The coastal city of Luleå in the northernmost Swedish province of Lapland is as pretty as it is remote. A cluster of pristinely preserved wooden houses and 15th-century stone Nederluleå Church are among the eye-catching landmarks that give the city its distinctive character and atmosphere. Head offshore to the Bay of Bothnia and you’ll discover more than 1,000 beach-lined islands where cute cottages and flapping seals are a regular feature.
With its buzzing city life, abundance of nature; idyllic islands and dramatic river valleys, Luleå is a popular tourist destination with both natives and non-Swedes alike. If you’re planning a visit any time soon and are wondering what kind of hotels you can find here, we’ve given you a head-start by picking out 5 of the best to be found in and around the city.
FROM €77/ NIGHT
Set in the heart of Luleå, overlooking Stadsparken and the North Harbour, this modern and stylish hotel combines top-notch amenities with a great location. Guest rooms come with a minibar, work desk, flat-screen TV and private bathrooms featuring Italian marble. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s an on-site restaurant, an English-style pub serving a range of whiskies and beers, and a gymnasium. There’s also free WiFi throughout the property and guests can organise bicycle hire from reception. There’s a bus station just moments away and Luleå Central Station can be reached in around 10-minutes on foot.
FROM €70/ NIGHT
Positioned in a peaceful corner of the city centre, this basic but affordable hotel is a popular choice for those who don’t plan to spend too much time indoors. Each guest room is equipped with a work desk, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom. In other areas, guests can make use of a communal kitchen and a breakfast buffet that’s served daily. For those who enjoy a spot of retail therapy, Luleå’s main shopping street is just a few minutes’ walk away. Local transport links, including train and bus services, provide easy access to all areas of the city and beyond.
FROM €97/ NIGHT
If you’re happy to be located outside the city centre, this charming rustic hotel in the quiet village of Södra Sunderbyn, a short drive from Luleå, could be the perfect choice for you. There’s a restaurant, lounge and relaxation area with a hot tub and sauna, and a pretty garden area, plus free WIF and free on-site parking too. Guest rooms come with a TV, private bathroom and scenic garden views. The UNESCO-listed Gammelstad Church Town is 3.7 miles from the hotel and Luleå Airport is 9.3 miles away.
FROM €77/ NIGHT
Combining excellent eco-friendly credentials with stylish décor and furnishings, Comfort Hotel Arctic is another excellent centrally located Luleå hotel. Guest rooms are designed in bright and colourful style and feature a TV, a desk and a private bathroom. Beyond the rooms, there’s a 6th floor sauna with views over the waterfront, and complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits on offer in the hotel lobby every evening. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Notable nearby attractions include The Norrbotten Theatre, which is a 15-minute walk away.
FROM €82/ NIGHT
Chic, funky and atmospheric lighting await guests in the lobby of this new centrally located Luleå hotel. Eye-catching photographic artwork is scattered around both the communal areas and guest rooms, adding to the creative vibe. As for amenities, all rooms contain a flat-screen TV, desk, minibar and free WiFi, and some also offer picturesque lake, city or courtyard views. There’s also an on-site á la carte restaurant, a choice of two bars, and a fitness centre. Luleå Central Station is just over half-a-mile away.