beer, followed by a visit to the Tornion Brewery to taste the beers.

14/11 2025-2/8 2026

The exhibition provides a perspective on the mythology of beer, from its creation to the death of folk beer. Visitors will learn about the processes of beer brewing and the factors that influence it. The exhibition also highlights the role of beer in people’s everyday lives, celebrations and beliefs, and explores how society has been both a regulator and a structure creator for people who drink beer. Photographs, objects and advertisements from different eras lead visitors into the beer history of the past.

Exhibition loan from the Finnish Hotel and Restaurant Museum. The exhibition is supplemented with sections on the history of the Tornio brewery. The exhibition and its accompanying program are organized in cooperation with Tornion Panimo. During the exhibition period, group tours will be offered, where participants will first learn about the history of beer at the museum and then go on a brewery tour and beer tasting at Tornion Panimo.

In 2026, the Aine Art Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary.

The museum was opened to the public on 8 March 1986. The Rajakartano building was designed by architect Matti Porkka. Mrs Tellervo Koivisto opened the museum to the public with ceremonial words: May Rajakartano grow into a sanctuary of knowledge, skill and creativity.

The story of the art museum began with the love of art shared by Tornio residents Eila and Veli Aine. Their shared passion eventually grew into one of the most significant art collections in Northern Finland, the collection of the Aine Pictorial Arts Foundation.

The agreement between the Aine Pictorial Art Foundation and the City of Tornio was signed on 23 October 1979. Under the agreement, the City committed to constructing exhibition and storage facilities meeting museum standards for the art collection and to being responsible for the care of the collection as well as for the operation of the art museum. The Aine Pictorial Art Foundation committed to permanently placing the art collection it owns in the museum’s premises.

The collections of the Aine Pictorial Art Foundation and the Aine Art Museum contain genuine pearls of art, works that are particularly cherished. Among the more than four thousand works of art are national treasures shared by all Finns as well as history unique to the people of Tornio. The exhibition features artists such as Fanny Churberg, Ellen Thesleff, H. Ahtela, Helene Schjerfbeck, Vilho Lampi, Kalervo Palsa, Marika Mäkelä, Tove Jansson, Tuulikki Pietilä, Rafael Wardi, Ina Colliander

How many pearls that are important to you will you find among the works in the exhibition?

Photo: Ahtela H., The Last of the Ice, 1906, oil on canvas, Aine Art Museum’s collection.

Aine Art Museum in Tornio is set to turn 40 years old in March 2026.As part of the anniversary year celebrations, the museum will be hosting a retrospective exhibition entitled And I Became Human, showcasing the work of much-loved Photographer Jaakko Heikkilä. The exhibition will present a broad spectrum of Heikkilä’s work, spanning the early 1990s to the 2020s, and will be on display at Aine Art Museum from 8 March to 30 August 2026.

Jaakko Heikkilä is one of northern Finland’s most significant and internationally renowned contemporary artists. Born in Kemi in 1956, he works in the Kukkolankoski rapids area of the Tornio River Valley.

Heikkilä first became known to a wider audience in the 1990s with his works Our Land (1992) and Bright Humility (1996), which explored the people and culture of the Tornio River Valley. Since then, Heikkilä’s photography has taken him to Armenia, Russia, Serbia, Italy, the USA, Norway, the UK, Brazil, Mexico and Cuba.

Heikkilä’s photographs often provide an insight into various communities, minority cultures, and the related phenomena. His images are deeply human, touching, and often with a soft hint of humour. The subjects of his photographs include Venetian aristocrats, Armenians, Wallachians, and Pomors, as well as some of Finland’s wealthiest people.

Heikkilä has held numerous major solo exhibitions at venues such as the National Museum of Finland in 2016 and 2022, the Finnish Museum of Photography 2011, and the Venice Biennale 2005. His solo exhibition Mykempi ko kala (‘Quieter than fish’) took place at Aine Art Museum in 1994, followed by Armenian vaietut tarinat (‘Armenia’s silenced stories’) in 2007.

Heikkilä won the Lapland Art prize in 1993, the State Prize for Photographic Art in 2007, and the Barents Scholarship for Cultural Cooperation in 2017.

