The municipality of Hudiksvall connects the Dellens lakes with blue mountains, deep forests, numerous lakes, a varied agricultural landscape, and the coastline. Boulder fields, caves, old-growth forest, and hazel stands also shape its diverse natural areas. These are complemented by historic city districts and traces of industrial history. You can tailor your explorations to whether you would rather wander through old streets, explore landscapes on foot, or learn about the region’s history.
City history and culture in Hudiksvall
In Hudiksvall, Fiskarstan offers a particularly vivid picture of the city’s history: the district is one of the best-preserved in the city. Narrow streets, wooden houses, and proximity to the water define its character. The central parts of Hudiksvall are also designated an area of national interest for the conservation of cultural landscapes. Those interested in cultural history and art will find exhibitions, educational programs, collections, and archives at the Hälsinglands Museum.
The museum is about a five-minute walk from the bus stops in the center and from Hudiksvall train station. As access information can change, it is a good idea to check it before your visit. Another way to experience local cultural life is at Hudiksvalls Teater: the wooden theater was built in 1881 and inaugurated in 1882, and is regularly used by Riksteatern and local theater associations. A selection of the Hälsingegårdar is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ystegårn in Hillsta, outside Näsviken, is also one of the important Hälsingegårdar.
Industrial history from the works to the exhibition
Långvinds bruk preserves an ironworks landscape in which buildings, remains of industrial facilities, and ruins tell important parts of social history. The ironworks was founded in the 17th century and later rebuilt along a system of canals and dams. The manor house dates from 1799; the adjacent park is considered an unusual feature in Hälsingland because of its age. Together, these surviving elements show different aspects of life at the former ironworks.
Exhibitions also explore the history of work. At Iggesunds järnbruk, an exhibition covers iron processing, complemented by a documentary film about the industrial setting. Another exhibition focuses on the history of forestry and sawmills. At Strömbacka, the subject is life and work from the 18th century through the 1950s. These topics offer a different way to experience the region than its historic homes and city districts.
Walks, birdwatching, and longer trails
For a walk in the forest, there is a marked trail of about 2.1 kilometers at Galgberget. The varied forest changes in character: the north-facing slope, the pine heath at the summit, and the sunlit pine forest on the south side each have high natural value. Another short walk is the route of about 2.2 kilometers around Lillfjärden in central Hudiksvall. It is also suitable for jogging and combines exercise with the diverse birdlife by the water. There are numerous gulls and geese there; you may also be able to observe the critically endangered lesser white-fronted goose at close range.
In the Stensjön Nature Reserve, a nature trail passes through a landscape of bogs, swamp forest, and a lake, where you can watch birds. The forest is largely primeval in character, and the pines are up to 550 years old. For a longer hike, consider the 31-kilometer Sjuvallsleden between Ofärne and Delsbo. The main trail is marked in orange, and connecting trails in blue. Hiking is possible when there is no snow; in winter, cross-country skiing is an option. The different distances and landscapes make it easier to choose a trip to suit your available time and interests.
Coast, old pines, and nature reserves
Ancient coastal pines grow in the Norra Hornslandet Nature Reserve, including trees more than 400 years old. A pine over 750 years old is described as Sweden’s oldest. Visitors can hike there and explore block caves, among other things. A marked trail also passes cultural and archaeological remains: charcoal burners’ huts, hearth mounds, and charcoal kilns reveal how the landscape was used in the past.
The Hölick Nature Reserve combines forest, rocky shores, and swimming spots. You can go for walks, swim, and explore caves there; a large sandy beach is used for swimming in the sea. Swimming conditions are seasonal. The marked trails are two and seven kilometers long, with the shorter route leading to a cave system. As trail conditions can change, check the reserve’s latest information before setting out. The municipality recommends its nature and cultural reserves as signposted areas that are therefore easy to find. This lets you choose your explorations according to your interests without every outing having to feature the same type of landscape.
Discover more destinations: Delsbo, Hudiksvall, Njutånger, Tallbacken, Bjuräker, Forsa, Näsviken, Enånger.
For the overview of the wider region: Gävleborg.
