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Boden’s twin towns

Boden’s twin towns contribute to cooperation, cultural exchange, and increased understanding between different countries and cities.

Uppdaterad:

What is a twin town?

A twin town is a city in another country with which a municipality collaborates. The cooperation often involves schools, associations, and municipal services to exchange ideas and experiences.

The history behind twin towns

The idea of twin towns began in 1924 when Helge Bruhn of the Danish Norden Association proposed local committees to collaborate across national borders.

The first twin town partnership in Sweden was established in 1939 between Uddevalla in Sweden and Thisted in Denmark. Later, Skien in Norway, Loimaa in Finland, and Mosfellsbær in Iceland also joined.

After World War II, the twin town movement developed into a peace movement with the goal of creating understanding between people and building cross-border cooperation.

Boden’s twin towns today

Boden’s twin towns are:

  • Alta in Norway
  • Oulu in Finland
  • Bethlehem in Palestine
  • Apatity in Russia

Cooperation with Bethlehem and Apatity has been on hold in recent years. Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, cooperation with Apatity remains suspended, and no active contacts are being made.

Alta in Northern Norway is Boden’s twin town since 1950. Alta has around 21,900 inhabitants and is the largest town in Finnmark. The cooperation with Boden is based on friendship, cultural exchange, and shared interests such as outdoor activities and education.

  • History: Alta is known for its rock carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to around 4,200 BC. The area was originally inhabited by Coastal Sami and developed in the 19th century through mining and agriculture.
  • The Alta conflict: During the 1970s and 1980s, residents protested against the construction of the Alta River dam. The demonstrations led to Norway’s largest police operation in 1981.
  • Today: Today, Alta is a center for education, research, and business, with a focus on fishing, agriculture, trade, and services.
  • Transport and tourism: Alta has an airport and bus connections, and it attracts visitors with hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities, especially along the Alta River.
  • Link to Boden: Since 1994, slate from Alta has been displayed in Boden’s city park as a symbol of friendship between the two towns.

Read more on Alta Municipality’s website.

Oulu, known as Uleåborg in Swedish, became Boden’s first twin town in 1948. The city is located on the Gulf of Bothnia and has strong ties to Boden. It offers both a rich history and a modern technology industry.

  • Facts: Oulu is Finland’s fifth largest city, with about 215,000 inhabitants (2025). The municipality is the largest employer with over 8,000 employees.
  • History: The city was founded in 1605 by King Charles IX. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Oulu was a center for trade, especially tar, and later for forest products and industry.
  • Today and the future: Oulu is home to Finland’s second largest university and a leading technology park. The city is a hub for research, IT, education, and culture, with museums, a theater, and a symphony orchestra.
  • Transport: Oulu has Finland’s second largest airport and excellent railway connections.
  • Link to Boden: Oulu became Boden’s first twin town in 1948. A tree from the city was planted in Boden’s city park during its inauguration in 1994.

Read more on Oulu City’s website.

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Citizen Service

E-post: kommunen@boden.se

Telefon: +46 921 620 00