Discover Söderhamn: Coast, Culture and Nature

Hälsingegården Erik-Anders, bird habitats and the archipelago coastline reveal different sides of Söderhamn. The area also offers late medieval church architecture, traces of industrial history and trails to explore on foot or by bike. When planning your trip, you can focus on architectural heritage, wildlife watching, coastal life or seasonal activities.

Heritage and local history

Hälsingegården Erik-Anders is one of seven farmhouses inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name “Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland”. The house was built around 1825. Original paintings of unusually high quality have been preserved in the large upstairs hall and in both entrance halls.

Trönö gamla kyrka is also a well-preserved late medieval church complex. Its unplastered stone façades, covered cemetery wall and bell tower define its appearance; the oldest parts date from the late 12th century. Söderhamns Stadsmuseum is housed in the former boring house of the gun factory, which dates from 1748; it has operated as a museum since 1915.

The Flygmuseum explores the history of aircraft, as well as military and trainer aircraft stationed at F15 since 1945. On display are also the military aircraft stationed there, scenes from the squadron’s daily operations and, outside, a J35 Draken. The museum also has a Viggen flight simulator. If you are interested in the simulator, check booking and access options in advance.

Bird habitats and the archipelago coast

Ålsjön is a shallow lake and an important bird habitat: more than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species breed regularly. A wooden boardwalk runs through much of the Ålsjöområdet; there is also an accessible birdwatching tower. Check trail conditions before your visit.

Stenöorn is an important stopover site for waders. Almost all wader species that occur regularly in Sweden have been observed there. In the nature reserve, visitors can watch birds from the bird tower and walk along a path by the sea. Seasonal access restrictions apply, so take these into account when planning your visit.

The coast and archipelago of Söderhamn lie along the Jungfrukusten and encompass up to 1,200 islands, islets and skerries. The archipelago combines bare rocks, lush shores, quiet bays and open sea. Possible activities include paddling between islands, hiking and cycling along the coast, fishing from shore or by boat, and visiting coastal nature reserves. For boat arrivals, there are guest harbours, natural harbours and guest piers. As individual facilities may change, check the latest conditions before making plans.

Skatberget and Skatön offer different coastal views: Skatberget rises 32 metres above sea level and offers views over the archipelago and the outer sea belt. Skatön is a coastal nature reserve accessible from the mainland, with swimming spots and varied natural scenery, extending out to the outer sea belt. Stenö Havsbad is on a peninsula in the archipelago; its southern side has a child-friendly sandy beach.

City walks and trails through the cultural landscape

The guided city walk lasts about an hour, takes you through Söderhamn city centre and starts at Söderhamns Stadsmuseum. Since the walk is scheduled seasonally, check the dates for your travel period. Kulturvandra is a self-guided tour through Söderhamn’s history and around the city’s historic sites—a different way to explore local history.

At Östra Berget, Oscarsborg offers panoramic views over Söderhamn; it was inaugurated in 1895. You can reach Oscarsborg by taking the stairs from Södra Hamngatan or via Baggargatan. Sågverkstrampet offers a different way to experience the landscape: this 13-kilometre hiking and cycling route runs between Söderhamn and Sandarne through forests and cultural landscapes shaped by the sawmill era.

Skärså is an old fishing village on the coast northeast of Söderhamn. Fishermen’s cottages and boathouses are part of its character. It has the Albertina fish restaurant and a fish smokehouse. As visitor services may change, check current opening information before your trip.

Activities for different seasons

At Hällåsen and Hällmyra, you can ski along cross-country trails through varied landscapes, including challenging training trails. The longest trail is 10 kilometres long and is called Södergrenslingan. Hällmyra also has a ski playground and a technique slope for practising downhill skiing or sledding. Alirs Öga is considered Sweden’s largest landscape sculpture and a destination for excursions: in summer, visitors can enjoy the views and nature; in winter, they can go sledding.

Aquarena Hällåsen is an indoor swimming pool with a 25-metre pool, a children’s pool and a sauna. Swimming lessons and water aerobics are also offered; programmes and facilities may change. Check the current swimming and class options before your visit.

In central Söderhamn, fishing in the river from Smäckbron to the sea is free for pike, perch, whitefish and trout. There are fishing platforms, ramps and wind shelters; local conditions may vary. In the Ljusneälven area, salmon and trout fishing is possible downstream of the power station, while further upriver you can fish for large pike, perch and trout. Conditions and access may also change here, so check before fishing.

M/S Moa offers evening archipelago cruises with shrimp and taco themes and buffet service. During the summer months, scheduled cruises run on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check the latest timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Söderala, Stråtjära, Norrala, Holmsveden, Söderhamn, Skog, Ljusne, Marmaverken, Mo.

View the broader travel guide: Gävleborg.