Heikkilä explains the significance Aine Art Museum holds for him:

“We moved to Kukkola in autumn 1989. Aine Art Museum quickly became very close to my heart, a kind of living room that could transport me into the arts, a restaurant of thoughts, a source of inspiration.”

With support from the Finnish Heritage Agency

Photo: Jaakko Heikkilä, 27. In Ebbas Vardagsrum, Kukkola, Finland, 2003.

Dance & create street together!
For you between 13-15 years

Are you curious about street dance, creativity and want to hang out with others? Now you have the chance to explore your own style in a safe and inspiring environment.

We work with street dance, movement, vibe and creative expression – your way.
You don’t need any prior knowledge, everyone is welcome, just as you are.

Times:
Fridays at 16.00-17.30 (for you 13-15 years)
(We also run Saturdays at 14.00-15.30 for those aged 15-19)

Period: May-June
Start: Friday, May 8
Location: Railway station, Haparanda

The meetings are led by Mari Raudsepp, dancer and choreographer

Price: Free of charge
Places: Limited number, pre-registration required

Registration:
Send sms to 070 044 77 65

Follow:
Instagram: @mari_mangcobo
TikTok: @marimangcobo

Part of CALS – a national project with support from the General Heritage Fund, with project management by Livet Bitch Scenkonst, in collaboration with three other organizations nationally.

Implemented locally in collaboration with Linda Remahl and Mari Raudsepp, in collaboration with Haparanda city, Region Norrbotten and Danskonsulent Norrbotten.

Photo: Ella Ashrafi

Dance & create street together!
For you between 15-19 years

Are you curious about street dance, creativity and want to hang out with others? Now is your chance to explore your own style in a safe and inspiring environment.

We work with street dance, movement, vibe and creative expression – your way.
You don’t need any prior knowledge, everyone is welcome, just as you are.

Times:
Saturdays at 14.00-15.30 for you 15-19 years
(We run with Fridays at 16.00-17.30 for you 13-15 years)

Period: May-June
Start: Saturday, May 9
Location: Railway station, Haparanda

The meetings are led by Mari Raudsepp, dancer and choreographer

Price: Free of charge
Places: Limited number, pre-registration required

Registration:
Send sms to +46 70 044 77 65

Follow:
Instagram: @mari_mangcobo
TikTok: @marimangcobo

Part of CALS – a national project with support from the General Heritage Fund, with project management by Livet Bitch Scenkonst, in collaboration with three other organizations nationally.

Implemented locally in collaboration with Linda Remahl and Mari Raudsepp, in collaboration with Haparanda city, Region Norrbotten and Danskonsulent Norrbotten.

Photo: Siaka Calo

Bands from the Kemi and Tornio branches of the Meri-Lapi Music College will perform.
The concert is open to all. Free entry.

Music School students perform at the end of the year ceremony. The event is open to all

Welcome to spend a happy Discovery Day with the whole family! During the day, the shopping centre will be full of discoveries, surprises and entertainment. The Normals have also hidden some of their marketing icons in the mall. Find a character and bring it to Normal and you’ll be rewarded with a gift card!

See the Discovery Day programme at www.rajallakauppakeskus.fi

Stripped-down and intimate. Filled with tension and emotion. This is what the audience can expect when Norrbotten Big Band meets the acclaimed pop duo Sand & Hallander. With trombonist Tilde Schweizer as arranger, it can only be a success.

The pop duo Sand & Hallander consists of Emmalisa Hallander and Nina Sand, who sing and perform their own original songs in Swedish, featuring witty lyrics and expressive melodies. Their debut album Älskar, älskar inte (2023) was highly praised by critics and reviewers, and they were compared, among others, to ABBA.

Nina Sand and Emmalisa Hallander found each other in 2015 through their shared sense of humor and love for The Beatles. Since then, they have been best friends and are passionate about writing songs together—often with a twinkle in their eye. New songs will be released in the summer of 2025, and in 2026 an exciting collaboration with Norrbotten Big Band awaits.

Ticket information
Tickets: standard €15 / SEK 150, pensioners €10 / SEK 100, students free
Booking: kulturen@haparanda.se
Swish: 123 515 38 04
Organizer: City of Haparanda / Culture

Welcome to northern Sweden’s most fun race offering courses for everyone, regardless of experience or age. A race and experience for the whole family with the joy of running in focus.

