Birsta City
Västernorrlands län
Birsta City, rebranded as Livli in March 2026, is a major shopping hub located approximately 8 kilometers north of Sundsvall's city center in Västernorrlands län, Sweden. It forms part of the extensive Birsta retail district, which is divided into Western and Eastern Birsta on either side of the E4 highway. The shopping area collectively hosts around 150 stores and restaurants, making it the largest shopping center in Norrland and the third largest in Sweden. The site originated with industrial activity in the 1960s, notably with the establishment of one of the world's earliest IKEA stores in 1966. Over time, Birsta evolved into a vibrant commercial zone, with the original Ikanohuset building transformed into Birsta City in 2008 after IKEA relocated to a new building nearby. The center rapidly expanded, attracting millions of visitors annually and growing its retail offerings substantially. The surrounding district includes other shopping complexes like Cupolen and Birsta Syd, contributing to a comprehensive retail experience. The area also has rich historical roots, with archaeological finds including Viking-era coin hoards indicating Birsta's longstanding significance as a trade and settlement site. Today, Birsta City/Livli combines modern retail with a location steeped in cultural heritage, offering visitors a diverse shopping and dining experience in a setting shaped by centuries of history.
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Tip: For the best shopping experience at Birsta City (Livli), visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Consider purchasing gift cards or checking for seasonal sales to benefit from discounts. Advance booking is generally not required, but checking store hours ahead, especially during holidays, is advisable. The area is accessible by car and public transport, with ample parking available.
Interesting facts
- •Birsta is Norrland's largest shopping center and Sweden's third largest retail area.
- •An IKEA store opened here in 1966, one of the first outside IKEA's hometown Älmhult.
- •A Viking-era coin hoard with 135 coins from the Abbasid Caliphate and Samanid dynasty was found in Birsta in 1834.
- •Birsta was named Sweden's best shopping center in 2010 among 150 centers.
- •The area was historically an important trade site with archaeological finds indicating connections to trade routes extending to the Roman Empire and Black Sea region.
History
Birsta's history dates back to Viking times, evidenced by coin hoards from the 9th and 10th centuries discovered in the area, highlighting its role as an important trade center.
The modern commercial development began in the 1960s with industrial enterprises and the opening of an IKEA store in 1966.
The transformation into a retail district accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s with the establishment of shopping centers like Ikanohuset and Cupolen.
In 2008, the old Ikanohuset was renovated into Birsta City, greatly expanding retail space.
The area was renamed Livli in 2026, reflecting its ongoing evolution as a premier shopping destination.
Place Guide
Birsta City Shopping Center (Livli)2008
The main shopping complex offering around 90 stores as of the late 2000s, including a wide range of retail shops, restaurants, and services, located in the renovated former Ikanohuset building.
Cupolen Shopping Center1988
A smaller shopping center west of the original Ikanohuset, established in 1988, hosting about ten shops and serving as a complementary retail area.
Birsta Syd Retail Area2008
A commercial zone in the southern part of Western Birsta, developed mainly since 2008, featuring various stores and restaurants.
Eastern Birsta (Ă–stra Birsta)2007
The eastern side of the Birsta retail district, originating from the former village Ljusta, with stores opening from 2007 onward and including the Birsta Handelsgård shopping area opened in 2011–2012.
Contact
Phone: 070-265 22 33