What to do in Piteå - 15 sights and experiences

What to do in Piteå? This northern holiday paradise is known for its long sandy beaches and classic Piteå cuisine, but there's more to discover. Here are all our top tips for things to see and do in Piteå.

Piteå

Piteå is a popular tourist destination in the summer, with long sandy beaches, including at Pite Havsbad. The town is also known for its dialect, Pitemål, and the much-loved dish Pitepalt.

We visited Piteå during our motorhome trip around the Gulf of Bothnia and stayed a few days at Västra Kajen Camping. From here we explored the city and its surroundings, both with electric bikes and with the campervan.

Piteå is located on the coast of Norrbotten, about 55 kilometres southwest of Luleå and 65 kilometres northeast of Skellefteå.

What can you do in Piteå?

So what can you do in Piteå? There is a lot to experience, whether you like culture or nature, or just want to relax on a nice beach. Here are our top tips for things to do in Piteå and the surrounding area.

1. Discover the Town Hall Square

If you go into the centre of Piteå, you will sooner or later find yourself in the charming and beautiful Rådhustorget square. This square, which dates back to the 17th century, is home to a number of fine buildings. These include the Town Hall, built in 1829 and inspired by the Finnish-Russian Empire style, which now houses a museum. In summer, you'll also find an ice cream parlour in the square.

2. Visit Piteå Museum

When you are at the Town Hall, you can take the opportunity to visit the Piteå Museum. This museum, which is free to visit, is a cultural history museum that tells the history of the city and displays various exhibitions. Guided city walks are also sometimes organised.

3. take a look at Piteå Konsthall

Not far from Rådhustorget you will find Piteå Konsthall. This is a municipal art centre, which shows various exhibitions of modern contemporary art free of charge, so why not drop by? When we were here, there was an exhibition called "Road of Bones" by Andreas R Andersson from Arvidsjaur.

4. Stroll in the Art Park

The art park in Piteå is beautifully situated by the North Harbour. Each work of art has its own place, within green hedges, along with a sign telling you about the work. We liked this park!

5. Take a look around Piteå Boat Museum

Right next to Västra Kajen Camping is the Piteå Boat Museum, which displays old wooden boats, boat engines and fishing gear, and tells the story of life at sea in the past. This museum is run by a dedicated organisation, and during opening hours there is often an opportunity to talk to the knowledgeable members of the organisation. By the way, the museum has a very nice and modern design. Well worth a visit!

6. See Piteå city church

Piteå City Church is Upper Norrland's oldest wooden church and Piteå's oldest preserved building, built between 1683 and 1686. When Piteå was moved from Öjebyn to its current location in 1668, the residents initially had to travel to Öjebyn's church every Sunday, but eventually the new town got its own church.

If you enter the church, you can check out an altarpiece from the 17th century, which may be a Polish war booty and was bought from Stockholm in 1700. There is also a pulpit commissioned in 1702 by carpenter Nils Fluur.

7. admire Öjeby church

Don't miss out on admiring Öjeby Church, one of Norrbotten's oldest and most beautiful stone churches. Construction of the church began as early as the 16th century, and during the 18th century it was expanded into the current cross-shaped church. Next to the church is the bell tower, which is thought to be even older than the church.

8. Be fascinated by the church town of Öjebyn

In the past, when churches were compulsory and people had a long way to travel to church, so-called church towns were created, where villagers could stay overnight during church visits. These church towns can be found mainly in Norrland, but also in Finland, and the most famous church town is Gammelstads kyrkstad in Luleå, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In addition, Piteå Gammelstad (Öjebyn) is one of the largest and most well-preserved church towns in the world. The church town tradition can be traced back to the 17th century and in Öjebyn the church cottages were used for overnight stays during church visits well into the 20th century. Today, the cottages are still privately owned and are used for daytime visits or short overnight stays.

The cottages in Öjebyn have not been built according to any plan, but have developed gradually, which makes it feel like the houses are a bit "all over the place". Incredibly charming!

