Söderhamn can be explored through a range of interests: city history and architecture sit alongside nature reserves, coastal villages and seasonal activities. To plan your trip, it helps to decide first whether culture, birdlife, water or outdoor activities should be the main focus. This way, you can choose the options that suit your trip rather than trying to fit every theme into a single itinerary.

City History and Walking Tours

Rådhustorget is part of a culturally and historically valuable town centre protected as a listed historic site. Ulrika Eleonora Church also tells the story of Söderhamn: it was inaugurated in 1693. Built of stone, the church survived the fire. In summer, it is open Monday to Thursday from 12 noon to 6 pm; summer hosts offer guided tours. As these opening times are seasonal, check them before your visit.

Söderhamn Museum has a permanent exhibition on the city’s history. The Föreningen Söderhamns Museum association has been carrying out museum work in the historic 1748 drilling house since 1915. F15 Flygmuseum offers another museum experience: housed in an old hangar, it displays all the military aircraft stationed at F15, as well as aircraft and settings from the former air wing. You must book an appointment in advance for the Viggen flight simulator; check availability before your trip.

If you want to discover Söderhamn’s older neighbourhoods, local guides can tell you about the buildings, art and people who have shaped the town over the centuries. There is also a self-guided walking tour through Söderhamn that tells you more about its history and buildings. It is suitable if you have about an hour. These offer two different ways to explore: a guided visit with commentary and a walk at your own pace.

Erik-Anders Farm is also part of the cultural offering in Söderhamn Municipality. It is one of the seven Hälsingland World Heritage Farms and houses a visitor centre for the Hälsingland Farmhouses World Heritage Site. The farm offers a distinct focus alongside the town’s history and museums.

Nature Reserves and Birdlife

Ten kilometres east of the city lies Skatön Nature Reserve, covering 343 hectares. Skatön has several sandy beaches. Nearby, Skatberget rises 32 metres above sea level, offering expansive views over the Söderhamn archipelago. The beach landscape and the viewpoint are different reasons to include the area in your travel plans.

Ålsjön Nature Reserve lies south of the city and covers 248 hectares. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species regularly breed there. A wooden boardwalk through large parts of the Ålsjöområdet makes it easier for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs to get around. The information about breeding birds gives the area a different focus from the coastal villages: here, birdlife takes centre stage.

Skärså, an old fishing village with fishermen’s cottages and boathouses, is also nearby. It has a bathing area with a kayak landing. Boat trips from the mainland to the islands include trips from Skärså to Prästgrundet and excursions on the M/S Moa for a day of swimming at Enskärsoren. Routes and operators may vary seasonally; check what is available before your trip.

Trails and Seasonal Activities

In the Hällåsen-Hällmyra area, there are ten kilometres of groomed, floodlit ski trails in winter, with varying levels of difficulty. These include a family-friendly 2.5-kilometre loop. In summer, the trails in the Hällmyra-Hällåsen area are suitable for walking and running; the trail network is also used for mountain biking. The season makes a practical difference to the activities available: winter sports give way to walking, running and cycling in summer.

Another option is Sågverkstrampet, a 13-kilometre walking and cycling route. It starts in Söderhamn, follows the Söderhamnsån and Söderhamnsfjärden, and ends at the quay in Stugsund. Along the way, information boards describe the historical period covered by the route. This makes it a longer trail option with historical commentary along the way.

Plan Your Journey and Accommodation

Söderhamn Resecentrum is a hub for train and bus travel. As transport arrangements can change, check connections before you set off. When looking for a hotel in Söderhamn, your planned focus can help guide your choice: a stay centred on city history will look different from a trip focused on nature areas or seasonal activities. Also consider which options are actually available at the time of your visit.

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