Hassela Between Cultural Heritage and Nature

Hassela combines church and farm history with hiking trails, waterside scenery, and recreational activities. Trip planning can cover anything from the 3.4-kilometre Ånäsetrundan to the 59-kilometre Vallstigen; there is also an Iron Age burial ground and natural attractions in the surrounding area.

Cultural History in Hassela

Hassela Church was built between 1823 and 1826 in the Karl Johan style. The interior is dominated by the monumental altarpiece by artist Gunnar Torhamn. Hassela’s history thus spans from 19th-century church art to much older traces of the past.

Hassela burial ground comprises seven burial mounds from the Late Iron Age, dated to 400–550 AD. It is located on a rise overlooking the water. Signposts from the local heritage farm point towards the burial ground; a simple path crosses old farmland to the wooded area where the graves are located. As trail conditions may change, check them before your visit.

Hassela local heritage farm also includes the ruins of Hassela’s old church, which dates back to the 12th century. Ersk-Matsgården is another cultural landmark: the farmstead is the best-preserved and most complete of its kind in Gävleborg County. The church, burial ground, church ruins, and farmstead represent different chapters in the history of the area.

Hiking Trails and Scenery

Ånäsetrundan is a 3.4-kilometre hiking trail in Hassela. At 59 kilometres in total, Vallstigen is considerably longer; it runs from Hassela in the west to the harbour at Norrfjärden in the east. Trail markings need improvement on some sections, where passage may be restricted or difficult. Check the information about affected sections before setting out.

Ånäset is located in the wider Hassela area. It is an approximately 1.3-kilometre-long, wooded glaciofluvial ridge characterised by pine trees. It forms a scenic headland in the northwestern part of Hasselasjön. At Ånäset, you can walk along the water and take in open areas rich in flowers. The landscape offers a waterside stroll as well as a view of the area’s distinctive landform.

Gulliksberget Nature Reserve is about 15 kilometres northwest of Hassela. There, you can roam freely in a fire-influenced pine forest, including off the trails. Access conditions may change, so check them before your visit.

Recreation and Getting There

Hassela Äventyrsland has three heated outdoor pools: a 25-metre pool, a 12-metre pool, and a small paddling pool. The facilities also include pedal car tracks, a bouncy castle, playhouses, a sandbox, and an area for nature-based play. Opening may vary by season, so check whether the facilities are available during your planned visit.

If you are planning to play golf, Hasselabygdens Golfklubb has an 18-hole course with varied woodland and parkland holes, as well as water features. Check the course details before your trip. Hassela also has bus services towards Bergsjö and Hudiksvall. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your connection accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Strömsbruk, Harmånger, Jättendal, Ilsbo, Gnarp, Bergsjö.

See the main travel overview: Nordanstig.