In Nordanstig, long sandy beaches give way to the vast inland forests, where the landscape feels wild. In between lie fishing villages, cultural trails and traces of different eras. Exploring the area, you can combine coastal walks with visits to historic sites and nature reserves – without every discovery offering the same view of the landscape.
Hiking trails between the coast and inland areas
The 62-kilometre-long Kustleden begins at Kalkungsviken, north of Oxsand, passes through Nordanstig and continues south to Sågtäkten, south of Strömsbruk. Along the way, sandy beaches, cliffs and forests alternate with fishing villages, industrial settings and ancient monuments. The route thus connects different sides of the coastal landscape. Check the current condition of the trail before setting out.
Vallstigen stretches for about 63 kilometres from the outdoor swimming pool in Hassela to the harbour at Norrfjärden. It passes eleven Fäbodvallar and climbs from sea level to 330 metres at Västansjökullen. Along the route, there are shelters, basic rest areas, and opportunities to swim and camp; facilities and access may change, so it is advisable to check the latest trail information. At 62 and around 63 kilometres respectively, Kustleden and Vallstigen are similar in length, but differ in their described landscapes and trail features.
Cultural heritage and craftsmanship
The collection at Gränsfors Axe Museum includes more than 2,000 axes. It includes a stone axe that is about 3,500 years old; you can also see models made in Gränsfors before and after the forge was founded. Here, a very old tool meets examples of local manufacturing history. The approximately three-kilometre-long Kulturstigen in Sörfjärden offers another way to explore the past: 21 information stations cover the area's industrial, fishing, agricultural and settlement history.
Ersk-Matsgården in Hassela is a living farm in a 19th-century setting. The farm has 15 buildings, each with its own function, including a water-powered facility with a saw and shingle planer, as well as a mill with flax-processing equipment powered by a large waterwheel. Livestock, guided tours and themed days are also part of the farm; the visitor programme is seasonal. During the summer season, you can sample traditional dishes there, such as an oat porridge dish, pancakes with pork, blood bread with white sauce, and fried bread. The dishes on offer may vary by season. Several art halls and galleries, including spaces in historically interesting buildings, also add to the cultural discoveries; individual exhibitions change.
Coastal landscapes, forests and ancient graves
Gnarpskaten Nature Reserve combines a distinctive coastal landscape with archaeological traces. Boulder fields, storm beach ridges, a sandy beach and wind-blown sand dunes define the area. There are also burial mounds and burial grounds from the Stone and Iron Ages: a larger Stone Age burial mound is in the central part, while Tosskär has several Iron Age burial grounds. These include a larger site with around 30 graves.
Other reserves, in turn, showcase their own landscape features. Vattingsmalarna is characterised by coastal boulder fields, beach terraces, storm beach ridges and pine heath; the coast provides habitats for seabirds and wading birds. Vitörarna consists of two larger islands and a few smaller skerries, with forests, boulder fields, coastal meadows, rocky shores and sea. Dammtjärn Nature Reserve features dry forest, swamp forest, wooded and open wetlands, forest streams and ponds. It includes an old, approximately 150-year-old spruce swamp forest with hanging lichens.
Walks and experiences by the water
An interactive walk in Trolska Skogen is about 1.5 kilometres long. This theatrical experience for the whole family takes visitors through the forest at their own pace, where they encounter various woodland creatures. The experience is seasonal. At Sindra, a nature trail runs along the power station canal and includes remnants of the former log driving industry. There is also a power station dam and a bridge to a natural area on the eastern shore of Storsjön, with views across the entire lake.
Leisure activities also extend beyond any one pursuit: in Nordanstig, the activities on offer include sailing, hiking, climbing, cycling, downhill skiing, golf, fishing, horse riding and swimming. Which of these are suitable for your trip also depends on the season.
Getting there and planning your trip
Nordanstig can be reached by car, boat, train or bus. Regional trains from the direction of Gävle/Hudiksvall and Sundsvall stop in Gnarp; there are also numerous local bus connections. Check current timetables before travelling. There are two guest harbours for arriving boats, one in Stocka and one in Mellanfjärden. If travelling by water, it is worth checking the latest access conditions.
The trails, places and reserves mentioned offer different starting points, without any single outing needing to cover every facet of Nordanstig.
Discover more destinations: Ilsbo, Gnarp, Bergsjö, Strömsbruk, Hassela, Jättendal, Harmånger and Sandviken.
Back to the main travel overview: Gävleborg.
