Exploring Torne Valley's Living Heritage of Dipnet Fishing

Torne Valley’s Timeless Dipnet Fishing Tradition

Welcome to the heart of Torne Valley, where the timeless rhythm of the river flows in harmony with the vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage. Nestled between Sweden and Finland, the Torne River whispers tales of a tradition as old as time itself – the art of dipnet fishing.

For centuries, this age-old practice has been more than just a means of sustenance; it’s a way of life. Passed down from generation to generation, dipnet fishing weaves a narrative of resilience, community, and profound connection to nature. As the sun dances upon the rippling waters, locals gather along the riverbanks, their spirits intertwined with the ebb and flow of the currents.

What sets Torne Valley’s dipnet fishing culture apart is its cross-border essence. Here, national boundaries blur as communities on both sides of the river come together, united by a shared legacy. It’s a living testament to the power of collaboration and the resilience of tradition in the face of modernity.

But this isn’t just a story of the past; it’s a journey into the future. As we stand on the cusp of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the world is poised to recognize the significance of Torne Valley’s dipnet fishing culture. It’s a moment of pride for every resident, a validation of the richness and depth of our heritage.

Join us as we delve into the intricacies of dipnet fishing – from the artistry of crafting nets to the age-old rituals that accompany each catch. Explore the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life.

As the seasons change and the river whispers its secrets, Torne Valley beckons you to become a part of its story. Whether you’re casting your net for the first time or tracing the footsteps of generations past, there’s a place for you here amidst the gentle embrace of the Torne River.

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In fact, the Kukkolaforsen area we will soon be home to three World Heritage Sites. Just a few kilometres away is a measuring point for Struve’s meridian arc, which consists of 265 measuring points along a 2820 km long stretch through Europe. In the early 19th century, Struve tried to identify the exact shape of the earth through triangle measurement.

The second World Heritage in Kukkolaforsen is the Finnish sauna culture, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible World Heritage List in 2020. Soon we may have a third world heritage as the fishing tradition in the Torne Valley has been nominated as a Swedish and Finnish intangible world heritage.