Valbo: History, Parks and Trails

Church history and archaeological traces sit alongside park trails, swimming and local delicacies. This makes it easy to plan a trip around your interests.

Church, Cemetery and Archaeological Traces

Valbo Church stands on Gästrikland’s oldest church site. Under Chapter 4 of the Swedish Heritage Conservation Act, it is protected as a church cultural heritage site. Valbo Cemetery is Gästrikland’s oldest church cemetery. Valbo brings together two distinct historical connections: the church stands on Gästrikland’s oldest church site, and the cemetery is Gästrikland’s oldest church cemetery.

The cemetery contains four runestones carved by the missionary bishop Asmund Karesson, who was active from 1020 to 1050. On both sides are bloomery sites for iron production dating to the Iron Age. At the cemetery, the missionary bishop’s runestones are found alongside archaeological traces of iron production.

Åby Burial Ground comprises 15 graves from the Late Iron Age, dated to 400–1050 AD. A set of scales found there and dated to the Viking Age indicates that the people who lived there traded. The graves point to the Late Iron Age; the scales, dated to the Viking Age, also indicate trade at the time.

Park History and Historic Paintings

Mackmyra Park is part of the historic ironworks setting of Mackmyra Ironworks. It was laid out in the English landscape style in the 1820s. Visitors can stroll along the paths and enjoy a packed meal in the green surroundings. Take a stroll along the paths through a landscape garden laid out in the English style in the 1820s.

Valbo Local Heritage Centre contains wall and ceiling paintings from the late 18th century. The paintings show historic interior design and offer a cultural history perspective different from that of the runestones and archaeological sites.

Trails and Activities

The Hälsans stig trail in Valbo is six kilometres long in total. A cycle path runs along Valbovägen from Valbo to Gävle city centre. You can allow time for a six-kilometre walk on Hälsans stig; the cycle path along Valbovägen leads from Valbo to Gävle city centre.

The trail and ski-track area at Valbo Sports Centre has a shelter, parking, a bathing area and changing rooms. Facilities may change; check current conditions before your visit if you plan to use any of them.

Swimming, Golf and Local Delicacies

Valbobadet has indoor and outdoor pools for bathing and swimming. Individuals and clubs can book the swimming pool at Valbobadet. Mackmyra Golf is located in Valbo. For your leisure plans, choose from swimming at Valbobadet, golf at Mackmyra Golf and activities on the trails.

Diléns Gourmandis food hall in Valbo offers locally produced delicacies.

Discover more destinations: Hamrånge, Hedesunda, Axmar, Norrsundet, Forsbacka, Gävle, Bergby

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