Shrouded in mystery, cold, and snow, northern Sweden is a remote region that welcomes visitors with spectacular natural landscapes and extraordinary phenomena such as the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. There is no shortage of things to see in and around Lulea, a place where the magic of nature unfolds to its full potential.
This particular town, located on the Gulf of Bothnia, is one of the most important ports in the country. Lulea is part of a vast archipelago of more than 600 islands. It makes it a particularly unique place to see in Sweden. And if that’s not enough, Lulea is also home to an impressive World Heritage Gammelstad Church. Read on to find out what you can’t miss in Lulea.
1. Gammelstad Church
One of the most iconic sites in Lulea (considered a World Heritage Site) is the Gammelstad Church. It is a monumental religious building in Scandinavian style, also located away from the main center of Lulea.
About ten kilometers from the center of Lulea and going upstream, we find the spectacular Gammelstad Church. It is a monument surrounded by a village of the same name, which came to life around the church a long time ago. People, on their spiritual journeys, had to travel long distances. So the best way to resist the weight of the cold and the few hours of sunshine was to rest next to the church to leave again the next day.
These church towns came alive mainly around weekends and public holidays. It was at this time that religious sessions were held. These places also served as meeting points for business and all kinds of social events. Gammelstad was once the center of the city. So this is one of the places we recommend you visit in Lulea. Not only for its history but also for the beauty of the reddish facades of the houses.
2. Lulea Archipiele
The archipelago’s vast islands, cool breezes, and enchanting natural landscapes are a winning formula. These are just some of the reasons to let yourself be enchanted by this land and not leave Lulea and its many islands in the shadows.
The Lulea archipelago has gained a great reputation over the decades. Besides the commercial importance of the main port of Lulea, this area is perfect for all kinds of activities, both in summer and winter. In summer, the region is full of hikers and water sports enthusiasts, also like the very popular kayaking.
During winter (the region’s favorite season), you can even walk between the islands. The water freezes, leaving icy paths that serve as bridges. Many islands have spaces reserved for visitor accommodation. Notably Junkön, Småskär, and Brändöskär, which are must-see islands in Lulea.
3. Lulea Cathedral and the historic center
As you enter the heart of the charming town of Lulea Sweden, you can feel the different artistic influences. They are home to some of the city’s iconic buildings, also one of the most iconic monuments to see in Lulea. This is the Lulea Cathedral, a unique building of its kind.
This neo-Gothic church is the star of the historical heritage of downtown Lulea, as evidenced by its beautiful reddish and solemn facade. It was built in 1894 in honor of King Oscar II but was renamed years later for political reasons. It is one of the unmissable sights of Lulea. After visiting it, we recommend continuing to walk around the city center. You will find other points of interest such as the very important port of Lulea. It’s a perfect place to rest after the daily commute. Another point of interest is the Norrbottens Museum. It is a space with multiple exhibitions that is perfect for spending a few hours and appreciating the artistic heritage.
4. The Balingeberget road
Much of the beauty of this country undoubtedly lies in the dreamlike landscapes offered by the unique climate and conditions of this region of Sweden. That’s why Lulea activities include some of Sweden’s most popular nature trails, like the Balingeberget trail.
If you want to enjoy the surrounding nature reserves, we recommend starting with the Balingebert route. This is a fantastic route where you can see the remains of the ancient glaciers that were found throughout the Lulea region. It is an immense place, where the passage of time has been marked by the lines of sea level. It once covered everything we saw.
This is a route suitable for low-level hikers, so don’t be afraid to take it even if you’re not very fit. The whole route is very well suited, with picnic areas and toilets. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the spectacular Northern Lights, a light phenomenon that attracts people from all over the world for its captivating beauty.
Abisko, a natural space to see near Lulea Sweden
If you’ve enjoyed the natural spectacle that Lulea offers, we’re sure you’ll be even more excited to explore the breathtaking wilderness of Swedish Lapland. One of the most special places in this region is undoubtedly the Abisko National Park.
Glacial landscapes, nature trails through the park, and the Northern Lights are the absolute highlights of Abisko National Park. Mount Nuolja is another of the most impressive viewpoints from where one can admire the panoramic view of the entire wilderness area. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive elk, the animals that reside here.
Kiruna, the iron town to watch in Sweden
Kiruna is one of the most important mining centers in the world, with an impressive mine known as Kiirunavaara, the deepest iron ore mine in the world, which is also home to the impressive mountains that adorn the Kiruna skyline, an isolated and icy town. It is so impressive and vitally important that it affects the fabric of the city of Kiruna, and a relocation of the entire city is underway.
There are many things to see in Kiruna, a town that was once home to the Sami people, who today continue to live on these lands thanks to their descendants. We recommend walking around the city center and checking out the Sami Museum and the church in the old town, both of which capture the essence of what you can see in Kiruna.
What to see in Lulea Sweden in 1 day
Lulea is home to many charming places, making it a place that many travelers want to get lost in for several days. But if you only have one day to visit the area and you’re not sure what to do in that time, we’ve put together some tips to make your decision easier.
If you are short on time, we recommend either spending it visiting the entire center of Lulea, the Lulea Cathedral, and the port area, or spending the day on a hiking trail such as the Balingebert trail, which will allow you to make the most of the glacial landscapes that you can witness in the area and, if you are lucky, you may even spot some marvelous Northern Lights.