Discover Söderala

Söderala combines a distinctive agricultural and cultural landscape with church and settlement history, as well as the Ålsjön nature reserve. If you’re looking for hotels in Söderala, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: cultural heritage, birdwatching or winter activities.

Church and Cultural Heritage

Söderala kyrka is the best-preserved church in the so-called Sigtuna group and has an unusual floor plan. It houses a copy of the Söderala weather vane, dating from around 1025. Visits must be arranged by phone; check current visiting options in advance.

Söderala is designated an area of national cultural-historical interest. It includes burial grounds, a large burial mound from the Late Iron Age and slag heaps. The area also includes large Hälsingegårdar dating from the early 19th to the early 20th century. Bergahögen is considered Alir’s only remaining large burial mound. From there, the view stretches across the Söderala valley, the former sea inlet and the ridge with the church.

In Asta is Hälsingegården Erik-Anders, one of seven Hälsingegårdar on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The visitor centre is dedicated to the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site. The farmstead also has a garden café, open seasonally. Check current opening hours and seasonal offerings before your visit.

Near Gullsaxbro in Siggesta stands a “stranded Viking ship.” The installation is intended to illustrate and bring to life the cultural heritage of the late Viking Age. Check the installation’s current condition before visiting.

Birdlife and Scenery at Ålsjön

Ålsjön Nature Reserve is a very shallow lowland lake and is considered the county’s most important bird lake. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species breed regularly. These figures describe different aspects of the birdlife: all recorded species and the group that breeds regularly. Nearby is an old forest with spruce and pine trees nearing 200 years of age.

A boardwalk runs through large parts of the nature reserve; check its condition before visiting. The area is considered easily accessible. Strollers and wheelchairs are no obstacle to birdwatching or accessing nature. At Ålsjön, both birdwatching and views of the lake and neighbouring forest take centre stage.

Trails and Seasonal Activities

There is a ski facility at the shooting range in Valla, with a two-kilometre illuminated ski trail. If you’re planning a winter visit, check snow and lighting conditions. A major snowmobile route starts in Söderala; check current access and conditions before using it. A cycle route connects Söderala with Söderhamn. While the snowmobile route starts in Söderala, the cycle route runs between the two towns.

The well-preserved village street and distinctive agricultural and cultural landscape also shape Söderala. Together with the church, Hälsingegårdar and Ålsjön, they offer different ways to focus your stay: historic architecture and settlement patterns, birdlife or winter activities. You can plan your trip around the themes that interest you most.

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

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