Örnsköldsvik: Hiking, culture and views

On Åsberget, Gula leden is a six-kilometre loop through terrain with large boulders, scree fields, steep slopes and rock surfaces smoothed by ice. Wide views across the land, city and sea give this route a distinctive connection to the landscape. Örnsköldsvik can also be explored through its cultural offerings and other trails.

Hiking between mountains and city

Fyra Berg offers a different experience: this accessible hiking trail close to the city passes over Åsberget, Mycklingsberget, Svedjeberget and Varvsberget. The trail is marked from the south side of the travel centre. Information linked via QR codes along the route covers nature, culture and historical events. Gula leden offers a clearly defined loop of a known length; Fyra Berg takes you over four named mountains. These features give you different points of reference when choosing a trail.

From Varvsberget, views extend across Örnsköldsvik by day and night; across the sea, you can see as far as Balesudden and Skags udde. Halfway up the mountain at Hörnsjön, there is a lit exercise track, an outdoor gym, a wind shelter and barbecue areas. As facilities may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.

The High Coast Trail and its sections

Örnsköldsvik is one of two starting points for the High Coast Trail; the town’s starting point is in Stadsträdgården. The trail is divided into nine sections of varying lengths and difficulty levels. The ninth section runs from Balesudden Nature Reserve to Örnsköldsvik and is 18.8 kilometres long. Örnsköldsvik can be reached by train or bus for a trip on the High Coast Trail; check connections before your trip. This lets you consider travel to the starting point separately from planning a specific section.

Exhibitions and cultural offerings

At Örnsköldsvik Museum and the Art Gallery, the permanent exhibition Arkiv Ö tells the story of the city for children and adults. Exhibitions at the Art Gallery change several times a year. The programme includes craft activities, weekly Kulturlab sessions, open guided tours, discussion evenings, lunchtime talks and lectures. As the programme may change, it is best to check dates before your visit. Bror Marklund’s workshop is located right next to the museum.

Nolavonda is a permanent exhibition produced by Örnsköldsvik Museum and the Art Gallery. Visitors can play in recreated, authentic settings from the history of Örnsköldsvik Municipality. The settings span the period from the 1820s to the 1920s, covering a century.

Winter sports and cycling

At Skyttis, the ski trails are groomed for both freestyle and classic skiing. A snowmaking system allows the season to start earlier and extends the ski season. Skyttis also offers ten kilometres of lit trail and seven kilometres of paved trail. Check local conditions before your visit.

The seasonal Paradisliften takes visitors from Örnsköldsvik city centre to the top of Varvsberget. There, you can hike around Hörnsjön and ride downhill trails; check the lift’s current operating status in advance. Paradiset is an adventure pool and spa offering sports, swimming and wellness activities. Here too, it is recommended that you check operating conditions before travelling.

CK Örnen Downhill Park is in central Örnsköldsvik, west of the ski jumps on Varvsberget, and has seven marked downhill trails. Bagarn is considered a blue-green trail for riders who are new to downhill. For trail bikers, Örnen MTB Arena offers around ten marked routes and trails, totalling 30 kilometres. The facility also includes three technical mountain bike tracks, a skills area for children and adults, and a paved pump track. The arena is open to the public. The main area at Järved has parking, a toilet and a bike wash; these facilities may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Örnsköldsvik, Husum, Själevad, Ulvöhamn, Skorped, Solberg, Bjästa, Domsjö, Mellansel, Kantsjö, Norum.

Go to the regional travel overview: Västernorrland.