Piteå Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Piteå, Sweden with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, cultural and natural landmarks, hiking and bike routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Your Ultimate Guide to Piteå, Sweden

Nestled in Norrbotten County in the heart of Norrland, and part of the Nordic countries in Europe, Piteå is a charming and peaceful town with countless things to see and do. From awe-inspiring landscapes to cultural landmarks, this guide will take you on a journey through the best of Piteå.

Introduction to Piteå

Piteå is a picturesque town of around 23,000 people, situated on the Gulf of Bothnia. The town has a fascinating history, having been founded in the Middle Ages and having played a crucial role in Sweden’s timber trade. Piteå is a popular holiday destination and an ideal location for anyone looking for relaxation, natural beauty, and cultural experiences.

List of Places to Visit in Piteå

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Piteå is rich in history and culture, with numerous museums and historical sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the town’s past. Some of the must-visit culturally important attractions include:

  • Piteå Museum - showcases the fascinating history of the town from the Viking period to the present day.
  • Gamla Strand (Old Shore) - this charming waterfront area is home to a beautiful clock tower and picturesque timbered houses.
  • Hembygdsgården - this open-air museum features several historic buildings and displays traditional Norrland life.
  • Kuivakangas - a unique art and cultural center, which offers an exciting opportunity to learn about the local Sami inhabitants’ culture and way of life.

Natural Attractions of Piteå: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love the outdoors, there’s no shortage of pristine nature to explore in Piteå. From stunning lakes to deep forests, there’s something to satisfy every nature lover. Here are a few of the natural attractions you won’t want to miss:

  • Storforsen rapids - located on the Pite River, is one of the largest rapids in Europe - an awe-inspiring sight!
  • Skataudden - A beautiful hiking trail that leads to stunning views of the archipelago and the open sea, and birdwatching.
  • Långträsk - Perfect for fishing, the scenic lake is surrounded by a vast forest and offers an ideal setting for a relaxing picnic.
  • Sikfors Herrgård - a well-maintained manor house amidst the beautiful countryside, offering a serene country retreat.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Piteå

Hiking and biking are two popular activities in Piteå, and with so many beautiful landscapes to explore, it’s no wonder why. Here are a few of the best routes to try:

  • Piteå led - a 17 km hiking and biking trail winding through peaceful forests, small lakes, and fields.
  • Hälsans Stig - At 6 km, this walking and running path leads through various beautiful landscapes around the town
  • Roknäsleden - This circular track is 16 km long and is a perfect excursion for an afternoon ride or hike.
  • Vitberget - This trail is only 5km, perfect for a morning hike or run, and offers fantastic views of the Piteå archipelago.

Best Things to Do in Piteå: Activities and Tours

There’s a wealth of activities to enjoy in Piteå, from cultural events to outdoor adventures. Some of the top things to do include:

  • Pite Havsbadsbaden - Piteå’s famous resort is home to the largest water park in Norrland and a great spot for a family day out.
  • Snowmobiling in the Swedish Lapland. Piteå is a gateway to the Swedish Lapland and is one of the few places in the world where you can go snowmobiling.
  • Enjoy a beautiful winter day at Skellefteälven canyon’s natural ice-skating rink.
  • Visit the Piteå Sommarland Amusement park, where families and friends can enjoy coasters for all age groups.

Week-Long Itinerary for Piteå

For those planning to spend a week or more in Piteå, you’ll appreciate our seven-day itinerary, guiding you through some of the town’s best hidden gems and most iconic attractions.

Day Activity
1 Visit Piteå museum, Gamla Strand, and Hembygdsgården
2 Hike through Skataudden and enjoy nature’s beauty
3 Explore Storforsen rapids and have a scenic lunch at Sikfors Herrgård
4 Take an art and culture tour at Kuivakangas
5 Go snowmobiling and discover the beauty of the Swedish Lapland
6 Relax at Pite Havsbadsbaden and enjoy the water park
7 Enjoy wintertime at Skellefteälven canyon’s natural ice-skating rink

