Söderala brings together exceptional church architecture and traces of Hälsinge culture with a remarkable bird area. When planning your visit, you can focus on historic buildings and cultural landscapes, or on nature watching at Ålsjön. Cycling and winter activities are also among the options available locally.

Church and cultural heritage

The Söderala kyrka contains a copy of the Söderala weathervane from around 1025. It is the best-preserved church in the so-called Sigtuna group and has an unusual floor plan. Visits must be arranged by telephone. It is best to check current visiting options in advance.

The Söderala cultural environment [X 600] is designated an area of national interest for cultural heritage. It includes burial grounds, a large burial mound from the Late Iron Age and slag heaps. The area also includes large Hälsingegårdar dating from the early 19th to the early 20th century. The different historical layers give Söderala’s cultural heritage a broad context.

In Asta is Erik-Anders Hälsingegård, one of seven Hälsingegårdar included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It has a visitor centre for the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site. A garden café adds to the offering, but it is seasonal; check current opening hours in advance. Söderala hembygdsgård hosts various events during the summer season. For specific dates and programme details, check the latest information.

At Gullsaxbro in Siggesta stands a “stranded Viking ship”, intended to illustrate and bring to life the cultural heritage of the end of the Viking Age. Check its current condition before visiting. Bergahögen in Söderala is considered Alir’s only remaining large burial mound. From there, you can look out over the Söderala valley, the former sea inlet and the ridge with the church.

Ålsjön, cultural landscapes and the seasons

The Ålsjön nature reserve in Söderala is a very shallow lowland lake and the county’s most important bird lake area. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there, and more than 60 species nest regularly. Next to it is an old forest with spruce and pine trees approaching 200 years of age. The birdlife figures give an impression of the area’s diversity, while the lake and forest offer different perspectives on nature.

Ålsjön is easily accessible from nearby. Pushchairs and wheelchairs are no obstacle to birdwatching or accessing nature. A wooden boardwalk runs through large parts of the area. As visitor facilities can be affected by maintenance or storm damage, it is advisable to check their condition before your visit.

The landscape also shapes the character of the area beyond the nature reserve: Söderala is surrounded by a distinctive agricultural and cultural landscape, and has a well-preserved village street. A cycle path connects Söderala with Söderhamn. No distance or travel time is specified; plan your route according to its actual course and your own requirements.

A major snowmobile route also starts in Söderala. Check the route’s current access and condition before using it. At the shooting range in Valla, there is a ski facility with a two-kilometre illuminated trail. This is a winter activity; check snow and lighting conditions before setting out.

Where to stay and how to plan your visit

Söderala Bygdegård has four pitches with electricity and four without. Facilities include a toilet, shower, washing-up area and washing machine. If you are considering staying here, it is best to confirm the operating details before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Holmsveden, Marmaverken, Söderhamn, Mo, Norrala, Ljusne, Stråtjära, Skog.

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