The name Boden is said to derive from the word bod, referring to a shepherd’s hut or fishing hut. The city emerged as a church village in the early 19th century, growing in stages through investments in railways, defense and healthcare. These periods of growth have left their mark on urban development, for example in the form of a street structure with a grid plan in the eastern part, a model characteristic of Swedish station communities. Today, the green transition is a powerful influence on urban planning. While the new is taking shape under the flag of sustainability, initiatives are being taken to preserve and highlight the many culturally interesting buildings and environments that exist, such as the station house, the church with surrounding cultural buildings and remains from the city’s military history. Connecting the city with green spaces and waterways, as well as creating new meeting places are also part of the planning.