Have you ever visited a church town? I made my first visit to one some weeks ago. Gammelstad church town is located just outside of Luleå in the north of Sweden. As early as the 13-century Gammelstad was an important point of trade. And with the construction of Nederluleå church 1492 it become an religious center as well.
Whats cool with Gammelstad church town is that it has never had a big fire, Meaning that most of the houses are original and several hundred years old. They was built for one or two family who used them for their church visits. We need to remember that failing to show up at the church service was a serious crime against the church and state. So if you lived far away from the church you needed to get a house in the church town. But it was not al about God and state. Because of the long distances in northern Lapland the church town was also a place to meet friends, have fun and make some business. The Gammelstad church town is on the UNESCO.s list of world heritages.
Open-air Museum Hägnan
Close to the church town you will find Hägnan. An open air museum showing how it was to live in a village in lapland during the 18-20 century. Its open al year for visitors but I would recommend you to come here during summertime. Then you will have the possibility to visit a bake house and se how the make breads in open fire oven. Or why not visit the old village shop. A copy from the 1940:s so maybe your parents or grand parents would feel at home here. In the shop you will find household utensils, handicrafts, toys, textiles, souvenirs and of course sweets.
How to find the church town
I would recommend you to stay in Luleå. Maybe at the Comfort Arctic if you want a little cheaper place or Clarion Sense if you want a little more luxurious stay. From Luleå you can take bus 1 or 9 out to the church town for about 2,5 euro. If you prefer to drive it’s about 10 kilometer and 8 minutes away.