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Luleå's architectural gems

Luleå has a fascinating mix of architecture that reflects the city's history and development. There are many interesting buildings and areas to explore.

Luleå has many buildings of cultural and historical value, reflecting different time periods and architectural styles. Between the 1930s and 1950s, Luleå was characterized by modernist architecture, with a focus on functionality and simplicity. Buildings from this period often feature warm colors and simple facades. Here are some examples:

Luleå's most beautiful building. The Riksbankshuset on Storgatan 24 is a historic building that housed Sweden's Riksbank from 1872 to 1999. The building holds an important place in the city's history. In 2023, Luleå residents voted it the most beautiful building in Luleå.

The Governor's Residence. The residence at Residensgatan 21, the yellow house on the hill where the governor lives, is one of Luleå's most famous cultural-historical buildings. The main building was erected in 1852 as the governor's residence and has served as the provincial residence since 1856.

Experience 1950s architecture. The shopping mall Shopping, the City Hall, and Pontusbadet are typical examples of buildings constructed in Luleå during the 1950s.

Norrbotten Theatre. Located in Norra Hamn, the Norrbotten Theatre was built in 1986. The red wooden buildings resemble harbor warehouses to blend into the environment and have become a well-known and beloved landmark.

Sweden's youngest cathedral. Luleå Cathedral, located on Kyrkogatan, was designed by architect Adolf Emil Melander from Stockholm in the Neo-Gothic style and was consecrated in 1893. The red brick church is cross-shaped, 54 meters long, and 35 meters wide, with a tower standing over 60 meters tall. The cathedral is very popular to visit, particularly for its magnificent church organ. The church is currently undergoing a facade renovation expected to last until 2027.

Norrbotten Museum. Located at Storgatan 2, by Hermelinsparken, Norrbotten Museum was inaugurated in 1936 by Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf. The building was designed by architect Eberhard Lovén.

Stadsparken. One of Luleå's most central parks, located next to the city hall and Luleå Cathedral. This green space was created after a major city fire in 1887 and was redesigned in 2021 to mark Luleå's 400th anniversary. The park features a stage, a playground inspired by a work of art as a tribute to artist Hans Englund, who worked for 45 years in Luleå's parks department.

Floras Kulle. Located at the far eastern end of Storgatan, near the Luleå bus station, Floras Kulle is a green area with artworks, a playground, and beautiful flower arrangements in the summer. In winter, the area features a lit moose, a colorful tree, and other stunning light displays.

Kulturens hus

Norrbottensteatern

Luleå domkyrka

Norrbottens museum

Culturally interesting areas to walk in Luleå

View of Karlsvik Ironworks in 1928. Luleå Municipality’s City Archive. Photographer: Aero Materiel AB Stockholm D1186.

Karlsvik. Located on a peninsula in the Lule River, about 10 kilometers from central Luleå, Karlsvik is considered a district of the city. To reach it, drive along the southern side of the river, turn right at Gäddvik over Gäddviksbron, and turn right again at the sign for Karlsvik. The district has an interesting history, particularly from the time of World War II. Don’t miss the steep shoreline called Niporna, visible to the left in the picture.

Gültzauudden. This area is known for its villas from different time periods, mainly from the early 1900s. The area is characterized by wooden houses and has a charming small-town atmosphere.

Malmudden/Svartholmen. Here you’ll find apartment buildings from the 1930s to 1950s. The area has a typical suburban character with calm green spaces and a homogeneous architectural style.

Svartöstaden. Sweden's only shantytown, which began to be established in 1894. Originally built as housing for workers on the Malmbanan railway, it is now a popular residential area, home to many cultural workers. In the summer, this area is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming, with several beaches along the water.

Höken/Falken i centrala Luleå. This area consists of apartment buildings from the 1930s to 1950s and features an urban environment with tall buildings and open courtyards.

Learn more about Luleå's cultural history.