Söderhamn: City History, Archipelago and Nature

Söderhamn offers several ways to explore the area: city history, nearby natural areas and outdoor activities. When looking for a hotel, it helps to consider in advance whether you want to spend more time at museums and historic buildings, in protected areas, or on trips to the water and islands. The places and activities below offer some specific ideas.

Arriving and exploring Söderhamn

Söderhamn Travel Center is a hub for train and bus journeys. Check connections before you leave. A self-guided city walk offers insight into Söderhamn’s history and buildings and is a good option if you have about an hour. City guides lead visitors through the oldest parts of town and explain the buildings, art and people that have shaped Söderhamn over the centuries.

City history, churches and museums

Rådhustorget is part of a historically significant city center that is protected as a historic monument. Ulrika Eleonora Church was consecrated in 1693. Built of stone, it survived the fire. In summer, the church is open Monday to Thursday from 12 noon to 6 pm; summer guides offer tours. Check seasonal opening hours before your trip.

Söderhamn Museum has a permanent exhibition about the city’s history. The Söderhamn Museum Association has run the museum in the historic 1748 drill house since 1915. Guided walks through the oldest parts of town offer another perspective on the city’s history: as well as buildings, they cover art and the people who shaped Söderhamn over the centuries.

The F15 Air Museum is housed in an old hangar. It displays aircraft and settings from the former air wing, including all the military aircraft stationed at F15. The museum also offers a Viggen flight simulator; you must book an appointment in advance. Check the booking arrangements before your visit.

Nature and the archipelago nearby

Skatön Nature Reserve is ten kilometers east of the city and covers 343 hectares. Several sandy beaches are among its landscape features. Skatberget is 32 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of the Söderhamn archipelago.

Ålsjön Nature Reserve lies south of the city and covers an area of 248 hectares. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species breed regularly. A boardwalk through large parts of the Ålsjö area makes it easier for wheelchair users and visitors with strollers to get around. Skatön and Ålsjön offer different highlights: sandy beaches at Skatön, and birdlife and a boardwalk in the Ålsjö area.

Skärså is another nearby destination. This old fishing village is characterized by fishing cottages and boathouses; Skärså also has a bathing area with a kayak pier. Boat trips run from the mainland to islands, including trips from Skärså to Prästgrundet and trips with the M/S Moa for a day of swimming at Enskärsoren. Routes and operators may vary by season; check what is available during your travel dates.

Routes and outdoor activities

The 13-kilometer Sågverkstrampet is a walking and cycling trail that starts in Söderhamn and runs to the quay in Stugsund. It follows the Söderhamnsån and Söderhamnsfjärden. This offers a specific route with a destination at the quay, whether you are walking or cycling.

In the Hällåsen-Hällmyra area, there are ten kilometers of groomed, floodlit ski trails of varying difficulty in winter, including a family-friendly 2.5-kilometer loop. In summer, the trails in the Hällmyra-Hällåsen area are used for walking and running; the trail system is also used for mountain biking. Check the seasonal information for your travel dates.

If you are looking for a hotel in Söderhamn, the focus of your planned activities can help you choose where to stay: a city walk and museum visits offer a different experience from time spent in a nature reserve, at a bathing area or on a seasonal route. Consider which of these options matters most for your stay.

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