Pahakurkkio "the cruel rapids" is in Pajala Municipality, about 40 km north of Tärendö on the Kalix River. Pahakurkkio is a unique and scenic wilderness area. It features an extended, beautiful rapids with weathered cliffs and giant cauldrons.
The rapids have certainly never yet been conquered by any boatsmen. To the anglers, the area is close to paradise with its excellent stocks of trout and grayling, and large-growth salmon are occasionally hooked. There are also several lakes in the area with seeded stocks of game fish.
Tärendö River is a bifurcation. That means that it has no proper source, but takes 56% of the water of Torne River at Junosuando and leads it into Kalix River. Tärendö River is 52 km long and has a total drop of approximately 35m.
The river is the world's second biggest bifurcation and probably formed after an ice jam in Torne River in prehistoric times. The world's biggest bifurcation is in South America.
At Tärendöholmen there is a dance hall built of dried pine logs. The pine logs were felled, transported and assembled by the village forest workers. Holmen ("the island") in the past was the premier summer entertainment venue in Norrbotten.
Kurkkio mill
Construction of Kurkkio Mill was begun in 1926 and completed in 1928, and it replaced older, simpler mills. It remained in operation until 1952. The building was handed over to Tärendö Village Society in 1971. After restoration, all the machines and fittings are in working order.
The mill stands on an island called Pänninsaari in the Tärendö River, about 5 km east of Tärendö Village. The remains of a standard ferry are a reminder of the former route to the island. The mill is in three storeys and powered by a water turbine. It was considered highly efficient in its day.
The mill was known for the whiteness of its flour, and people travelled far to mill their grain here, from the villages around Gällivare, Junosuando and Korpilombolo for example. There was an overnight shack for drivers and a stable with room for four horses. These buildings are gone today. A boat is required to visit the mill.
Tärendö Folklore Centre
The village folklore area in Tärendö is a farmstead setting from the 1700s that consists of 22 buildings, beautifully situated on the Tärendö River. Here, visitors can see utility items from the early 18th century, and there are also objects from the Stone Age. Today there are roughly 3,000 exhibits.
The buildings are authentic, but none of them originally stood here. The first building was acquired in 1941. It is the loft placed at the exit towards the river, the most important transport route.
Perttugården
Perttugården is a unique farmstead from the 1860s, on a site inhabited since 1625. It is one of the earliest dwelling sites in Tärendö. The building has been renovated by museum experts and the painted decor is characteristic.
The paintwork was done using traditional paints mixed on the spot. The building has been under consideration for listing, but no decision has been reached. The interior contains an old-style open baking oven, which is still in use, a mansard ceiling with exposed roof beams and timber walls.
There are 4 bed chambers with 18 beds for overnight guests. The property also has an old-time sauna, latrine and cowshed. Nowadays it is used for conferences, school outings, weddings and much more. Try a 19th century day. Churn butter, bake bread, chop firewood and listen to tales from the past.
Palolaki reindeer enclosure with nature trail
Palolaki reindeer enclosure is built of dovetailed logs of dried pine, a log enclosure. It is one of the three oldest log reindeer enclosures in Sweden. The reindeer enclosure was built in 1898 and remained in use until 1950, when herding operations were moved closer to the main Tärendö - Gällivare road, which was built in 1920-1923.
Tärendö Village Society
Tärendö Village Society restored the enclosure in the late 1980s. In this way, Sámi heritage was added to Finnish and Swedish heritage that the society's activities comprise. The visitor can get to Palolaki by walking the 7 km nature trail or by car, walking 800 metres. Palolaki can offer a sauna and overnight accommodation either in the reindeer herder's cabin or in the goahti hut with room for 20 overnight guests.
Nature trail
The trail starts 5 km north of Tärendö, on the road to Männikkö. The hike is easy, with some plankways. On the way you see information about nature, wildlife and forestry. There is also a shorter nature trail within the area that passes a bear's hibernating-den.
By car from Tärendö
From Tärendö, take Road 394 heading towards Överkalix. After 11 km, turn right towards Gällivare as far as the dirt road signposted Selkävaara/ Palolaki. Drive 13 km. Then walk 800 metres to the reindeer enclosure, using some plankways. Total driving distance 26 km.