ght fun
DESTINATIONS SWEDEN | SCANDINAVIA
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travelweekly.co.uk
tanding on the edge of a wooden pier over the Torne River, I pull the large fishing
net out of the fast-flowing water – and it’s empty again. I’m trying to catch a fish in the traditional way – using a large net on the end of a long pole that reaches far beyond the riverbank. Whitefish and salmon are common in this Arctic region during the early summer months, but after several attempts, I’ve been unsuccessful at catching anything. The river marks the border between Sweden and Finland’s Lapland regions. Just hearing the word Lapland conjures up thoughts of snowy landscapes, starry nights and the bright aurora striking across the sky, but those scenes are hard to imagine as I look out over a river that’s roaring with rapids, lined with bright green grass and leafy deciduous trees.
PLENTY OF FISH
Fishing is just one of the many activities to enjoy in Swedish Lapland over the summer, and the tourist centre on
the banks of the Torne River at the Kukkolaforsen rapids offers a way for visitors to access this experience. It’s an activity that requires patience, but those who practise this type of fishing aren’t doing it to catch an abundance. Local laws carry restrictions on how many fish can be caught, and salmon are much larger at this southern end of the river – before they embark on their epic journey upstream, which can take several months. At Kukkolaforsen, there’s also a fishing museum that teaches travellers more about catching fish with a dip net, alongside a hotel, campsite and cottages, plus a restaurant that overlooks the river and a chance to dine in a timber smoke hut. These little lodges are traditionally used as gathering points, with small windows and a chimney for the open fire at the centre – which is used to cook our (pre-caught) salmon and potatoes. In winter, the huts provide a cosy respite from the cold, while in summer, they’re a break from the mosquitoes that can be found near the river.²
5 JUNE 2025
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