Luleå Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Lulea
Art galleries, a medieval church, an archipelago of over 1,000 islands and adventures in the sun and snow await at this city in Swedish Lapland.

Luleå is a vibrant city set between lakes, fjords and inlets on the northern shores of the Gulf of Bothnia. Granted a royal charter by King Gustav II Adolf in 1621, Luleå grew from a town of several hundred in the early 1800s to become one of the most important cities in Swedish Lapland. Today, it’s a popular year-round destination home to impressive churches, a superb culinary scene and both water and winter sports, among other attractions.

The century-old neo-Gothic Luleå Cathedral dominates the skyline of the busy city center. Browse the antique stores, boutiques and flea markets that line the streets alongside restaurants that feature in Sweden’s White Guide. Culinary options range from Asian and French to Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and local Swedish gastronomy. See works by local artists at Kulturens Hus Art Gallery and Sami art at Norrbottens Museum in Hermelin Park.

Along the northwest edge of the city center follow the pathway which cuts through parks and woodland. Crowds gather at Gültzauudden Beach in summertime to swim and enjoy open-air concerts. In winter, strap on a pair of ice skates and glide across the Isbanan. This natural ice rink can stretch for up to 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) and features picnic areas.

Take a short bus ride to Gammelstad, the city center until 1649. Here you’ll find Gammelstad Church Town, a group of wooden pilgrim houses scattered around the 15th-century Nederluleå Church. This UNESCO site is one of the best preserved church towns in northern Scandinavia.

Some 1,312 islands make up the Luleå Archipelago. Boat tours depart from Luleå’s southern marina in summer and autumn. The adventurous can even reach some islands via rented canoes or kayaks. Learn about the archipelago’s history at the museum on Junkön, visit fishing and farming settlements on Hindersön and spot birdlife on the beaches of Småskär.

Luleå is a scenic 12-hour train and bus journey from Stockholm. Come in winter for snow sports or in summer to see the midnight sun bathe the city in 24-hour light.

Where to stay in Luleå

Gammelstad Church

Gammelstad

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Gammelstad. You might want to make time for a stop at Gammelstad Church or Friluftsmuset Hagnan.

Gammelstad
Clarion Hotel Sense
Clarion Hotel Sense
4 out of 5
Skeppsbrogatan 34 SE, Luleå
The price is NZ$170 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$170
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Kulturens Hus and Isbanan are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Super stay, again!
"We have stayed in the Clarion several times. The beds are very comfortable, the rooms are very clean and the toiletries are always beautiful. The full breakfast is amazing!! We enjoy sitting in the lounge/ reception area, it is very relaxed and it is lovely to be able to get complimentary hot drinks. ..."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Clarion Hotel Sense
Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
4 out of 5
Storgatan 15, Luleå
The price is NZ$200 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$200
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The staff were helpful the parking to hotel walk is a bit of a difficulty but considering it is centre of town can understand it but with bags was difficult. The breakfast options were good"

Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2024

Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
Quality Hotel Lulea
Quality Hotel Lulea
3.5 out of 5
Storgatan 17, Luleå
The price is NZ$185 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$185
per night
26 May - 27 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a sauna. Popular attractions Isbanan and Domkyrka are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice hotel in Lulea center"

Reviewed on 23 Feb. 2024

Quality Hotel Lulea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
♥ Seaside cottage ♥ Boat fishing snowmobile running
♥ Seaside cottage ♥ Boat fishing snowmobile running
Luleå Ö
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Luleå. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions F12 Flight Museum and Norrbottens ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Beau chalet
"Maison tres bien équipée. Dans un tres beau cadre"

Reviewed on 27 Dec. 2023

♥ Seaside cottage ♥ Boat fishing snowmobile running
Riverfront Villa in the Swedish Lapland, with sauna, family and pet-friendly!
Riverfront Villa in the Swedish Lapland, with sauna, family and pet-friendly!
Norrbottens län
Stay at this villa in Luleå. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Teknikens Hus and Gultzauuddens badplats are located ...
Riverfront Villa in the Swedish Lapland, with sauna, family and pet-friendly!
Apartments for STUDENTS Klintvägen SK
Apartments for STUDENTS Klintvägen SK
2 out of 5
Klintvägen 85-95, Luleå, Norrbottens län
Stay at this apartment in Luleå. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Coop Arena and Teknikens Hus are located ...
Apartments for STUDENTS Klintvägen SK
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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