The Kalix River (Swedish: Kalixälven) is one of the four major rivers in northern Sweden that is protected by law from hydroelectric development, maintaining its status as a largely unregulated national river. It has a total length of approximately 461 kilometers (286 miles).
The river originates in the Kebnekaise mountain range in Lapland, near Sweden’s highest peak. From its source, it flows in a southeasterly direction through Norrbotten County, passing through the municipalities of Kiruna, Gällivare, Pajala, and Överkalix, before reaching its mouth at the Bothnian Bay in Kalix. Its drainage basin covers an area of approximately 18,130 square kilometers.
A significant hydrological feature of the Kalix River is the Tärendö River, which represents a rare large-scale bifurcation; it carries roughly half of the water volume from the Torne River into the Kalix River. Major tributaries of the Kalix River include the Kaitum, Tvärån, and Ängesån.
The river is known for its ecological significance, particularly as a habitat for Atlantic salmon and sea trout. Historically, the river served as an important route for timber floating until the mid-20th century. Today, it is primarily utilized for recreational fishing and tourism.
