Luleå might be known as a winter city, but with its stunning location on the coast of Bottenvik, every spring the city turns into a lively archipelago town with a vibrant outdoor dining scene, fantastic sights and bright nights. Here you can read more about not to miss activities!
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1. Take the turbo boat to Bottenvik’s archipelago
You cannot visit Luleå in the summertime without taking a turbo boat to the beautiful bay of Bottenvik! With no fewer than 1312 islands, islets and skerries there is a lot to choose from. Sandön is a really popular and pretty archipelago island to visit. You must not miss Klubbviken Havsbad here, which has a highly-visited restaurant, a very nice beach, miniature golf and many other activities.
A repeat success every season is the shrimp cruise on the M/S Laponia. Combine the best of both worlds and enjoy exquisite culinary delights with a nice drink while Luleå’s beautiful archipelago passes gently by outside. Entertainment, singing and music are also popular features of the three-hour trip.
2. Lazy days on Luleå’s beaches
Given that Luleå is at the top of the list of sunny cities year after year, it is an absolute must to bring swimwear when you visit the town! When the sun is shining, a nice, lazy day on the beach is simply the only thing to do. Bring your whole family, friends or maybe just a good book and choose from among Luleå’s many beaches. Most of the beaches can easily be reached by bus or rental car. Do you want to go bathing but need a car? No problem! In Luleå’s northern part you will find Gültzaudden, a beach within walking distance from the middle of town.
3. Rent a fatbike, kayak or have a go on a paddleboard!
Don’t let swamps, sand or stones be a hindrance – with a fat bike you can get across most terrain without any problem! With its extra wide tires this bike model has taken Luleå by storm. Luleå’s stunning archipelago is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. So, head to Ouroboros to rent fatbikes, kayaks and paddleboards. And if you like, you can even book a guided tour here!
4. Gammelstad Kyrkstad and the Hägnan open-air museum
Just outside Luleå city centre is the world heritage site Gammelstads Kyrkstad – one of Luleå’s most visited attractions! From the 17th century the town was developed into a church town when church cabins were built to offer accommodation to the far-travelling parishioners who would otherwise have difficulty getting to the church service and home again on the same day. In the centre is a beautiful medieval stone church dating from the 1400s, surrounded by 405 unique cottages and 552 rooms.
Book a guided tour at the Gammelstad Visitor Center and explore the amazing history of the city with environments and buildings listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Be sure to also visit the Hägnan open-air museum while you are in the neighbourhood! The museum organises many activities for its visitors all year round. In summer there is an open-air area with everything from a variety of hikes for children to Midsummer celebrations. The museum’s farmhouse is also filled with many different animals that are always popular with the children. Perfect for a day trip!
5. Come closer to nature in Bälingeberg Nature Reserve
If you don’t want to leave Luleå without getting into the woods, Bälingeberg’s nature reserve is really ideal for those who want easy but worthwhile hiking. It’s also a well-known and used destination for the Luleå locals. There are plenty of nice resting places along the hiking trails and it is even possible to cook at a few specific spots. From the top of the mountain you have a nice view of both Bälingeträsk and Luleälven. Enjoy unspoilt nature and tranquillity, only approx. 2 miles outside the centre of Luleå.
6. Awaken your inner racer
Even Luleå’s promise of sun is sometimes affected by some summer rain and cloudy weather. So when the weather does not allow outdoor activities, the Alcatraz Event Center is the perfect alternative! Here you can challenge your family, friends or colleagues at paintballing, arcade games, bowling, laser games, boules, billiards and much more! Why not go all in and have a friendly Swedish tri- or pentathlon match? There are also concert venues and recurring events and concerts. Alcatraz is about 4-5 km outside the city centre and you can get here by foot, by bike, by car or by bus.
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