Luleå kommun (Luleå municipality) is situated just below the Arctic Circle. The land area is 2,100 sq.km – half a per cent of Sweden. As a result of the extensive isostatic uplift after the ice sheet, two square kilometers of land are yearly added. A rising sea level due to climate change is however reducing the isostatic uplift.
There are 36 inhabitants per square kilometer. The population, about 76,000 inhabitants, is however highly concentrated to the city and its immediate surroundings.
The municipality is to 75 per cent covered by woodland. Two rivers; Lule and Råne älv, are floating through the landscape. The name Luleå originates from an old Lule Sámi word for the eastern part of the river. The highest mountain is Storkrokberget in the northernmost point of the municipality, 307 metres above sea level.
A center for growth, Luleå is situated in the province of Norrbotten that spans a quarter of Sweden´s surface area. Luleå is truly a place of contrast. You will be surprised by the international atmosphere while at the same time the closeness to unspoiled countryside opens up for unlimited possibilities. Luleå can offer you action-packed adventure but here you can also enjoy tranquility, peace and quiet.
Luleå archipelago consists of just over 1,300 islands and islets. The brackish water, between fresh and salt, makes the archipelago unique. In winter the town is clothed in white but in summer it´s embraced by sun and heat.
The city of Luleå was founded in 1621 in present Gammelstad (Old town). It was relocated in the middle of the 17th century to a peninsula at the outlet of the river. The municipality of today came into existence when Nederluleå, Råneå and Luleå City were united in 1969.
Luleå is an exciting city with beautiful nature, an interesting culture-life, great shopping and lots of sports events. Luleå is a city of contrast - having warm and sunny summers and cold winters with lots of snow. In Luleå you will find the metropolitan abundance and pulse as well as the small town´s quality of life.
Welcome to Luleå — the town by the sea.
