The Back Street That Became the City’s Pride

Here, down by the river, Skellefteå’s transformation is noticeable in a different way than just a few blocks away. The air feels more open, and the city feels closer to nature. The City Park and the connecting riverside promenade have evolved into a green, lively oasis, appreciated by both Skellefteå residents and visitors alike. But it hasn’t always been this way. For a long time, the riverfront was more of a backwater to the city center—a place you passed by rather than went to.

But as the city has changed, so has its relationship with the river. New pathways have emerged, connecting the city center with the water. Open spaces have been created, providing room for both activity and relaxation. Where accessibility, greenery, and experience coexist side by side.

And perhaps the greatest change has taken place along Bryggarbacken. Restaurants and outdoor dining areas have opened right on the riverbank, helping to bring the area to life. Not just during the bright summer evenings, but as a natural part of the city’s everyday life. Here, people meet over lunch, drinks, or simply to enjoy the view of the river. The urban life that was previously missing has taken root and transformed how the space is used.

Today, it is a place for many different kinds of life. For those taking a walk along the water. For children running across the grass. For those who sit for a while in the sun or meet someone on the way home. And when the city is filled with events, the riverside space becomes a natural part of the community.

But perhaps the most important thing is not what happens here—but how it feels. That what was once on the outskirts has now become part of the city center. And that the city has turned its face toward the river.

The buildings down here were completed in 2016. They have both wooden frames and facades. Previously, this was a parking lot, and before that, a brewery. The Skellefteå Steam Brewery was in operation from 1853 to 1976.