The Luleå cathedral was built after the great fire in Luleå in 1887. The fire completely destroyed the old church on the site, Gustaf's church, which was from the late 1700s. Designed by architect Adolf Emil Melander in a neo-Gothic style, the new cathedral was initially named Oscar Fredrik's church upon its 1893 opening, in honour of King Oscar II. Spanning 54 metres in length and 35 metres in width, the cross-shaped cathedral features a towering spire exceeding 60 metres in height. Architect Knut Nordenskjöld led a redesign that veered towards modernity, stripping away wall paintings and star decorations, leaving a pristine white interior. Despite these changes, echoes of the original style linger in the church entrances, creating a harmonious blend of historical and contemporary aesthetics.

Luleå has a wide range of hiking trails, each with its unique character and showcasing distinctive parts of Luleå’s natural environment. Several of them are within walking distance of the city centre, others are easily reached by bus or bicycle. If you have access to a car, then the possibilities are endless. Hiking in Luleå is almost like strolling through the history of this unique city. For instance, you can begin by hiking across the large shingle fields on Bälingeberget — the first spot to rise from the sea, following land uplift after the recession of the inland ice sheet. At the time, Bälingeberget was just an islet in the middle of the sea and the waves shaped the rocks that now make hiking on the mountain a fascinating experience. Continue through the history of Luleå by visiting the place we now call Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the centre of Luleå, before the city was moved in the 17th century. Today, it is a popular tourist destination and there are also many rare birds in the area. Here, you can hike on what was once the seabed, now a beautiful forest with pleasant walking paths. When you have made your way to the modern city of Luleå, on the peninsula by the coast, you’ll find many other amazing areas to explore on foot. When people moved here in the 1600s, they also began exploring the surroundings. This helped create several excellent hiking trails near the city centre, such as one of the locals’ favourites, the trail around Hertsöträsk. You can pick up a copy of Luleå’s hiking guide at the Luleå tourist centre in Kulturens Hus.

Escape from the bustling city and take a boat cruise or visit the Bird Park, Butterfly Farm, Deer Park, Orchid Park and Hibiscus Park. Here you can find a playground for children, running tracks and exercise stations.

On Atiu, explore the awe-inspiring limestone caves, which have historically served as burial sites—be sure to bring a torch and sturdy walking shoes. Discover the legend of the lovers Inutoto and Tangaroa, linked to the stunning Anatakitaki Cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites, stalactites, and the unique Kopeka bird that calls it home. Don’t miss Raka’s Cave, with its fifteen distinct chambers, and let your guide share the rich history of the Rakanui family, who have lived and found sanctuary in this extraordinary hideaway.