Food and Drink Scene of Piteå

Besides nature, Piteå has a diverse and delicious food scene with many delicious regional food and drinks you won’t want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kalix Löjrom (Caviar) - harvested from the Kalix River, this luxurious and high-quality caviar has been a staple of Swedish cuisine for centuries.
  • Gravlax - A popular dish of cured salmon with dill and mustard that has roots dating back to the Middle Ages.
  • Palt - A traditional dish consisting of boiled potatoes, salted meat, and butter.
  • Pitepalt – A type of palt that is regional to Piteå, where the finished dish is typically served with lingonberries, and the meat is pork belly

Local Beverages

  • Mackmyra Whiskey - this innovative whiskey distillery based in Gävle is known for using unique flavors from Swedish nature such as lingonberries and wild herbs.
  • Cloudberry wine – made from the rare and indigenous cloudberry fruit, which can only be found in a few Nordic countries.
  • Artisan beers - Piteå Brewing Company, a local craft brewery, produces several high-quality artisan beers using local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Piteå: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There’s no shortage of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels, and everything in between. Some of the best places to stay in Piteå include:

  • Piteå Stadshotell - this charming 19th-century hotel has been recently renovated and offers guests a blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities.
  • KUST Hotell - This trendy boutique hotel boasts fantastic sea views and unique design inspired by nature’s beauty
  • Hotell Södra Västerbotten - a comfortable and affordable alternative for those looking for affordable accommodation.
  • Bergsgården Inn - This pension includes a pack of the local Piteå specialty pancakes based on the guests’ request.

What to Buy in Piteå: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From traditional handicrafts to unique local products, Piteå has plenty of souvenirs to take home with you. Here are a few examples:

  • Handcrafted Sami products - Piteå is a gateway to the Sami culture, known for its handicrafts made from reindeer horn and pelts.
  • Caviar - as mentioned before, Kalix Löjrom is a delicacy that can be found in many places to bring back home.
  • Chocolate - Piteå Chocolaterie is worth a visit to grab some artisan chocolates
  • Honey - Local honey brands such as Dygnen’s or Lily’s Fölsterbo Honey are great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Piteå

To truly appreciate Piteå, it’s important to understand the local customs and culture. One of the essential aspects of Piteå’s culture is it’s Sami influence. It’s important to respect their traditions, and several local museums and events offer an opportunity to learn more about Sami culture.

Best Time to Visit Piteå

The best time to visit Piteå depends on what you want to experience. Summer months (May to August) are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and enjoying the archipelago scenery. In contrast, winter (November to February) offers a chance to enjoy the Lapland’s snowmobiling, sledding, and the beautiful northern lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Piteå

Some of the do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Piteå include:

Do:

  • Respect the Sami culture and traditions
  • Embrace the outdoor environment and seek tranquility in nature
  • Try out local food and drinks

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces - clean nature is a central pillar of the culture in this town.
  • Interrupt the naturally peaceful and quiet environment
  • Disrespect or ignore the Swedish traditions and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Piteå

Piteå is a relatively safe town, with low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere. However, visitors should always exercise common sense, such as locking your vehicle, and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Piteå

Sweden has an excellent healthcare system, and Piteå has a hospital and several medical clinics. If you require medical attention, you can visit either a hospital or clinic and pay charges based on insurance.

Getting to Piteå: Transportation Options and Logistics

Piteå can be reached by several modes of transportation, including:

Airports Near Piteå

The nearest international airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, and from there, several trains and buses run to Piteå.

Bus Stations Near Piteå

Piteå Bus Station is centrally located and provides regular bus services to and from other cities in Sweden and the Nordic countries.

Other Options

Another good option for transportation is to rent a car, which allows flexibility in touring the region and getting into the hinterlands.

How to Get Around in Piteå

Piteå is a relatively small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also use the local bus network or drive a car.

Where to Go Next from Piteå: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you are looking to discover more of Norrland, there are plenty of fantastic destinations accessible from Piteå, with lots of exciting things to see and do. Some nearby locations you might consider include:

  • Luleå - A charming coastal town located 90 km to the north of Piteå, boasting a beautiful old town and historical sites.
  • Boden – Located 60 km southeast of Piteå – home to the Swedish military museum and the Boden Fortress.
  • Rovaniemi - 250 km away from Piteå in Finland, known for its picturesque views and the Santa Claus Village

Conclusion

Piteå is a bit of a hidden gem, offering visitors a peaceful and serene environment, beautiful nature, and a fascinating history and culture. We hope that this guide inspires you to pack your bags and head to this remarkable town!

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