Edsbyn brings together local history, trails for a range of activities and a strong winter side. When planning, it is worth noting the differences: the Hoppet pilgrimage route has an approximate length and named endpoints, while a walk on Hälsans stig can be started and finished wherever you like. Cultural activities, sports and regional destinations round out the picture of the town.

Local history across several sites

At Edsbyn Museum, exhibitions about Hans Lidman and Lim-Johan sit alongside themes such as folk art and farming culture. You can also see a recreated general store as it looked from the turn of the century through the 1940s. The museum thus offers different ways to explore local and cultural history, from individual figures to everyday life in earlier times.

Along Edsbyn’s cultural trail, 14 signs with pictures and text provide information about early Edsbyn. Another historical place to visit is Mårtes Hembygdsgård in the town centre, whose grounds include about thirty buildings. The museum, cultural trail and Hembygdsgård each have a different focus: exhibitions, information along a trail, and a larger collection of historic buildings. If you are interested in the history of the area, you can weigh up these options when planning your stay.

Trails, pilgrimage and winter activities

The Hoppet pilgrimage route is about seven kilometres long and runs from S:t Olofs kapell in Edsbyn to Ovanåkers kyrka. It follows Gamla landsvägen near the Voxnan River; along the way, you pass mileposts and farmsteads, including Hoppet farm. The route is laid out differently at Hälsans stig in Edsbyn: signs and several overview maps mark the trail, and you can start and finish your walk anywhere along it.

The trails and routes in Edsbyn mapped by Ovanåkers stigcyklister also offer a range of options: they can be used for cycling, running and hiking. Some are also suitable for cross-country skiing in winter; seasonal availability may vary. These trails can therefore be distinguished by activity and season, while Hoppet offers a different kind of wayfinding, with its pilgrimage-route character, approximate length and named stops along the route.

There are two other winter activities to distinguish. Edsbybacken is a ski slope on Gårdtjärnsberget in Edsbyn. The municipality also maintains the cross-country ski trail in the Bäck area; conditions for winter grooming may vary. If you are choosing between these options, you will find a ski slope and a trail for cross-country skiing here—two different forms of winter sport, not the same offering.

Activity and further discoveries

Edsbyn swimming pool is centrally located and has two pools and a sauna. The large swimming pool is 25 metres long, and there is also a smaller children’s pool. Edsbyn Discgolfbana is located in the central Bäck recreation area in the centre of Edsbyn and is free to use. In the woods by the Bäck recreation area, you will also find Barnens Bäck, with various figures and woodland creatures; everyone is welcome to visit the area.

Another sporting landmark is Edsbyn Arena, Sweden’s first indoor bandy arena. Together with the ski slope, cross-country ski trail, swimming pool and disc golf, it illustrates the range of activities available in Edsbyn. For a more nature-focused activity, you can rent your own bear hide at Björnsafari. Bookings and operating details may change; check them before making specific plans.

There is also a regional cultural connection beyond Edsbyn: Jon-Lars and Pallars, two of Hälsingland’s seven decorated farmhouses on the World Heritage List, are located in the wider area around Edsbyn and Alfta. This extends the focus from activities in town to notable farmsteads in the surrounding area. Which places you focus on depends on whether local history, outdoor activities, the pilgrimage route or regional culture interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Voxnabruk, Alfta, Ovanåker, Viksjöfors.

Back to the main travel overview: Ovanåker.