A new visitor experience has opened in Skellefteå, northern Sweden. Wasteland – located around 10 km from the town centre along the Skellefte River – transforms a former quay from the area’s industrial past into an atmospheric open-air space for art and relaxation.
The gleaming, pink Crystal Sauna, centrepiece at the Wasteland visitor experience, Skellefteå. Photo: Jonas Westling
At the centre is the striking Crystal Sauna, a permanent installation owned by Skellefteå Municipality. Booking is now possible, following Society EXPO 2026, in Skellefteå.
Wasteland is designed as a laid-back picnic destination featuring large-scale art installations, some permanent and others temporary, creating an evolving cultural landscape. The site’s story stretches from historic shipping and timber floating to more recent chapters of local industry.
The site is easily reached from the town centre by bus, bike or car, with a scenic cycle route following the river. A selection of free-to-use images is available HERE – credit Sven Burman.
Blending contemporary art with riverside nature and heritage, Wasteland offers a fresh and distinctly northern perspective on Sweden’s evolving travel experiences.
More information on:
- The Crystal Sauna - https://skelleftea.se/en/invanare/startpage/see-and-do/wasteland/book-crystal-sauna
- Your guide to Skellefteå - https://www.visitskelleftea.se/en/
- More about Västerbotten: https://visitsweden.com/where-to-go/northern-sweden/vasterbotten/