A town in the north of Sweden, the capital of the region Norrbotten. It received town charter in 1621, thanks to which we can today admire Swedish architecture of a few past centuries. The biggest heyday of the town is dated at the end of the 19th century, when railways were put there.
For first 28 years the city’s centre was situated 9 km further to the northern west, where now is the municipality Gammelstad. In 1649 citizens took their belongings and moved closer to the sea, as its level lowered due to postglacial ascension of the ground. The relocation was necessary to continue sea trading and fishing.
On the area of Gammelstad to this day is preserved Gammelstads kyrkstad, something like a church village. That type of buildings was very common in the whole northern Scandinavia. How does it differ from other villages? The church from the 15th century is surrounded by 424 wooden houses, that weren’t inhabited on a daily basis. They serve only during Sundays and holidays as shelter for believers coming to messes from far-distant villages. Since conditions in the northern Scandinavia has never been easy ones, night travelling was out of the question. Faithful stayed for a night in the village. In 1996 the village was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
If you come to Luleå in the beginning of February, make sure to go for a weekend to a village fair in Jokkmokk. On the first Saturday and Sunday of February, nearly 30 thousand Sami people arrive at the village from the northern Sweden, to sell or buy hand-made things, discuss about reindeers and far winter excursions. On the market you can try local snacks, see art and photography exhibitions, or even have fun till dawn by the folk music. To Jokkmokk from Luleå you can get by the bus 44. Since it is a very popular period, remember to book the accommodation in advance.
