Luleå is a city located in northern Sweden, situated on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. It is the largest city in Norrbotten County and has a population of around 77,000 people. Lulea has an abundance of natural beauty, and it is also a vibrant city with everything you could need. Below, we’ll cover some important things to know about relocating to Luleå, including the climate, accommodations, language, healthcare, cost of living, transportation, and things to do. 

Climate:

Luleå has a subarctic climate, which means that the winters are long, dark, and cold. The summers are short and mild, but the days are quite long and Swedes love to bask in the sunlight during the summer. This might come as a shock if you’re used to a warmer climate, but don’t worry! Swedes have learned to embrace the cold and make the most of the winter months and the cooler summers. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even ice fishing. The average temperature in January is around -10°C, while in July it’s around 15°C. You’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for colder weather if you’re moving to Luleå.

Language: 

If you’re worried about the language barrier, don’t be! Many people in Luleå speak English, particularly in business and academic environments. However, it may be worth learning some Swedish to help you integrate into the local community. Plus, knowing Swedish will make it easier to navigate daily life, such as reading signs, understanding directions, and ordering food. 

Accommodations: 

Luleå has a range of different housing options available, from apartments to houses.  If you’re looking for a temporary accommodation solution while you find a more permanent place, Guestly Homes offers comfortable and fully furnished apartments and homes in Luleå. Our accommodations come with all the amenities you’ll need to feel at home while getting your bearings in Lulea, including fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living areas, outdoor living spaces, and free Wi-Fi. Plus, our furnished rentals are in convenient locations, close to public transportation, nature trails, shops, and restaurants. We offer special pricing for stays longer than a month, as many of our guests are corporate travelers staying for work or relocating to the area.

Healthcare: 

Healthcare in Sweden is generally of a high standard, and all residents are entitled to access to the public healthcare system. However, you’ll need to register with a local doctor or medical center to access these services. If you’re staying in a Guestly Homes apartment, our team can help you find a local doctor and register with the public healthcare system.

Cost of living: 

When it comes to the cost of living, Luleå is generally more affordable than larger cities in Sweden. The cost of food and other essentials is generally similar to other parts of Sweden, but you may find that eating out and entertainment is more expensive. However, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, exploring the Gammelstadsviken nature preserve, and visiting local museums and galleries.

Transportation: 

Transportation in Luleå is convenient and efficient. The city has a good public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting the city with other parts of Sweden. The city also has an airport, with flights to other parts of Sweden and Europe, making it convenient to get in and out of the city. If you’re staying in a Guestly Homes rental, our team can help you with transportation information and even arrange airport transfers.

Things to Do:

Now that we’ve covered the basics of relocating to Luleå, let’s talk about some of the things you can do and see in the area. Luleå is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities, and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the archipelago, hike in the forests, and go fishing in the rivers and lakes.

One of the most popular outdoor activities in Luleå is skiing. The city has several ski resorts, including Dundret and Kallax, which offer downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing. Another popular winter activity is ice skating. The city has several ice rinks, including one in the town center, where you can rent skates and enjoy skating with locals and other visitors. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even try ice skating on natural ice on the frozen rivers and lakes.

During the summer months, Luleå comes alive with outdoor activities. One of the most popular is hiking in the forests and mountains. There are several hiking trails around the city, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Another popular summer activity is cycling. Luleå has several cycling paths, including the Luleå Archipelago Trail, which takes you through the islands and villages of the archipelago. If you don’t have your own bike, you can rent one from one of the many bike rental shops in the city.

If you’re interested in history and culture, Luleå has plenty to offer as well. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with roots dating back to the 14th century. One of the most popular cultural attractions is Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside the city. Gammelstad is a well-preserved example of a traditional Swedish church town, with over 400 red wooden cottages surrounding the medieval stone church.

Luleå also has several museums and galleries, including the Norrbotten Museum, which showcases the cultural history and natural environment of the region, and the Luleå Konsthall, which exhibits contemporary art from local and international artists.

Dining & Nightlife:

When it comes to food and drink, Luleå has plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. The city has a thriving food scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. If you’re looking for nightlife, Luleå has several bars and clubs in the town center. You can enjoy a drink with locals and other visitors and dance the night away to music from local and international DJs.

Allow Guestly to Help:

Guestly Homes makes relocating to Lulea a pleasant and worry-free experience. Our fully-equipped and furnished extended stay rentals will have everything you need to feel at home, and our round-the-clock concierge services will make you feel comfortable navigating a new city. Luleå is a beautiful and vibrant city, with a strong sense of community and a high standard of living. If you’re prepared for the cold weather and have done your research in advance, relocating to Luleå can be quite rewarding.