Luleå, Northern Swedish coastal city in Norrbotten County.
This city sits where the Lule River flows into the Gulf of Bothnia, spreading across several islands linked by bridges and waterways. Low buildings and wide spaces define the layout, while harbor facilities and industrial areas line the waterfront.
The settlement received city status in 1621 but moved to its present location in 1649 after the sea became too shallow for larger ships. Over the centuries, the place evolved from a trading post into a center for ore shipment and heavy industry.
The Gammelstad Church Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains 424 wooden houses that were used by churchgoers from distant areas during religious gatherings.
Visitors usually arrive through the airport, which connects regularly to Stockholm, or via the E4 highway that passes through the area. Several bus routes link the central districts with surrounding neighborhoods and the outer parts on the islands.
In winter, roads form on the frozen sea that vehicles can use between December and April to reach the islands. These ice routes are monitored and marked regularly so drivers can travel safely over the frozen water surface.
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