Luleå

Travel Guide

Lulea
Lulea
Gammelstad Church
Gammelstad Church
Gammelstad Church featuring a sunset

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 ¥15,220 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥15,220
¥17,046 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Nice hotel and nice staff, great breakfast."

Reviewed on May 15, 2025

Clarion Hotel Sense
Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
3.5 out of 5
Storgatan 15, Luleå
Fully refundable
The price is ¥14,376 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥14,376
¥16,101 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"Single room was small but cosy. The bed was comfortable and soft. The hotel is close to the main shopping street and next to the harbour area. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Elite Stadshotellet Luleå
Scandic Luleå
Scandic Luleå
3.5 out of 5
Banvägen 3, Luleå
The price is ¥15,936 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
¥15,936
¥17,849 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Luleå. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (830 reviews)
"Clean, fresh, nice staff, good breakfast and convenient parking."

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2025

Scandic Luleå
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.
Charming 1-bed Apartment in Luleå
Charming 1-bed Apartment in Luleå
2.5 out of 5
Luleå
Stay at this apartment in Luleå. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Mjölkuddsberget and Coop Arena are located nearby.
Charming 1-bed Apartment in Luleå
kallaxgårdshotell
kallaxgårdshotell
3 out of 5
Kallaxvägen 441, Luleå
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Luleå. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions F12 Flight Museum and Norrbottens ...
Fin lägenhet med bra läge
"Bra läge precis vid Kallax flygplats"

Reviewed on May 27, 2016

kallaxgårdshotell
5 Person Holiday Home in Lulea-by Traum
5 Person Holiday Home in Lulea-by Traum
2 out of 5
Luleå
Stay at this vacation home in Luleå. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Teknikens Hus and Mjölkuddsberget are located nearby.
5 Person Holiday Home in Lulea-by Traum
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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