Discover Ljusdal

Ljusdal combines cultural history with opportunities for walking, hiking and cycling. Cultural highlights include Ljusdals kyrka, public art and Hembygdsgården near the centre. The trails vary in length and type, from the loop around Kyrksjön to the signposted mountain biking trail. This makes it easy to plan your stay around specific interests.

Church, art and local history

Ljusdalsbygdens museum has a wide-ranging exhibition programme. The oldest part of Ljusdals kyrka dates back to the late 12th century. A Flemish altarpiece in the church was made in Antwerp in 1501. The bell tower by Ljusdals kyrka was built in 1757 under the direction of Per Jonsson from Rångstra, a self-taught local farmer’s son. The building, altarpiece and tower thus represent different periods in the church’s history.

Public art is also a feature of Ljusdal. Most of the murals from the Artscape 2019 project can still be seen on the walls around Bagargränd in the centre. A map makes it easier to find the artworks on the Konstvandring, an outdoor art walk in the central area. The artwork “Spiralformer” has a diameter of 24 metres and is made of 520 tonnes of Ljusdal granite. These examples show different forms of public art: murals, a map-guided art walk and a large-scale artwork.

Hembygdsgården is close to the centre of Ljusdal and comprises around 20 buildings. Hälsinge painting is displayed there, and the grounds also offer views over the Ljusnan. The site combines views of the buildings with regional painting and the river landscape.

Walking and hiking trails

Several easily accessible hiking trails start from Ljusdal. A popular walking route in Ljusdal goes around Kyrksjön. Hälsans Stig is a 4-kilometre circular route with each kilometre marked. The route descriptions have different focuses: one centres on the lake, while the other clearly marks the distance and kilometres along the way.

Barnleden has options of around 2 and 5.5 kilometres; both start and finish at Kolsvedjaberget. The shorter and longer options differ in their stated distance, not in their start or finish point. Korta leden runs from Kolsvedjaberget to the old water tower and the former ski jump. These destinations help distinguish this route from the Barnleden options.

A description from June 2021 says that Ljusnanleden follows the banks of the Ljusnan and passes through higher ground in pine forest. At Ygsbo, there is a swimming spot on Ljusnanleden, suitable for a longer break and a swim in the river. In addition to the route described, it therefore offers a place to take a break by the water.

Cycling and other sports venues

Kläppaåsen in Ljusdal has a signposted 4.5-kilometre mountain biking trail rated as easy. Östernäs Park offers a different kind of cycling: it has a concrete skatepark for skateboarding and cycling. The two options differ in focus—a signposted trail at Kläppaåsen and a concrete park at Östernäs Park. The Älvvallen sports facility has seating for around 450 spectators, adding a venue with a specified spectator capacity to the range of options.

Discover more destinations: Korskrogen, Järvsö, Färila, Hamra.

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