Kalix named Norrbotten's top outdoor municipality for 2026

Kalix has been named the best outdoor municipality in Norrbotten County according to the 'Sveriges friluftskommun 2026' report. Arjeplog was recognized as the county's most improved municipality, while Haparanda also ranked highly in the region.

Friluftsföreningen highlights the strategic importance of outdoor life, noting that 80 percent of children in Norrbotten do not meet the recommended one hour of daily physical activity. The organization suggests that the government should reintroduce mandatory outdoor days in schools, double funding for leader-led outdoor activities, and increase LONA grants to help municipalities develop infrastructure and outdoor plans.

The awards, which include 'Sveriges friluftskommun' and 'Årets förbättrare', are based on an annual survey of Swedish municipalities conducted by Naturvårdsverket, Svenskt Friluftsliv, and the Swedish Association of Leisure and Culture Managers. The survey evaluates municipal planning, information, cooperation, and specific outdoor initiatives.