Stackgrönnan Boat Museum

Discover the story of the boats that have carried this region through the centuries.

Water – the region’s original highway

Before roads and bridges, waterways were the easiest and most natural way to travel. In the Skellefteå area, life was closely tied to rivers, lakes and the sea for centuries. Seal hunting, fishing and timber floating were vital livelihoods, and boats were skilfully built to suit the specific environments where they were used.

This exhibition traces the development and function of boats over time. Our oldest boat dates back to the 1870s, but evidence of fishing and seal hunting in this area goes as far back as the Stone Age. Water routes carried both people and goods – and boats played a key role in shaping the local community.

Every boat had its own purpose. Can you work out which one was used to transport cows?

The fälbåt and the isjulle – boats for hunting and transport

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the large fälbåt, a sailing vessel used for transporting goods at sea and as a base during seal hunting expeditions. Hunters would haul the boat up onto the ice, cover it with canvas, and live in it for weeks or even months at a time.

The smaller isjulle, used for daily hunting trips, was often painted white to blend in with the snowy landscape.

Boat Engine Exhibition – Café Kajutan

Next to the boat exhibition, you’ll find a collection of boat engines in Café Kajutan – from small outboard motors to powerful machines. Among them is the Örvikaren, manufactured in Örviken, just a few miles from the museum.

Questions?
Our friendly staff are happy to tell you more!

P.S. The boats are valuable museum artefacts. Please look closely – but avoid touching them. Thank you for your care and consideration!

More information about Skellefteå Museum’s exhibitions and events can be found in the menu.
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Children’s Activities at Stackgrönnan Boat Museum

Selected days in July
Open from 12:00 to 16:00

This summer, Stackgrönnan Boat Museum invites children aged around 6 and up to take part in creative hands-on activities. Surrounded by working boats, oars, and boat engines, children can build their own bark boats, design sails, or even try rope-making – all inspired by the world of boating. Using simple materials and plenty of imagination, each boat becomes a small adventure of its own.

Free admission.
For exact dates, see the Skellefteå Museum event calendar.

Opening Hours – Stackgrönnan Boat Museum

22 June – 3 August 2025
Open daily from 12:00 to 16:00