Gammelstad Church Town in Sweden: the ultimate travel guide

Gammelstad Church Town in Sweden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved examples of a “church town” in Scandinavia. It is located near Luleå, one of the largest cities in Swedish Lapland in the Norbotten region and close to the Arctic Circle.

Gammelstad Church Town

Gammelstad Church Town easily competes for the most scenic village in Sweden and it was one of the highlights of my trip to Swedish Lapland in October. The town’s architecture is characterized by its red-painted wooden houses clustered around a central medieval stone church.

The houses, known as “stabburar,” were built to accommodate visitors who came from surrounding villages to attend church services. These charming houses, with their traditional design and vibrant colors, create a picturesque atmosphere.

Gammelstad literally translates as Old Town and the place has a rich cultural history. It offers a unique glimpse into medieval Northern European religious and social practices.

Gammelstad Church Town History

Gammelstad Church Town is one of the best preserved church towns. Church towns in Northern Scandinavia came into existence during medieval times.

Because of the sparse population in Northern Sweden there were only a few churches. People had to travel from far away to attend the church services. Simple cottages developed around the church for those that couldn’t make the journey in a single day.

These cottages were only in use on sundays and religious holidays. As a result, it was quiet during the week, but the town came alive on the weekends and holidays. Gammelstad Church Town reflects the strong cultural traditions and close-knit communities of the region. People not only came to church, but also came to trade, meet family and friends and even came to look for a marriage partner.

Gammelstad Church Town and Luleå

Gammelstad Church Town is also where the city of Luleå once started. In the 15th and 16th century the sea level was much higher and Gammelstad was a small harbour town during this time. But the land was rising as a result of the melting icecaps that weighed the landmass down for centuries during the ice age.

By the 17th century the Gammelstad harbour became too shallow. Modern day Luleå moved closer towards the sea, but the church and the cottages stayed and Gammelstad Church Town became a UNESCO World heritage site.

Nowadays, Gammelstad Church Town feels like an open air museum. It is easy to forget that the town still serves its original purpose. The cottages remain private property, even though permanent residence is still not allowed. During the week, the town feels almost empty, but its owners return to celebrate religious holidays such as christmas and easter. 

Things to do in Gammelstad Church Town

Gammelstad Church Town visitor centre

I recommend that you first visit the small visitors centre in Gammelstad Church Town. Besides a souvenir shop there is an excellent exhibition about the town’s culture and history. It makes for a great start of your visit and you will have a better understanding of what you see when you walk through the village.

Gammelstad Church Town walking tour

At the visitor centre you can also pick up a brochure that has a self guided walking tour through town. The walk takes about 1 to 2 hours and it’s a good way to see the most important sights within Gammelstad Church Town. 

There are also guided walking tours through Gammelstad, including a lantern tour in the dark winter. You can book them at the visitor centre or online. 

Nederluleå Church

The 15th century Nederluleå church is what put Gammelstad church town on the map. The area was sparsely populated at that time. However, with the trade in fur and salmon the small peasant communities in the area of the Lule river valley could afford to build a church with thick stone walls and a rich interior. It remains one of the largest medieval churches in Northern Sweden.

The exhibition cottage

There used to be over 70 church towns in Northern Sweden. Nowadays there are only 16 and they have changed in size and function. Gammelstad still has over 400 church cottages and is the only church town that is still in use. I already mentioned that most cottages are still private property and that the owners still visit Gammelstad to celebrate the major religious festivals.

Cottage number 253 – 254 now belongs to the Nederluleå history association who have opened the cottage to the public as an exhibition cottage. It gives a good idea of what the cottages looked like from the inside, although you should keep in mind that this was one of the larger and more wealthy cottages in town. 

Hägnan open air museum

The Nederlulea church served the small peasant communities in the Lule river valleys. The Hägnan open air museum is all about the cultural history of these farmers. The museum is an example of a 16th century farm including domestic animals.

It’s free and a short walk from the Nederluleå church and therefore a visit won’t hurt. It’s especially nice if you have children.  

Gammelstadsviken Nature Reserve

Just behind the Hagnan open air museum lies Gammelstadsviken. A nature reserve between Gammelstad and luleå that is one of the best birdwatching spots in Sweden.

Gammelstadsviken Nature Reserve is primarily known for its wetland habitats, which attract a diverse array of bird species. The reserve is a vital resting and feeding area for migratory birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers. You can spot various waterfowl, waders, and other bird species, especially during the spring and autumn migration seasons. The nature reserve has several well-placed birdwatching towers that provide excellent vantage points for observing the birds.

Gammelstadsviken Nature Reserve is also a great spot for hiking. The reserve features well-maintained nature trails that allow visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems and enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

It’s even possible to hike a 8 kilometer trail back to Luleå, combining culture and nature on a great day trip.  

Try Swedish Food

Gammelstad Church Town is located in the region of Norrbotten in Sweden, and the local cuisine reflects the traditional Swedish flavors with some regional specialties.

Arctic char is a local fish specialty. This fish has a delicate flavor and is often prepared by grilling, baking, or pan-frying. It is served with various accompaniments like dill sauce, potatoes, or seasonal vegetables.

Cloudberries are a golden, tart berry that grows in the northern regions of Sweden. They are often used in desserts, jams, or sauces. Don’t miss the chance to try cloudberry jam or cloudberry desserts during your visit.

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that you can find throughout Sweden. These flavorful meatballs are typically made from a combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like nutmeg and allspice. They are often served with lingonberry sauce, creamy gravy, and potatoes.

Gammelstad Church Town Travel Tips

Where to eat

Gammelstad is small and has only a few restaurants. The best option is the up market Kaptensgarden that serves local food of high quality. For a cheaper option you can also try the Cafe Fagnan at the Hagnan open air museum. 

This is also a great place for Fika. Fika is an important Swedish tradition that involves taking a break for coffee and something sweet. You can enjoy a cup of coffee accompanied by pastries, cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), or other baked goods.

Where to stay

Because the cottages in Gammelstad are not for permanent residency, there are no hostels or hotels in Gammelstad itself. It’s best to stay in Luleå where I can recommend the Amber Hotel. 

How to get to Gammelstad church town

Gammelstad makes a great day trip from Luleå. From Luleå it is easy to get to Gammelstad by public transport. Bus number 9 towards kyrkbyn leaves every 15 – 20 minutes from the centre of Luleå (Smedjegatan) to Gammelstad. The journey takes about 30 minutes and you need to pay your ticket beforehand with the LLT app.

The most sustainable way to get to Luleå is by taking the night train from Stockholm.

How to get around

Gammelstad Church Town itself is a compact and walkable area. You can explore the charming streets, visit the church, and wander through the wooden houses on foot. Walking allows you to take in the details of the architecture and enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.

When to visit

Gammelstad experiences a cold climate, with long winters and mild summers. The summer months of June, July, and August offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours. This period is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding nature.

The summer months, especially July and August, tend to be more popular, resulting in larger numbers of visitors. If you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience, you might consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October).

If you are interested in winter activities, such as snow sports, ice fishing, or witnessing the Northern Lights, visiting Gammelstad during the winter months can be a magical experience. However, note that winters in this region are very cold, and daylight hours are limited.

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