Let’s face it: deciding on a vacation destination can be a nerve-racking experience. Should you visit the warm and balmy lagoons, and spend your days lounging on a hammock while sipping a tall glass of refreshing pina colada? Or should you huddle up next to a cosy fire in a wooden cottage and drink hot cocoa? Why not get the best of both worlds? The city of Luleå lets you do both, with its neverending four-hour-long sunsets and tons of beachside activities complementing the cold weather perfectly! Enjoy the lovely beach vibes in the Land of the Midnight Sun, in one of the northernmost tourist destinations in Sweden, and we are sure that you will make unforgettable memories. If you are already excited, be sure to add Luleå to your traveller’s bucket list. Read on as we explore our list of the top things to do in Luleå, Sweden.
1. Go on a nature hike in Bälingeberget
There is nothing better than going on a long nature hike when it’s cold outside. The beautiful Swedish flora and fauna of Bälingeberget provides the perfect calming company whether you are alone or with friends or family. It offers multiple campgrounds with bonfire facilities, plenty of hiking trails, and varied terrain for several outdoor activities such as offroad biking or swimming in the natural lakes. This park is lesser-known to tourists and is likely to be very tranquil and serene. Don’t forget to bring your camera along for the ride!
Bälingeberget
Address: Länsstyrelsen, Stationsgatan 5, 972 38 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Bälingeberget
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
2. Take a trip to the past at Norrbottens Järnvägsmuseum
This one is an interesting place to visit on an afternoon if the weather doesn’t permit outdoor activities. If you are a history buff, train enthusiast, or have young children, this train museum is bound to be an exciting experience for you. It provides a great insight into how railway technology has grown over the past century and has three model railways where you can enter the compartments. The museum is run by a not-for-profit organisation and guides will help you learn about the different exhibits here. You can easily get to the museum by bus or hiring private transport.
Norrbottens Järnvägsmuseum
Address: Arcusvägen 95, 975 94 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Norrbottens Järnvägsmuseum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 7 USD
3. Immerse yourself in Swedish culture at Kulturens hus Luleå
If you wish to dive into the rich and ancient Swedish culture, there is no better place to start than the Kulturens hus Luleå building. This place is the highlight of touristy places in Luleå and has multiple establishments that allow you to immerse yourself in culture, such as a library, a restaurant, and an art gallery displaying work by local Swedish artists. Live performers even visit the building to host comedy or musical performances. In addition, there are workshops that teach you various skills and you can sign up for any course available here. It is a one-stop destination for everything cultural in Luleå.
Kulturens hus Luleå
Address: Skeppsbrogatan 17, 972 31 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Kulturens hus Luleå
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 7pm; Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 11am - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 4pm
4. Enjoy the coastal vibes at the Luleå Archipelago
This is the beachside experience that Luleå is popular for. With 1,312 well-preserved islands, the Luleå archipelago is a hidden gem in the tourism industry and therefore is less commercialised and crowded. Experience the beautiful white-sand beaches and sparkling deep blue seas. Enjoy the sea breeze and the water sports available here. You can travel to certain islands by boat, or even block an entire island and have it all to yourself. Wake up to unique Arctic flora and fauna here, including reindeers, elks, sea eagles, seals, and marine life from the Arctic Ocean. This is a must-visit destination if you find yourself in Luleå!
Luleå archipelago
Address: Bay of Bothnia, Luleå
5. Explore the vintage Gammelstad Church Town
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gammelstad Church Town holds a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists in Gammelstad. If you are interested in Swedish and Scandinavian history, don’t miss out on the church town vibes of this quaint little place. With 19th-century structures and a museum village with guided tours explaining how people lived in the olden days, this is a treat to anyone interested in history. The church is a magnificent place to sit in peace and pray or meditate.
Gammelstad Church Town
Address: Kyrktorget 1, 954 33 Gammelstad, Sweden
Website: Gammelstad Church Town
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
6. Experience the fascinating Midnight Sun/Midnight Light
Who hasn’t heard of the amazing phenomenon of the midnight sun? Between May and July, in places above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set in the Swedish Lapland. Play a sport with your family in the middle of the night, experience the sunset after 1am, and make the most of this never-ending day. The midnight sun is really just a long sunset/sunrise that lasts for about five hours. You can just settle yourself in on the beach with some late-night activities and lie down for a while if you get sleepy. However, if you do wish to sleep, hotels will often provide black-out curtains for this very purpose.
7. Learn about the role of technology in our lives at Teknikens Hus
Teknikens Hus, translated as the Technology House, is the ideal place to bring young children or just to explore the exhibits here. This is a science centre, planetarium, and museum that also hosts workshops and fun experiences for your little ones. Learn about the technology involved in a variety of industries, from mining and forestry to medicine and astronomy, and so much more. There is also an outdoor area that has exhibits, and multiple audiovisual programs, and dome theatre shows. You can also find a souvenir shop and bookstore where you can buy a bunch of gifts to take home with you.
Teknikens Hus
Address: Teknikens Hus väg 2, 977 54 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Teknikens Hus
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
8. Go ice-skating at Isbanan Luleå
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Isbanan Luleå on Monday, March 5, 2012
Have you ever gone hiking over snow instead of through the woods? Isbanan Luleå is one of the highlights of this city, allowing you to go hiking, sledging, or snowboarding over miles of snow for as far as the eye can see. This is the popular “ice road” and you will find many people enjoying the ice to their heart’s content. You can even practise your ice-skating skills here or participate in snowboarding or ice-skating races with others!
Isbanan Luleå
Address: Repslagargatan, 972 39 Luleå, Sweden
9. Marvel at neo-Gothic architecture at Luleå Cathedral
Built in a unique and beautiful neo-Gothic architectural style, the Luleå Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit if you are interested in religion, history, or architecture. This church was built during the 15th century and there is a church town that you can also explore. You can opt for a guided tour that comes in both Swedish and English and they will explain the old traditions that are still being upheld and are very interesting to explore.
Luleå Cathedral
Address: Kyrkogatan 7 C, 972 32 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Luleå Cathedral
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 3pm; Sun: 10am - 12:30pm
10. Have old-school fun at the arcade at Alcatraz
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Snart är besökstiden slut. Så passa på att uppleva Luleås största nöjes ö innan vi stänger för sommaren. Vi har sommarstängt mellan 19/6-31/7.
Posted by Alcatraz on Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Arcades are a place anyone can have fun, no matter how old you are. Alcatraz in Luleå offers an amazing arcade experience, featuring old classics like go-cart racing, miniature golf, laser tag, billiards, and shuffleboard, along with other relaxation amenities such as a spa with massage services. There is a huge food court on the premises so if you or your family gets hungry, you can choose from a range of cuisines including Thai, salads, pizzas, grilled meats, breakfast dishes like pancakes, and more. The best part is that it isn’t very expensive!
Alcatraz
Address: Spantgatan 12, 973 46 Luleå, Sweden
Website: Alcatraz
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10:30am - 8pm; Fri - Sun: 11am - 9pm
Make the most of the Land of the Midnight Sun
Situated above the Arctic Circle in one of the northernmost parts of Sweden, Luleå indeed seems like a dream-come-true destination for travellers who love both cold weather destinations as well as beachside spots. Make the most of this place, so you can bring back home truly unforgettable memories!
Note: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some attractions may be temporarily closed or may run at different times in order to protect the public from the novel coronavirus. Please refer to the official website of the attractions or government advisories for more information.
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