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Historic complex · Piteå, Norrbotten
Öjebyn Church Town
Öjebyn church village, about 7 km from Piteå: rows of wooden cottages around the stone church, begun around 1500. It was where people from distant places spent the night on days of worship.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Öjebyn Church Town
When Piteå received town privileges in 1621, the town was located in Öjebyn, around the parish church. After the fire of 1666, the town was moved to the mouth of the Pite River, but the church and the village that surrounded it remained in place.
Öjebyn Church began to be built around 1500 and is one of the oldest stone churches in Norrbotten. In the 18th century it became too small and was enlarged until it took the cruciform shape it still has. The bell tower stands separate from the church.
Around it stretches the kyrkstad, the church village: hundreds of wooden cottages, lined along narrow streets, owned by families from distant villages. They came for services and religious festivals and spent the night there because the round trip could not be done in a day. Many cottages are still owned by the same families.
In summer the parish offers guided visits to the church and the village, and Gammelgården, one of the buildings in the ensemble, has an exhibition about life in the kyrkstad.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
In summer, when guides are available for the church and the village. During the rest of the year the ensemble can be seen from outside, and guided visits can be arranged with the parish.
How to get there
In Öjebyn, about 7 km northwest of Piteå centre, reachable by local bus or car.
Tip
Walk the narrow lanes between the cottages, respecting that many are private homes belonging to families.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Öjebyn Church Town
What is the kyrkstad of Öjebyn?
A church village: small wooden houses around the church, used by families from distant villages to spend the night on days of worship and celebration.
How old is the church of Öjebyn?
Construction began around 1500. In the 18th century it was enlarged and given a cruciform shape.
Are there guided tours in Öjebyn?
Yes, in summer, with guides from the parish. During the rest of the year, tours can be arranged by appointment.