Hudiksvall between coast, forest and cultural history

The municipality of Hudiksvall connects the Dellen lakes with blue mountains, deep forests, numerous lakes, a varied agricultural landscape and a coastline. Its diverse natural areas also include boulder fields, caves, old-growth forests and hazel groves. The municipality offers a range of highlights to help you plan your trip: landscapes, traces of cultural history and experiences by the water.

Forests, trails and nature reserves

The municipality recommends its signposted nature and cultural reserves as easy-to-find areas. Coastal pines more than 400 years old grow in Norra Hornslandet Nature Reserve. One tree, at over 750 years old, is described as Sweden’s oldest pine. You can hike there and visit, among other things, boulder caves. A marked trail also passes cultural-historical and archaeological remains, including charcoal burners’ huts, fire-cracked rock piles and charcoal kilns.

At Galgberget, a marked walking trail of about 2.1 kilometres winds through varied forest. The woodland areas on the mountain’s different slopes also contribute to its natural value: these include the north slope, the pine heath forest on the summit and the sunlit pine forest on the south side. In central Hudiksvall, a route of about 2.2 kilometres loops around Lillfjärden and is suitable for walking and jogging. The two routes are nearly the same length but offer different experiences: a forest walk at Galgberget or a walking and jogging loop around Lillfjärden.

At Hölick Nature Reserve, you can go for walks, swim and explore caves. There are trails of two and seven kilometres; the shorter one leads to a cave system. The large sandy beach is used for swimming in the sea, although swimming conditions vary by season. Boulder caves in the reserve were probably formed by the inland ice sheet. At Vallåsen, steep slopes, ravines and hollows provide habitats for rare and threatened species. The mountain massif is 330 metres high and includes old pine heath as well as mixed and spruce forest of high natural value. The terrain is challenging, and there are very few trails; local conditions may vary.

Town history and cultural heritage

Fiskarstan is one of Hudiksvall’s best-preserved neighbourhoods. Narrow streets, wooden houses and proximity to the water offer a vivid picture of the town’s history. The central parts of Hudiksvall are designated an area of national interest for cultural heritage conservation. At Hälsinglands Museum, you’ll find cultural-historical and art exhibitions, as well as educational activities, collections and archives. The museum is about a five-minute walk from Hudiksvall railway station and the bus stops in the centre. Check visitor information before your visit.

Hudiksvalls Teater is a wooden theatre built in 1881 and inaugurated in 1882. It is regularly used by Riksteatern and local theatre associations. The municipality’s cultural heritage also includes industrial history: Iggesunds järnbruk has an exhibition on iron processing, complemented by a documentary film; another exhibition explores the history of forestry and sawmills. Strömbacka features an exhibition about life and work from the 18th century to the 1950s. A selection of the Hälsingegårdar farmhouses is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Hillsta, outside Näsviken, Ystegårn is one of the notable Hälsingegårdar.

Coast, lakes and local traditions

The municipality has about 50 kilometres of coastline, an archipelago, harbours and bathing spots. Some harbours are classified as guest harbours; services may vary by season. Dellenbygden, with the northern and southern Dellen lakes, is also suitable for excursions, swimming and outdoor activities. From Avholmsberget, you can enjoy expansive views over the lakes and surrounding landscape.

One seasonal tradition is the herring fishing in central Hudiksvall, which has grown into a popular festival in Glada Hudik. The herring usually arrive in May or June; the seasonal timing may vary. When possible, you can watch confectionery being made at Fagerströms Karamellfabrik. The factory’s products are available in the caramel shop.

Discover more destinations: Enånger, Delsbo, Hudiksvall, Njutånger, Tallbacken, Bjuräker, Forsa, Näsviken.

Return to the regional travel overview: Gävleborg.