It is cosy just to stroll around among the cottages and there is also a viewing cabin, where you sometimes get to look in. Unfortunately, this was not open when we were here, but instead we met a cottage owner who both told us about the houses and welcomed us in. Fantastically interesting and nice!

9. Eat pitepalt at Paltzerian.

One of the things you won't want to miss doing in Piteå is tasting the traditional dish pitepalt. The dish is made from raw (ground or finely grated) potatoes mixed with flour and salt, which are then formed into round balls and filled with rimmed pork or pork belly. The balls are then boiled in water and served with lingonberry jam or raw lingonberries.

We have tried the dish before, and liked it! Now it didn't suit us this time, but if you want to try pitepalt in Piteå, you can do it at Paltzerian. There are both traditional models and variants such as salmon palt, harpalt and vegetarian palt.

10. Make a stop at Heta Hyttan

If you like crafts, don't miss a visit to Heta Hyttan, where glassblower Linda Isaksson creates her creations while you watch. Blowing glass here has been a tradition since the 17th century. Today it is modern creations that take shape, and among Linda's works is the sculpture "Livslust", which is available both with and without lighting.

Nearby, you can also check out Belonaparken and Furunäset Hotel and Conference, which once served as a mental hospital.

11. Shopping in AlterHeden's rhubarb & farm shop

What is a rhubarb farm? We became curious and therefore drove to AlterHeden's rhubarb & farm shop, to find out more. It turned out that this was a really nice excursion destination, or a possible stop on the way to Storforsen, if you are thinking of travelling in that direction.

At AlterHeden's rhubarb & farm shop you will find a café and a large shop with jams, juices, marmalades and other exciting delicacies. There are, of course, products containing rhubarb, and you can also shop for gooseberry jam, which is an exclusive delicacy.

12. Discover the Gläntan at Sandänges beach

Gläntan, at Sandängesstranden, is Piteå's own favourite spot, and it is almost so it feels like we shouldn't reveal the location here. We had bad weather when we visited the beach, but there was no mistaking that this is a fantastic sandy beach.

Sandängesstranden is not just a beach, but a large nature reserve in Piteå, between Pite Havsbad and Haraholmen. The nature reserve has wooden walkways, information signs and places for bird watching.

13. Relax at Pite Havsbad.

When you drive into Pite Havsbad, you are greeted by signs that say "The general world ends here", and maybe that's the case. Pite Havsbad is not everyday life, but a world filled with things like a sandy beach, adventure pool, spa, miniature golf, activity land, go-karting, paddle centre, outdoor pools, restaurants and ice cream parlours. Say what not is available at Pite Havsbad!

When we stopped by, the weather was not the best, but we still tried an ice cream at Glasshuset, which alone was an experience. There's a do-it-yourself counter, where you can scoop your choice of ice cream flavours into a cone or cup. At the end, you get help to weigh the ice cream, and simply pay for the weight. All in all, it can be said that Pite Havsbad is for those who want to experience a holiday with extra everything.

14. Experience the Piteå archipelago

Piteå is surrounded by a beautiful archipelago with no less than 550 islands. In other words, there is a whole world to discover here. The archipelago is served by Nordisk Sjötaxi, which in the summer drives to Stora Räbben and Stenskär, and by Kinnbäck Skärgårdsturism, which drives to Pite-Rönnskär.

It is possible to rent cottages on some of the islands and book boat taxis to get there, if you don't have your own boat. The archipelago includes the islands of Baggen, Renöra, Svinöra and Kluntarna and the nature reserves Bondöfjärden and Döman. One way to experience the archipelago is of course to rent a kayak and possibly follow one of the many kayak trails.

15. Shop for smoked fish at Bea's Rökeri & Hamncafé.

Bea's Rökeri & Hamncafé is located just off the E4 motorway, 25 kilometres south of Piteå in Jävrebyn. The environment here is wonderfully charming, with Jävre Fyr lighthouse and small wooden sheds and houses.

You can buy smoked fish straight from the smokehouse, such as rainbow trout, char and whitefish, possibly accompanied by popular cold sauces. It is also possible to stop by the harbour café for a bite to eat or coffee. If you're travelling with a motorhome, you can also stay overnight in the lovely caravan park.

