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Europe Sweden Lapland Do & See The Struve Geodetic Arc (Pajala)

Overview

The Struve Geodetic Arc (Pajala)

The guide was updated: 2024-01-22

The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulation points that stretch from Hammerfest in Norway all the way to the Black Sea. The imaginary lines go through ten countries and over 2,820 kilometres. Carried out between 1816 and 1855 by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, this survey represented the first accurate measuring of a long segment of a meridian, helping establish the exact size and shape of the planet. Sweden has seven measurement points and four of them are on the World Heritage List (on the mountains Tynnyrilaki, Jupukka, Pullinki, and Perävaara). The mountaintop unveils an expansive view.

Useful Information

Address: Struves meridianbåge, Jupukka
More Info: Qithin Pajala, about 10 km from Pajala cnter along Rv 99.
Website: whc.unesco.org/en/list/1187

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun

Northern Lights & Midnight Sun

Light plays a central role in this part of Sweden. The winter nights are lit up thanks to the dazzling Northern Lights that flow over the sky in different colours. If you are really quiet you can hear how they crackle. While during the summer months, the nights never get dark thanks to the midnight sun squandering its light.

Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

Embark on a thrilling winter adventure by experiencing the exhilarating activity of riding on a sled pulled by a team of lively dogs. The combination of the brisk pace and the stunning winter landscape ensures that memories from this fun sled ride linger in your mind long after the adventure ends. Companies arranging dog sled tours: Wilderness Life Auktsjaur 16, Arvidsjaur +46 73 914 09 11 Northern Nature Experience Kiruna +46 703 21 91 08

Tärendö Church

Tärendö Church

The first stone blocks to the church foundation walls were broken in 1875 in Kenttärova. The same year F. R. Ekberg completed the drawings of the architect. The Royal Majesty, however, decided in 1877, that the church and schoolhouse would be built in the same area: Nivankorvanmaa. A significant restoration occurred in 1941, addressing structural and interior changes, and the church was reconsecrated in 1942. The restoration included new pews, removal of the heating stove, and electric lighting.

Laestadius Museum (Pajala)

Laestadius Museum (Pajala)

Laestadius Museum became the residence of the Pajala's first pastor, the temperance campaigner, botanist and scientist Lars Levi Laestadius. The place was used for many years after his death as a tenant house and also during World War II as a military barracks.

Hiking from Nivalehto to Jupukka

Hiking from Nivalehto to Jupukka

The hike is about 11 km. The trail passes through an old forest lined with open fields where you can enjoy different experiences in nature, as well as witness local animal and plant life. The water is clear and clean so you can drink straight from the stream or from a spring.

Sleigh Ride with Reindeer

Sleigh Ride with Reindeer

In Swedish Lapland, you get many opportunities to take a sleigh ride with reindeer, an excellent chance to get to know the region’s wildlife. Allow yourself to be driven through a snowy landscape, an experience certainly beyond the ordinary. One company that arranges sleigh rides with reindeer is Nutti Sámi Siida located in Jukkasjärvi.

Fishing in Lapland

Fishing in Lapland

Lapland is Europe’s last wilderness, a true paradise for fishermen. Lapland offers many opportunities for great fishing adventures, both with the fly and lure. The fishing season is short and intense, summer nights are bright and during June and July, the sun never drops below the horizon. There are five free-flowing rivers, creeks, forest lakes, and mountain lakes and the fish never sleeps. Bring the coffee pot, matches, and something to eat so that you have enough energy to fish all through the night.

Hunting

Hunting

Hunting is a big part of the culture and traditions here in the north, and it has been ever since the first inhabitants settled in the area. This close to nature, the locals have had a unique opportunity to follow deer populations, recognise individuals, and get a good understanding of game, thus securing sustainable hunting of a viable wildlife population.

Sauna

Sauna

Shed the stress, loosen tight muscles, and untangle your thoughts while sitting in the hot log sauna by the Lainio River. After your sauna session, take a dip in the snow or dive into the river to cool off. There's also a hot tub on the terrace by the river if you rather enjoy fresh air and warm water instead of the sauna.

Vasikkavuoma

Vasikkavuoma

Vasikkavuoma is the largest haymaking mire in the Nordic countries, if not in Europe, covering approximately 250 acres. In its heyday, this expansive area was dotted with about 350 barns, a testament to the historical practice of harvesting sedge and horsetail for fodder by local farmers. Though the number has diminished to 70 remaining barns, Vasikkavuoma preserves the echoes of a bygone era and the agricultural traditions that once thrived in this unique landscape.

Tärendö River

Tärendö River

The Tärendö River stands as the second largest bifurcation in the world, stretching over 52 km with a significant vertical drop of 35 metres. Known for its impressive nine rapids, this river system showcases the natural beauty and dynamic water features that contribute to the unique landscape of the region.

The Great Grey Owl (Pajala)

The Great Grey Owl (Pajala)

The Great Grey Owl is a staggering 2.5 m tall Great Grey Owl, carved of wood. It was adopted as the symbol of Pajala in 1995. The owl was threatened with extinction in the early 1970s and the only nesting sites were to be found here in the Pajala commune.

The Struve Geodetic Arc (Pajala)

The Struve Geodetic Arc (Pajala)

The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulation points that stretch from Hammerfest in Norway all the way to the Black Sea. The imaginary lines go through ten countries and over 2,820 kilometres. Carried out between 1816 and 1855 by the astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve, this survey represented the first accurate measuring of a long segment of a meridian, helping establish the exact size and shape of the planet. Sweden has seven measurement points and four of them are on the World Heritage List (on the mountains Tynnyrilaki, Jupukka, Pullinki, and Perävaara). The mountaintop unveils an expansive view.

Pajala Sundial

Pajala Sundial

One of the world's largest sundials is located right in the centre of Pajala. With a diameter of 38.33 m., the sundial has a rustic tribal look and there is a park around it. Come here to get a sense of how time was measured by our ancestors in the olden days.

Lovikka

Lovikka

Lovikka is a small town renowned for its traditional Scandinavian handcraft — the Lovikka mittens. Crafted from felted wool yarn, these mittens epitomise warmth and comfort, uniquely designed to withstand the cold climate of Northern Sweden. Lovikka takes pride in its mittens, even hosting a small museum dedicated to its history and craftsmanship. In Lovikka, visitors can also marvel at the world's largest 'Lovikkavanten', a colossal Swedish glove standing at 3.5 meters, proudly documented in the Guinness Book of Records 2002. Authentic Lovikka gloves, still produced today, are available for purchase, allowing visitors to take home a piece of this rich craft tradition.

Pajala Church

Pajala Church

One of the largest wooden churches in Sweden, dating back to the 18th century, Pajala Church was originally built in Kengis in the 1790s but moved to Pajala in 1879. The church still bears a striking resemblance to its original self and is a landmark hard to miss when in Pajala.

Tärendö Community Centre's Museum

Tärendö Community Centre's Museum

The museum shows the rustic culture of Tornedalen in 22 buildings and about 2,000 exhibits — one of the largest collections in Norrbotten. Make time for a visit when in the Tärendö area.

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