Piteå (pop. 39,000), 58km/36mi southwest of Luleå on the Gulf of Bothnia, is a port and industrial town at the mouth of the Piteälv. It was originally founded by Gustavus Adolphus in 1621 on the site now occupied by Öjebyn, but in 1666 was moved 6km/4mi southeast to its present position. It is a popular beach resort due to its archipelago,
suitable for fishing and outdoor activities. The church at Öjebyn (15th C.) is surrounded by "church houses". Piteå has a wooden church built in 1648 and restored about 1950. The town's old wooden houses are concentrated round the market square, in which stands the Town Hall.