More things to do in Piteå for culture and history lovers

There is, of course, even more to see and do in Piteå than our tips. Here are some more suggestions for those who like culture and history.

• The archaeological trail in Jävre is a marked hiking trail among historical remains, including those from the Bronze Age. 
• Gråträsk chapel is a charming little chapel built in 1934, reminiscent of times gone by.
• Kjell Persson's utility museum is a self-built museum with 28,000 fishing and hunting artefacts and tools.
• Solander Park is built to honour the memory of the Linnaeus teacher, botanist and circumnavigator Daniel Solander.
• Studio Acusticum is a concert hall with various concerts.
• Swensbylijda is a neighbourhood area next to Bergforsen in Svensbyån.

More to do in Piteå for nature lovers

Of course, there is even more to see and do in Piteå than our tips. Here you will find some more suggestions for those who enjoy nature.

• The breast case is located along the 55 kilometre long Rokån river, with picnic areas and walking paths.
• Degerberget offers a view of the Piteå archipelago
• Rosfors Ecopark offers green nature as well as attractions such as Rosfors Mill and ancient and cultural monuments.
• Fishing can be done in many places, both in lakes and rivers.
• Fårön Outdoor area is an area with nature trails and barbecue areas.
• Kala hat is a viewing mountain with a peak at 243 metres above sea level and a view of Svensbyfjärden.
• The Solander Trail is a 22 mile long hiking trail.

More to do in Piteå with children

Travelling with children or teenagers? Then you'll find even more tips on things to do in Piteå here.

• Badhusparken is a popular park in the centre of Piteå with a stage, café, green areas and a playground.
• Bowling is located in Norrmalmiahallen in the arena area in Piteå.
• Gocart Piteå is an activity centre at Pite Havsbad with Gocart, Paintball and children's ATVs.
• Jössgården is a destination in the village of Sjulsmark, with a garden café, the opportunity to stay on a farm and meet farm animals.
• Kayak are available for hire in many different places, including a 'kayakomat' at the North Harbour in the centre of Piteå.
• Lindbäcks Stadium is an outdoor arena for both summer and winter, with ski slopes, ski and jogging tracks, hiking trails and more.

Things to do in Piteå in winter

We visited Piteå in the summer, which was nice, but this is also a winter destination. Here are suggestions for things to do in Piteå in winter.

• Icebreaker safari is organised with the ship Arctic Explorer.
• Cold bathing area is located at Västra kajens Campingplats in the centre of Piteå. 
• Northern Lights can be seen in winter, if you're lucky.
• Piteå ICE Arena is an ice rink on the sea ice for walking, skating, skiing or kicking in the centre of Piteå.
• Skiing is popular, including at the Lindbäck stadium.

Where can you stay in Piteå, or park your campervan?

There are many different hotels and other accommodation options in Piteå. For example, there is the spa hotel KUST Hotell & Spa. We travelled by motorhome and chose to stay at Västra Kajen Camping & Gästhamn, which has a very good location for visiting central Piteå.

There are also more places to stay with camping vehicles. Here are some options:

• Borgaruddens Havsbad & Camping, Borgaruddsvägen 880, Norrfjärden
• Jävrebodarnas fishing camp, Södra Jävrebodarna 351, Jävre
• Jävre car park, Jävrefyrens väg 26, Jävrebyn
• Storsand course centre and campsite, Mandolingatan 1, Öjebyn
• RV park Rosvik, Klubbvägen 4, Rosvik
• Pite sea baths, Hotellvägen 50, Piteå
• Västra Kajen Camping & Guest Harbour, Sjöbodegränd 19, Piteå

More things to see and do around Piteå

From Piteå it is relatively close to Luleå, where you can visit Gammelstad church town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss out on discovering the mighty Storforsen! If you're travelling south instead, you can get to the beautiful Skellefteåwhere there is much to see and discover.

More tips for things to do in Piteå?

Have you visited Piteå? Do you have even more suggestions on what to see and do in Piteå? Let us know!