Discover Seskarö’s fantastic trails and the wonderful nature of the Haparanda Archipelago. Have you just started running or never tried trailrunning before? Then the 3 km course is perfect for getting started. For those who want bigger challenge, there is a 7 km and a 12 km courses. Here at the Seskarö Trails outdoor arena you´ll run on winding paths of various kinds – forest, gravel, pebbles and sand.

But of course the whole family should join in. That´s why we offer courses even for the little ones: 500m, 1000m and 2km on asphalt and trail. Perfect for the youngest to experience the thrill of competition.

Saturday, May 30, 15-17 Swedish time, speed dating is organized at Haparanda City Library in collaboration between Haparanda and Tornio library.

The event is multilingual (Swedish, Finnish, English and Meänkieli).

Register via the QR code on the poster or via this link:

SWEDISH

https://forms.gle/Jq5tdRdqPgBaxqQ98

FINNISH

https://forms.gle/8tCk2eV3i6N45hmd6

The deadline for registration is Monday, May 25. Participation is free of charge. You must be over 18 years old to participate.

How does the event work?

1. All registered participants will be notified via a confirmation email about your participation after the deadline of May 25.
2. The event will take place at Haparanda Library, Norra Esplanaden 1, Haparanda. Please arrive on time, preferably at least 15 minutes before the event starts.
3. When you arrive, sign in with one of the officials. You will be given a name tag, a form where you can check whether there will be a match or no match with those you are sped dating and a brochure with some more information.
4. The spedating process is such that everyone is assigned their first date. The men are spread out in the library room and the women circulate.
5. Each speed date lasts 6 minutes and when the alarm sounds you move on to the next one.
6. Once you have dated everyone, hand in the completed form to the officials. Don’t forget to write your name on the form!
7. After the event has ended, during the evening, you will receive an email from the officials if there has been a match, with the contact details of the person.

Make your sauna evening perfect and book a table in our restaurant!

Swedish Midsummer

Experience the traditional Midsummer celebrations at Kukkolaforsen

Midsummer is one of Sweden’s most beloved and traditional holidays, celebrated to welcome summer and light after a long winter. Family and friends gather to dance around the midsummer pole, enjoy good food and drink, and socialise in nature. The midsummer pole is decorated with leaves, flowers, ribbons and small flags to symbolise the return of nature to life.

The festival has its roots in pagan rituals celebrating the summer solstice and the awakening of nature. Over time, these rituals became part of Christian traditions and an important part of Swedish culture. Today, Midsummer is a national holiday and one of Sweden’s most popular festivals. It is a time of joy, fellowship and respect for Swedish traditions.

Midsummer 2026

Midsummer celebrations at Kukkolaforsen 19/6-2026.
Midsummer pole, ring games and competitions.

16.00 Midsummer pole decorated with flowers
16.00 Face painting with Happy Faces

17.00 We will help you to set up the midsummer pole
17.00 Musical games and competitions for young and old

Midsummer buffet
Friday 13, 15, 17, 19
695 SEK / person, children 0-5 years free, 6-12 years 150 SEK
Advance booking only

Midsummer lunch buffet
Saturday 12 noon and 2 pm
395 SEK / person, children 0-5 years free, 6-12 years 150 SEK

Classic Musicmeet – Wheels Nationals Haparanda!

Day program – FREE ENTRY
Admission at 23.00
DOLLY STYLE takes the stage at 12.30

EVENING PROGRAM – TRIBUTE NIGHT
Admission at 16.30
Entrance 200 SEK/pp, no pre-booking required
Live music from 17.00

As the evening progresses, the volume is raised and we invite you to a maxed Tribute Night with legendary rock music:
Mighty Queen
The Dress To Kiss
Hetfieldz

An evening filled with classic hits, sing-alongs and rock energy!

Classic MotorMeet brings a spectacular array of classic vehicles and a unique event atmosphere to Haparanda! During the three-day event you can admire great cars and engines, meet enthusiasts and enjoy a relaxed and memorable summer weekend. This is a must-see for all lovers of motoring and vehicle culture – come and experience the most exciting moments of summer!

NOTE! Also join us on 8 July for a special event with activities for the whole family!

FB: classic.motormeet

New! Have a sauna, eat well and enjoy the music!

