Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Gammelstads Kyrkstad is one of the world's best-preserved and most extensive church towns. Once common throughout Sweden, these towns centered around a church and a cluster of wooden houses. These residences were used only on Sundays and during religious festivals by those who were forced to spend the night in town due to the distance and unfavorable conditions between the church and their home. Skirted by 424 charming wooden houses, the Nederluleå Church is the centerpiece of Gammelstad, built in the 15th Century. Inside lie Medieval frescoes and a 16th-century altarpiece that is considered to be one of the finest of its kind in Sweden. Surrounded by quaint cottages, dappled with snow in winter, the entire scene is picture-perfect, like a life-sized version of the inside of a snow globe.
The largest medieval church in Norrland, Nederluleå Church has a long-standing history dating back to 1492. Inaugurated by the Archbishop of Uppsala, Jakob Ulvsson, this church features high vaulted ceilings, a beautifully carved porch, golden lamps, medieval frescos, a choir and a crucifix. Nederluleå Church is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gammelstad Church Town. The sublime and tranquil ambiance of this church makes it well worth a visit.
Gain an insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of Gammelstad during your visit to Friluftsmuseet Hägnan Museum. This is an open-air museum situated in the world's largest church town, Gammelstads kyrkstad. It is not only a cultural history museum but also a pedagogical knowledge center. It is advisable to visit the museum during the winters since special activities are organized during that time. Check out their Facebook page to find out about upcoming events and more.
Part of one of Sweden's most elaborate, ambitious and confidential defense fortifications, Rödberget is the repository of close to 100 years of military history sheltered within a labyrinthine fort of mammoth proportions. One of the five primary fortifications that make up the Boden Fortress, construction on the Rödberget Fort began in 1901 with subsequent alterations during and in between the two World Wars and the Cold War. Decommissioned in 1998, the mysterious artillery, that had spawned so many a legend, was thrown open to the public. Guided tours of the fortress offer an insight into the daily lives of the soldiers who lived, worked and fought here, as well as a glimpse into war-time strife. At the end of a narrow winding road, across wooded slopes and steep terrain, the fortress rises like a hulking behemoth, crouching in a moat atop the mountain crest - an imposing guard to ward off enemies approaching from the east.
Open-air Museum Hägnan is a very unique and interesting open-air museum in the city. The museum exhibits revolve around the culture and history of the city. The museum recreates the 18 Century where people are engaged in their daily chores. There are several exciting events and shows held here, thus making your visit here all the more worthwhile. A must go for all those exploring the city.
Founded in 1967, Norrbottensteatern Luleå is a prime venue for all kinds of theater events. Touted to be the first county theater of Sweden, the theater is operated by Norrbotten County Council and the city municipality. Soulful operas and entertaining plays keep audiences of all groups glued to their seats. The acts performed at the venue also feature performances by students of Teaterhögskolan i Luleå. Guests can wind up their evening at Bistro Norrland or select a package from Teaterpaket for dinner theater events.