Söderhamn – Where Hälsingland Meets the Sea!

Söderhamn is beautifully situated on the coast, where archipelago, sea, and city life come together. Here, you can enjoy bright summer views over the water, sparkling marinas, and charming streets filled with cafés, restaurants, and local shops. Nature is always close, and Söderhamn’s archipelago is part of the Virgin Coast. With 1,200 islands to explore, it’s perfect for those arriving by boat. A day trip on an archipelago boat is also an easy and convenient way to quickly reach the skerries and islets.

The coastal town is rich in history and culture. Old wooden houses, museums, and local events reflect Söderhamn’s heritage, while modern art, music, and activities bring the area to life. Summer invites sailing, kayaking, swimming, and festivals, while winter offers peaceful walks, ice skating, and fresh air. Adventure is never far away, and you are always close to the water, whether you want to explore saltwater or freshwater or simply enjoy the view from the shore.

This is a place where wonderful memories are made to return to!

Hälsingland is the northern part of Gävleborg County, a landscape of rolling hills filled with countless nature experiences and breathtaking wilderness. Here you can explore exciting caves or try your luck spotting bears in the wild.

How about casting a line and embarking on a wonderful fishing trip to Bollnäs, with its two major rivers, Ljusnan and Voxnan? You can even catch fish right in the middle of the town.

In Hudiksvall, herring fishing is popular, while in Nordanstig, deep-sea fishing awaits. If luck isn’t on your side, you can always go on a canoe safari to the Wilderness Village in Nordanstig, where swimming, saunas, and a culinary dinner are on the menu. Nordanstig also offers long sandy beaches, hiking trails, and excellent golf courses.

For those seeking mysterious adventures, look for clues and evidence in Hasselaskogen — the setting for Morden i Midwinter.

One of the many famous “Hälsingegårdar” (Hälsingland farmhouses) is Ersk-Matsgården, where you can experience life as it was in the mid-1800s. The Hälsingegårdar are unique, with architecture and interiors of great significance. There are over a thousand farmhouses, many of which offer diverse and fun activities — well worth a visit. They can be found all over the county.

Söderhamn’s biggest attraction is its archipelago, with 500 islands. The archipelago offers many possibilities and excursion destinations. The town itself has numerous parks for relaxing, but to see more of the surroundings, consider exploring the beautiful nature on horseback or even from the air with a parachute. For those wary of heights, there is a 32 km trail past Sagberg, featuring caves and miles of breathtaking views. Visit the Aviation Museum for a dose of history or Aquarena for swimming and fun. A round of golf at one of northern Sweden’s finest courses is another great way to spend your time, or enjoy a picnic in the Ålsjön nature reserve.

For more wilderness adventures, head to Bollnäs, where bear watching in the Finnskog region offers a unique experience. Centrally located is Onbacken, featuring Iron Age archaeological remains, and in winter, you can enjoy a traditional sleigh ride over furs.

An annual nature adventure in Ovanåker is “Canoe & Bike” in Voxnabruk, Sweden’s oldest multisport competition, combining paddling and orienteering. In Edsbyn, you can experience old-fashioned adventures such as gold panning and collecting rock crystals.

At Järvzoo, meet brown bears and wolves, among other wildlife. The zoo also hosts the predator center “The Big Five,” where you can learn more about these animals through films and exhibitions.

Other excursion suggestions in the region include Ljusdal and the Hölick Caves, which stretch 1,340 meters and are visited at your own risk. Or the natural spring at Gröntjärn, a narrow valley surrounded by high mountains. Hudiksvall also features the Bodagrottorna cave system, Sweden’s third-largest at 2,622 meters.

Hudiksvall lies on the coast but also has several beautiful inland lakes. The Dellensjöarna lakes are formed by a meteorite crater — sometimes all you need is to sit and enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding hills. For a view over Hudiksvall Bay, head to the golf course for an 18-hole round.

Don’t miss the Glada Hudik Theatre, known from TV, with a troupe of actors with developmental disabilities. Try your luck at Hagmyren, a harness racing track just outside Hudiksvall, and spend any winnings on sweets at Fagerström’s candy factory, which has been making candy since the early 1900s.

Welcome to Gävleborg!