Ljusdal combines cultural history with trails that differ in length and character. Options include the 4-kilometre Hälsans Stig circular trail, two Barnleden routes and a signposted mountain biking trail. The church, museum and art add their own distinctive features. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether cultural heritage and art or outdoor activities should be the focus.
Church, Museum and Local History
The Ljusdalsbygdens Museum has a wide-ranging exhibition programme. The oldest part of Ljusdals kyrka dates from the late 12th century; the Flemish altarpiece was made in Antwerp in 1501. The bell tower by the church was built in 1757 under the direction of Per Jonsson from Rångstra, a local farmer’s son who was self-taught. These details offer different historical reference points: the age of part of the church, the origin of the altarpiece and the later construction of the bell tower.
Close to the centre of Ljusdal, Hembygdsgården comprises about 20 buildings and showcases Hälsinge painting. From there, you can enjoy views over the Ljusnan. The buildings, paintings and river views offer a different perspective from the church’s architectural history, adding a landscape dimension to the cultural experience.
Art in the Townscape
Most of the Artscape 2019 murals can still be seen on the walls around Bagargränd in central Ljusdal. A map makes it easier to find the artworks on the Konstvandring, an outdoor art walk in central Ljusdal. This offers two different ways to experience art: murals in the townscape and a map-guided art trail.
Choose a Hiking Trail by Length and Route
Several easily accessible hiking trails start from Ljusdal. Hälsans Stig is a 4-kilometre circular trail, with each kilometre marked. A popular walking path runs around Kyrksjön. If you want to follow kilometre markers, you’ll find them on Hälsans Stig; the walking path, meanwhile, takes Kyrksjön as its point of reference.
Barnleden has routes of approximately 2 and 5.5 kilometres; both start and finish at Kolsvedjaberget. Korta leden runs from Kolsvedjaberget to the old water tower and the former ski jump. The trails therefore differ not only in whether they form a loop or offer route-length options, but also in their destinations: Barnleden offers a choice of two distances, while Korta leden is defined by its endpoints.
Along the Ljusnan and Out Cycling
A description of Ljusnanleden dated June 2021 says that the trail follows the banks of the Ljusnan and passes through higher ground in pine forest. At Ygsbo, there is a swimming spot on Ljusnanleden, suitable for a longer break and a dip in the river. This is a seasonal option along the trail.
For mountain biking, Kläppaåsen in Ljusdal has a signposted 4.5-kilometre trail graded easy. Östernäs Park has a concrete park for skateboarding and cycling—an activity different from the signposted mountain biking trail. The Älvvallen sports facility has seating for approximately 450 spectators.
Discover more destinations: Järvsö, Korskrogen, Färila, Hamra.
Go to the main travel overview: Ljusdal.