Sauna barbecue night

Bring a towel, relax and enjoy the music at the sauna barbecue.

In July we invite you to three atmospheric summer evenings at Kukkolaforsen. A relaxed combination of traditional sauna, barbecue buffet and music – amidst a vibrant rapidscape.

All our saunas are hot throughout the evening. Between sauna nights you can relax in the wood-fired hot tub or take a dip in the Torne River from Kukkola beach. The evening continues at a relaxed pace with a rich barbecue buffet and music to match the theme of the evening.

Dates & themes:

14.7. – Karaoke & sing-along in the sauna.

21.7. – Troubadour evening

28.7 – DJ at the rapids

Practical information:

Price: 395 SEK / person

Age limit: 18 years

Please bring a towel and swimming trunks

Places are limited.
Book your sauna barbecue evening at Kukkolaforsen.

Twin City Festival:

The Twin City’s own festival extravaganza, the Twin City Festival, is bigger than ever. 17.-18.7. The festival will feature Finland’s biggest stars in pop and dance music, with long-time favourite Juha Tapio, who has just celebrated his centenary, and the gorgeous Jenni Vartiainen taking to the stage, the Portion Boys, who are guaranteed to bring the party and have recently released an arena hit, Komiat, who won the UMK competition with their Lululai hit, Suvi Teräsniska and dance music favourite Yölintu.

Other stars include Suurlähettiläät, who released their debut album 35 years ago, Ressu Redford, who returned to Twink Kari last year to a huge audience, Diandra, Roope Salminen and dogs, Aikakone, Stig and Juhana Haukkala. All festival ticket types are now on sale at Ticketmaster.

This year we will see the all-time Twinkkari! 💜

Sauna barbecue evening

Sauna barbecue evening with music at Kukkolaforsen

Tuesdays 14/7-28/7 at 17-21

Bring a towel, relax and enjoy the music.

In July we invite you to three atmospheric summer evenings at Kukkolaforsen. A relaxed combination of traditional sauna, barbecue buffet and music – amidst a vibrant rapidscape.

All our saunas are hot throughout the evening. Between sauna nights you can relax in the wood-fired hot tub or take a dip in the Torne River from Kukkola beach. The evening continues at a relaxed pace with a rich barbecue buffet and music to match the theme of the evening.

Dates & themes:
14.7 – Karaoke & sing-along in the sauna
21.7. – Trubaduuri evening
28.7. – DJ at the rafting site

Practical information: – At the spa and the rapids, there is also the possibility of attending parties with..:
Price: 395 SEK / person
Age limit: 18 years

CHF 395.00 – 18.00:: – Take a towel and swimming trunks with you.
18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18.
Book your sauna barbecue evening at Kukkolaforsen.

Sauna barbecue evening

Sauna barbecue evening with music at Kukkolaforsen

Tuesdays 14/7-28/7 from 17-21

Bring a towel, relax and enjoy the music.

In July we invite you to three atmospheric summer evenings at Kukkolaforsen. A relaxed combination of traditional sauna, barbecue buffet and music – amidst a vibrant rapidscape.

All our saunas are hot throughout the evening. Between sauna nights you can relax in the wood-fired hot tub or take a dip in the Tornion River from Kukkola’s beach. The evening continues at a relaxed pace with a rich barbecue buffet and music to match the theme of the evening.

Dates & themes:
14.7 – Karaoke & singing in the sauna
21.7. – Troubadour evening
28.7. – DJ at the rafting site

Practical information: – There is also the possibility to go on an excursion to the spa and the rapids..:
Price: 395 SEK / person
Age limit: 18 years

CHF 395.00 – €5.00: – Take a towel and swimming trunks with you.
Age: 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18 – 18.
Book your sauna barbecue evening at Kukkolaforsen.

Make your sauna evening perfect and book a table in our restaurant!

The purpose of the local heritage days is to celebrate Tornio’s long history and cultural heritage, to increase understanding of local history and local history work and to make Tornio known both here and nationally.

The theme of the Heritage Day is “Heritage without Borders” and during the three days there will be a wide range of activities around Tornio and its surroundings on both sides of the border. We want to reach out to locals, residents, visitors and tourists. The event also brings together professionals and enthusiasts working on cultural heritage and heritage issues across the country.

Puuluoto Backyard is now organized for the second time.