Sandviken: Culture, Sound Art and Nature

Sandviken combines a varied cultural scene with industrial history and activities on land and water. Between exhibitions, sound art, hiking trails and Lake Storsjön, you’ll find a range of ways to make the most of your trip.

Culture from Sound to Stage

At the heart of Sandviken is the Kulturcentrum, a hub of the town’s cultural and entertainment scene. Its offerings include events and exhibitions, a library, an art gallery, a culture school and the Trampolin literary centre, as well as various stages and event spaces. Sandvikens konsthall offers guided tours and workshops alongside its exhibitions; the programme also includes exhibition openings, concerts and lectures. The alternative cultural centre Kungen is home to a contemporary art gallery.

Soundwalk Sandviken is a 40-minute walk through parts of the cultural landscape. This permanent sound art installation begins at the entrance to the town library and brings together memories and stories from the history of Bruket with soundscapes and newly written music. For a different perspective on art in everyday life, take a walk through the public spaces: an art map serves as a guide, introducing different forms of artistic expression and stories about public spaces.

The Sandviken Jazz & Blues Festival is also part of the town’s cultural scene and is considered one of its major annual events. If you’d like to plan your stay around a particular cultural programme, it’s worth checking the dates of the relevant events.

Industrial History and Architecture

Sandviken Church was designed by Professor Israel Wahirnan; construction began in 1929. The church was inaugurated on 29 November 1931. Its prominent position on the ridge that runs through Sandviken makes it a distinctive feature of the townscape.

Gamla Bruket, also known as “envåningsbruket”, was built between 1864 and 1880 to house workers at the old ironworks. Bruksmuseet Smedsgården displays homes from different periods in the history of the ironworks area. The museum also features a small school museum about what school life was like for pupils in the past. Sandviken thus highlights both the built history of the ironworks and glimpses into the everyday lives of earlier generations.

Hiking and Cycling Trails

The Gästrikeleden trail runs between Gävle and Sandviken, continuing towards Gysinge. The 270-kilometre trail is divided into 32 stages of varying lengths. Along the route, lakes, rapids, wetlands and deep forests alternate. Closer to Sandviken, the Långängarna Nature Reserve offers a much shorter loop: the nature trail is 1.5 kilometres long. Along the way, you may see, among other things, aspens with aspen feather moss and possibly three-toed woodpeckers.

Sandviken has cycling routes of varying difficulty, suitable for beginners as well as keen recreational cyclists. The regional Biking Gästrikland network connects 50 mountain biking trails with more than 500 kilometres of linked, signposted cycling routes and offers bikepacking connections in Sandviken and Gästrikland. Information about trail lengths and stages can help you plan a tour to suit your preferred style of travel.

Water, Activity and the Seasons

Parkbadet combines a leisure pool with a 25-metre swimming pool and hot tubs. The facilities also include group activities and a gym; the leisure area has water slides offering more than 250 metres of sliding fun in total. As current operating conditions should be checked separately, make sure to find out about the situation before planning a visit.

Hedåsbadet has a family-friendly beach with a sandy shore, bathing jetty, volleyball court and an accessible outdoor fitness area. In winter, Lake Storsjön offers a different kind of activity: there is a 15-kilometre long-distance skating route that starts at Hedåsbadet. Ice conditions and trail maintenance vary by season and should be checked before setting out.

Lake Storsjön is known for zander fishing, which is possible from a boat or from the shore. Before fishing, check the applicable permits and rules. The boat Emma travels between the islands in Lake Storsjön near Sandviken and has a wheelchair ramp. Check timetables and seasonal service before your visit.

Getting Around and Regional Highlights

At Sandviken Resecentrum, local, regional, rural and express buses, as well as regional and night trains, meet under one roof. Sandviken also has frequent bus connections within Gästrikland and train services to and from Mälardalen. As transport services and timetables may change, check your connection for your travel date.

Sandviken Tourist Centre offers tips and information about attractions, accommodation and events, and sells products made by local craftspeople. If you’re looking for specific information or a particular product, check what’s currently available in advance. Local foods from Sandviken include cheese, bread, cured meats, meat, spices and sweets; the selection may vary by producer and season.

Just outside the town centre is Högbo Bruk, a thriving ironworks area with origins dating back to the 1630s. It brings together nature, cultural history, outdoor activities, crafts, events, food and accommodation. The farm shop at Högbo Bruk sells food from meadows, greenhouses and pastures.

Discover more destinations: Storvik, Gysinge, Hammarby, Österfärnebo, Järbo, Årsunda, Sandviken, Kungsgården.

Return to the main travel overview: Gävleborg.