There are 1,312 everchanging islands in the Luleå archipelago, shaped by weather and wind, midwinter cold and the magical summertime midnight light. This vast archipelago, near the city, is wellpreserved and tranquil. An experience for everyone and for all the senses.
Those used to life in the archipelago often say that you leave everything behind on the main land. Worldly things leave your mind and time itself slows down. Here, there is a fresh fragrance, an aroma of sea and not harbour. The weather shifts. Sun turns to summer rain and mirrorlike waters become stormy seas. Tour boats traffic the waters during summer and fall and trips to the larger islands are accessible and comfortable. On Sandön you will find the popular Klubbviken, with its two entirely different sides: one idyllic and simple with sandy beaches, restaurants and fun activities, one untouched and facing the sea. On the tour boat you can reach the archipelago with islands such as Kluntarna, Småskär, Brändöskär, Hindersön and Junkön – islands which have been inhabited for hundreds of years. Fishermen’s cabins, light house keepers’ cottages, lighthouses and log chapels remain.
Kluntarna
A cross-section of the Luleå archipelago
Luleå’s most popular archipelago island. Here, you can experience most of the different types of environment found in the archipelago by walking the beautiful hiking trails. Near Victoriaklippan, colloquially known as Kluntgubben (the Kluntarna Man) are remains from the foundations of the first fishing camps on the island. Also, don’t miss the labyrinths and the compass rose, the fields of shingle and the old har- bour. The island has three cottages and three sauna facilities, as well as a nice harbour where you can moor your own boat.
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Junkön
Fishing settlement and archipelago museum
This island is famous for its archipelago museum and gallery. Another tourist attraction is the 18th century windmill. The island has three rental cottages and saunas.
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Hindersön
Mine pit and guest harbours
Hindersön is one of the larger islands in the Luleå archipelago. People lived here as early as the 16th century, with fishing, farming and sealing as their main livelihoods. The island had an iron ore mine in the late 19th century, as well as a limestone and marble quarry in the early 20th century. Here you will also find a sauna with a panoramic view.
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Sandön
Sea bathing, sand dunes and ancient pines
The largest island in the archipelago. Klubbviken sea bath is here with long, sandy beaches. You come here if you want to bathe, have a snack, dine or enjoy evening entertainment. Make time to take a walk along the footpath of the island and visit the shingle field at Lappmyrberget.
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Brändöskär
The sea is its neighbour
Brändöskär lies on the outer rim of the archipelago and is famous for its fishing camp, its chapel and the statue of Christ (by artist Erik Marklund). Picturesque boathouses line the beach whilst the cottages on the island are situated on the mountain. Here, there are also cottages available to rent.
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Småskär
Leisure island, cottages and untouched nature
The fishing camp on the island has long played an important role in Luleå’s history and has been around since the 16th century. There are several smaller beaches here and also a rich bird life. Around 40 species of breeding birds and grey seals are often visible west of the island. The chapel at Småskär was built in the 1720’s, making it the oldest in the Luleå archipelago. There are two cottages available to rent here, as well as a sauna.
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