Forsa brings together cultural and historical discoveries with a specific hiking option: Forsa Church houses artworks from different centuries, while the Sjuvallsleden trail runs for 31 kilometres from Ofärne to Delsbo. You can also take a virtual tour of Forsa Forngård and visit the enclosed farmstead of Ystegårn in Hillsta. When looking for a holiday rental in Forsa, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: church art and history, a longer trail, or a mix of both.

History and art in Forsa Church

The present-day Forsa Church was built in the 1840s, replacing a medieval church. Inside is a wooden sculpture of Saint Olof dating from the 13th century. Several other wooden sculptures are signed by the woodcarver Haaken Gulleson, a master of the 16th century. The church building and its artworks thus represent different historical periods.

The iron ring known as the Forsa Ring, which comes from Forsa Church, also has two notable historical associations: it probably dates from the early 12th century, and its runic inscription is considered the oldest surviving legal text in Northern Europe. The dates therefore span different periods: the 19th-century church, the 13th-century sculpture of Olof and the probably earlier Forsa Ring.

Virtual tour and farm architecture

Forsa Forngård offers a glimpse from afar: the virtual tour lets you explore the grounds and some of the buildings. Ystegårn in Hillsta offers a different focus, on architecture. The farm is a quadrangular farmstead, with buildings that form an enclosed courtyard. The name draws attention to the layout: the farmstead is defined not by a single building, but by the arrangement of buildings around the courtyard.

Hiking on Sjuvallsleden

The Sjuvallsleden begins in Ofärne in Forsa and runs for 31 kilometres to Delsbo. The route passes through hilly terrain, with scenic viewpoints and lakes along the way. Its length and endpoints provide a clear framework for planning, while the terrain and views shape the experience along the trail.

In winter, a groomed ski track is available on parts of Sjuvallsleden. It covers sections, not the entire route. So if you are weighing up hiking and winter options, bear in mind the difference between the stated full route and the track, which is groomed only on some sections. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check the current conditions before setting out.

Products from Hillsta

Sörhoga Gårdsbutik at Sörhoga Lantgård in Hillsta, Forsa, sells the farm’s organic beef, cheese from Forsa Gårdsmejeri and the classic Hälsingeostkaka. If you are making a special trip for one of these products, it is best to check what is currently available in advance, as availability may change.

Discover more destinations: Enånger, Bjuräker, Delsbo, Näsviken, Hudiksvall, Tallbacken, Njutånger.

Go to the main travel overview: Hudiksvall.