Kukkolaforsen

The Torne runs about three and a half kilometres of rapid at Kukkola and the fishing method used here has not changed in centuries: a man stands on a wooden platform built out over the white water and sweeps a long-handled net through it, lifting whitefish out as they run upstream. The right to fish specific platforms is old and regulated. The season peaks in late July, when the Siikajuhla whitefish festival is held and the fish are grilled on wooden boards by the fire, the local way. Villages on both banks - the border with Finland runs down the river - keep the same practice, and a small fishing museum explains it.

What you actually see

• Dip netting from platforms - long-handled nets swept through the rapid.
• Three and a half kilometres of white water - the Torne rapids.
• Whitefish grilled on boards - the local method, by the fire.
• The same practice on both banks - the border runs down the river.

When to go

July and August; the festival is in late July. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Fishing happens in season only and depends on the run. Festival days are crowded. Facilities are those of a small village. The rapids are loud and the platforms are not for visitors to use.

Nearby

Haparanda and Tornio are south; the Bothnian bay is beyond.