Stöde: Nature, Swimming and Church History

Stöde offers several distinct points of interest to consider when planning a trip: the landscape along the Ljungan River and Lake Stödesjön, the Vången swimming area and facilities at Stödehuset, local stories and church history. There is also a station on the Mittbanan railway, as well as rest stops and overnight accommodation along the Mittnordenleden trail. If you are looking for a hotel in Stöde, first consider whether nature, swimming, culture or travelling by train is the main priority for your trip.

Landscape along the Ljungan River and Lake Stödesjön

Skjulsta strandäng is a grazed freshwater riverside meadow on the Ljungan River in the western part of Lake Stödesjön. Grazing and its location by the river are as much a part of the place as its position in the western part of the lake. The meadow is also a valuable habitat for Ävjepilört. This makes Skjulsta a distinct nature attraction alongside the swimming and leisure facilities around Vången and Stödehuset.

Swimming area and facilities at Stödehuset

Vången is a centrally located swimming area in Stöde, right next to Stöde Church. Stödehuset is immediately adjacent to Vången, with a heated outdoor pool, a kiosk, tennis courts and Stöde camping. The outdoor area at Stödehuset includes a heated swimming pool measuring 25 × 12.5 metres and a children's paddling pool. Rowing boats and canoes can be rented in the heated outdoor pool area. The distinction is clear when choosing: Vången is the swimming area; the heated pool and boat rental are facilities at Stödehuset.

Local stories and church history

The Stöde Sagostig consists of eight stations with signs depicting fairy tales and legends from Stöde socken. Its focus is therefore on local stories. Stöde Church offers a different cultural connection: the present church was built between 1757 and 1759 on the site of the old medieval church. Inside the church is a limestone baptismal font from the 12th century attributed to Calcarius. The two dates make the historical chronology clear: the baptismal font is medieval, while the present church building dates from the 18th century.

Rail travel and rest stops

Stöde is a station on the Mittbanan railway, served by Norrtåg trains to Sundsvall, Östersund, Åre and Storlien. You can include these rail connections in your travel plans; check the current timetable for your specific connection before setting off.

The 2026 route description for the Mittnordenleden trail lists several rest stops with benches and tables, as well as wind shelters. At Skiftestjärn, it lists an open overnight shelter with a few simple sleeping platforms. A 2026 route description mentions these facilities; they may change, so check the latest information before setting out. For planning purposes, it is useful to distinguish between rest stops and overnight accommodation: benches, tables and wind shelters are available at several rest stops, while Skiftestjärn has a simple place to sleep in the shelter.

Discover more destinations: Kvissleby, Sundsvall, Svartvik, Njurunda, Liden, Indal.

Return to the main travel overview: Sundsvall.