LULEÅ

Welcome to Luleå!

Welcome to Sweden and Scandinavia’s northernmost technical university, Luleå University of Technology, proud host of EuroMaintenance 2026. Along with a rich congress program and technical events, participants will have the chance to experience some of the highlights of Swedish Lapland, including the midnight sun, the Luleå Archipelago, and even the Arctic Circle.  


Luleå, founded in 1621, has grown into the economic and cultural heart of northernSweden. Originally centered around the medieval church village of Gammelstad—today a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the city was later relocated closer to the sea, where it developed into a major export port and a hub for both industry and innovation. Today, with around 78,000 inhabitants, Luleå balances strong steel, engineering, and IT sectors with a vibrant university scene that brings an international and youthful energy.  

The city is easily reached: just 1 hour and 20 minutes by plane from Stockholm, or alternatively by overnight train or long-distance bus if you’d like to see more of Sweden on the way north. Once here, visitors can explore a unique mix of history, culture, and untouched nature—from wandering Gammelstad’s historic wooden houses to sailing among the 1,000 islands of the archipelago.  

As a conference destination, Luleå combines accessibility with unforgettable experiences, offering the perfect setting to connect, learn, and explore.  

There are a number of excellent restaurants in the area, offering specialties like reindeer, a special type of whitefish roe, and cloudberries.

Read more on Visit Luleå's website

Conference Venue

Kulturens Hus

Luleå's largest meeting venue

Kulturens hus is located in the heart of the city with sweeping views of the North Harbor. Beyond being a modern conference center equipped for congresses, trade shows, exhibitions, and hybrid events, it is also the city’s cultural hub. The building hosts concerts, theater performances, art exhibitions, and author talks throughout the year, making it a lively place where culture and business meet. Visitors will also find Luleå’s main library inside, adding to the creative atmosphere. With high-quality food, flexible event spaces, and a strong focus on sustainability, Kulturens hus offers an inspiring setting for both professional gatherings and cultural experiences. 

practical information

Travel to Luleå 

Getting here is easy: there are several daily flights from Stockholm (a journey of just 1 hour and 20 minutes), as well as overnight trains and long-distance buses for those who want to see more of Sweden along the way.

SAS and Norwegian airlines offer numerous flights per day to Luleå making it the busiest local route in Sweden. 

SAS
Norwegian Airlines
Luleå Airport

Traveling by train is the more affordable option, with a good level of comfort.  The train station is located near the city centre and it takes no more than a few minutes to walk to central Luleå and a few hundred meters from the bus station.

Go to the SJ website for information about train travel.

Hotel rooms

Accommodations

Room blocks for EM26 participants have been reserved at Clarion Hotel Sense and at Elite Stadshotellet to ensure availability. The pre-booked rooms can only be reserved during registration and not directly with the hotel. 

Clarion Hotel Sense
Single and double occupancy available.

Located across the street from the congress venue.

Elite Stadshotell
Single and double occupancy available.

The Gala Dinner will take place here. It a 5-minute walk from the congress venue.

A full Swedish breakfast buffet and Wi-Fi are included at all hotels.

Other nearby hotels 

The other hotels recommended below (Quality and Savoy) are within 5-minute walking distance of the congress venue and can be booked with the hotels directly/online.

Link to Hotel Savoy

Link to Quality Hotel

Link to Scandic Hotel (approximately 3km to the congress venue)

getting around in luleå

Public transit

Luleå has an excellent public bus system, Luleå lokaltrafik.  

From Luleå Airport, you can reach Luleå's city center on Bus #4. Please note that cash is not accepted on any of the buses; only cards are accepted. 

Important Bus stops 

Smedjegatan: The main stop in the city center. Nearly all bus lines stop here, including the bus line from the airport (Flygbus). 

Luleå Bus Station:  You’ll find the stop at the corner of Storgatan and Prästgatan. The airport bus (Flygbuss) stops here, along with all long-distance buses (Länstrafiken).

Train

Luleå Central Station: Traveling by train is the more affordable option, with a good level of comfort.  The train station is located near the city centre and it takes no more than a few minutes to walk to central Luleå and a few hundred meters from the bus station.

Go to the SJ website for information about train travel.

Taxi

Taxi service is also available. All taxis accept debit and credit cards. Below are some of the local taxi companies: 

Sverige taxi  call +46 920-10 000 
Tvåans taxi call +46 920-22 22 22 
City Taxi Luleå  call +46 920-52 00 00 

explore luleå

Looking for something to do on your own?

Here are some suggestions for you!
Go to Visit Luleå for more exciting ideas of things to see and do.
explore on your own

Climb Ormberget

A nature getaway close to Luleå

Ormberget is a municipal nature reserve that is easily accessible by bus from central Luleå. The area offers well-maintained hiking trails with informative signs, fire pits, and wind shelters, making it easy to enjoy nature all year round. Ormberget is perfect for both short outings and longer nature experiences.

Enjoy lunch or coffee break overlooking the city from the hilltop restaurant

explore on your own

Trip to Klubbviken

Experience Luleå's archipelago

Klubbviken is a popular destination in Luleå’s beautiful archipelago, easily reached by boat from the city's south harbor during the summer season. At Klubbviken, you can enjoy sandy beaches, swimming, scenic walks, and a relaxed atmosphere. The on-site restaurant serves lunch with both local flavors and classic dishes – perfect after some time in the sun or a peaceful walk in the woods. A trip to Klubbviken offers both natural beauty and good food by the sea.

explore on your own

Visit Shopping

A historic mall in the heart of Luleå

Luleå’s first mall, called Shopping, was unique when it was built in the mid-1950s. It was the world’s first indoor shopping center! Today, it remains a vibrant meeting place with a wide range of stores, especially focused on fashion and footwear, but you’ll also find shops offering books, fabrics, and home decor. You can also take a break and enjoy a nice lunch or coffee at one of the mall’s restaurants or cafés. A visit to Shopping combines history, retail, and dining in central Luleå.

explore on your own

Gültzaudden

Relax by the water in central Luleå

Gültzaudden is a popular park right by the water, just a short walk from central Luleå. Here, you can relax on large grassy lawns, stroll along the waterfront promenade, or take a swim at the small city beach. The area also offers beautiful views of Luleå’s archipelago and is perfect for a picnic or a quiet moment in the sun. Gültzaudden is an ideal spot for both relaxation and activity – right in the city, yet close to nature.

A 10 minute walk from the conference venue.