The Söderhamn archipelago stretches from bare rocks to lush shores and quiet coves, all the way to the open sea. Hälsingegården Erik-Anders offers a very different focus: it is one of seven farmhouses inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name “Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland.” Söderhamn thus brings together themes that appeal to culture and nature enthusiasts in different ways.
Farmhouses, churches and city history
Hälsingegården Erik-Anders was built around 1825. Its original paintings, of unusually high quality, have been preserved—in the large upstairs hall as well as in the two entrance halls. The farmstead vividly illustrates the connection between rural architecture and elaborately designed interiors. Those interested in church architecture will find a well-preserved late medieval complex at Trönö gamla kyrka. Its oldest parts date from the late 12th century; its distinctive features include unplastered stone facades, a covered cemetery wall and a bell tower.
Söderhamn’s industrial and aviation history is also tangible in specific places. The City Museum is housed in the former drilling house of the gun factory, established in 1748; the building has served as a museum since 1915. The Aviation Museum focuses on aircraft, military aircraft and training aircraft stationed at F15 since 1945. It also presents scenes from the squadron’s daily operations and features a J35 Draken outdoors. The museum includes a Viggen flight simulator; if you would like to use it, check the current booking and access requirements in advance.
There are two different ways to explore the city’s history: Kulturvandra is a self-guided tour of Söderhamn’s historic sites. The guided city walk lasts about an hour, takes you through the city centre and starts at Söderhamn City Museum. It may be offered seasonally, so check whether a tour is scheduled during your travel dates. Oscarsborg on Östra Berget adds panoramic views over Söderhamn to the historical experience. The site was inaugurated in 1895 and can be reached via steps from Södra Hamngatan or via Baggargatan.
Archipelago coast and bird habitats
Söderhamn’s coast and archipelago lie along Jungfrukusten and include up to 1,200 islands, islets and skerries. The scenery ranges from open sea to sheltered coves. In the archipelago, you can paddle between islands, hike or cycle along the coast, fish from the shore or a boat, and visit coastal nature reserves. There are guest harbours, natural harbours and guest jetties for arriving by boat; individual facilities may change.
Birdlife is another defining feature of the landscape. Ålsjön is a shallow lake and an important bird habitat: more than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species nest regularly. A wooden boardwalk runs through much of the area, and there is also an accessible birdwatching tower. Check trail conditions before your visit. Stenöorn is an important stopover for wading birds; almost all wader species regularly found in Sweden have been observed there. Visitors can watch birds from a tower and walk along a path by the sea. Seasonal access restrictions apply to the nature reserve.
Other coastal destinations each offer something different. Skatön is a coastal nature reserve accessible from the mainland, with swimming spots and varied natural scenery, extending out to the outer marine zone. Stenö Havsbad is on a peninsula in the archipelago; a child-friendly sandy beach lies on its southern side. From Skatberget, which rises 32 metres above sea level, you can look out over the Söderhamn archipelago and the outer marine zone.
Exploring by land and water
The 13-kilometre Sågverkstrampet route connects Söderhamn and Sandarne. It is described as suitable for hiking and cycling and passes through forest and cultural landscapes shaped by the sawmill era. Nature and industrial history meet along the way, without the route being limited to a single theme.
Fishing in the city offers another way to connect with the water: fishing for pike, perch, whitefish and trout in the river from Smäckbron to the sea in central Söderhamn is free. There are fishing platforms, ramps and wind shelters; local conditions may vary. In the Ljusneälven area, salmon and trout fishing is possible downstream of the power station in Ljusne, while further upstream you can fish for large pike, perch and trout.
In winter, the cross-country trails and practice slopes take centre stage. At Hällåsen and Hällmyra, you can go cross-country skiing in varied landscapes and on challenging training trails. The longest cross-country trail at Hällåsen/Hällmyra is ten kilometres long and is called Södergrenslingan. Hällmyra also has a ski playground and a practice slope for downhill skiing or sledging. At Alirs Öga, the described activities include enjoying the views and nature in summer, and sledging in winter; the landscape sculpture is considered the largest in Sweden.
The local fishing tradition is also part of the area’s character: Skärså is an old fishing village with fishermen’s cottages and boathouses on the coast northeast of Söderhamn. It has the Albertina fish restaurant and a fish smokehouse; check current opening arrangements before planning a visit. In summer, M/S Moa offers evening archipelago cruises with a shrimp or taco theme and buffet service. Scheduled cruises run on Wednesdays and Fridays; check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Holmsveden, Söderhamn, Mo, Stråtjära, Norrala, Skog, Söderala, Marmaverken, Ljusne.
Back to the main travel overview: Gävleborg.
