Of Sweden’s total of 71 church towns only 16 remain. Most of these are remnants of what they once were. Gammelstad has the country’s largest and best preserved church town with 405 cottages that holds 552 chambers. The World Heritage site comprises the historically valuable buildings, a total of 520 protected buildings, roads, archaeological ground and the centuries-old practice of staying overnight during weekends in the church cottages. Below are the characteristics that give the world heritage site its outstanding universal value.
On December 7th, 1996 Gammelstad Church Town was put on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and became what is known as a world heritage site.
A cultural and historical center of expertise in Gammelstad Church Town that conveys the cultural heritage of the Norrbotten coastline. Buildings from the 18th until the 20th century gives a realistic picture of a row village.
Christmas market and the fire festival is held in the winter, mid-June to mid-August, the museum is open daily.
For more info and essentials, please visit website: Gammelstad Church Town
Photo by: Gammelstad Visitor Centre