At Smitingen, the surf has carved tunnel caves right by the water. Härnösand itself stretches out on both sides of the Härnösundet strait and has always had a strong maritime character. Here, the sea, landscape and history come together in many different experiences.
Coastal trails and geological features
Smitingen is a nature reserve. The Grottstigen trail leads to the tunnel caves formed by the surf; two geology trails pass rauks, potholes and depressions. This lets you discover the coastal landscape not only by the water, but also through its distinctive rock formations.
The hiking trails also offer different experiences. The Härnöleden starts at Härnösand Central Station, making it easy to reach by train or bus. Its route passes through the town and forest, over mountains and along the sea. The 5.6-kilometre Gådeåleden is described as easy to walk and lies a few kilometres south of the central station. It connects Lövudden with Sparrudden at the mouth of the Gådeån River. Its length and route make the Gådeåleden a practical option for anyone looking for a shorter hiking trail; the Härnöleden, by contrast, offers changing landscapes along the way.
At Vårdkasen, there are two signposted circular routes specially suited to mountain biking. If you prefer to explore on foot, Vålön has a nature trail that loops around the island. The landscape shaped by land uplift and the rock surfaces smoothed by the inland ice, along with the remains of Nöjestemplet and Jaktstugan, tell stories of different eras: the inland ice age, the sawmill era and the rise of the temperance movement.
Nature by the lake, river and island
The small Godstjärn, close to the edge of town, is known for its large colony of nesting black-headed gulls; an observation tower offers a place to watch birds. Fishing jetties, a wind shelter and a rest area are also part of the site and can be used for fishing or a break. At Värptjärn, south of Härnösand, there is an accessible fishing area where rainbow trout and perch can be caught.
The Älandsån offers a different kind of natural environment: this watercourse is worthy of protection and has significant natural values. Reproducing freshwater pearl mussels and migrating sea trout are found there. If you’d like to explore a range of nature topics, you can also find them in Härnösand’s free nature guide—from birdwatching spots, plant habitats and viewpoints to swimming spots, fishing lakes, burial mounds, hiking trails and historic springs.
Museums, art and local history
The Västernorrlands Museum at Murberget combines a cultural history museum in its main building with an open-air museum. Its buildings and surroundings date from the 19th and 20th centuries. The buildings can be viewed from the outside all year round; they are open during the summer season and on special occasions such as the annual Christmas market. Since access varies by season, it’s a good idea to check current opening times before your visit. Exhibitions and hands-on experiences also bring 9,000 years of life in Västernorrland to life, offering a regional perspective that extends beyond Härnösand.
At the Technichus Science Center, interactive exhibitions are designed for children, young people and adults. Visitors can try out experiments, challenges and attractions for themselves. The science center is centrally located, a five-minute walk from Stora torget and about a 15-minute walk from the railway station.
Härnösands konsthall displays art, objects and furniture from the Qvistska Samlingen, including works by Matisse, Chagall and Picasso. There is also a digital tour of Härnösand’s public art, with a map, views and information about individual works. The collection at the art gallery and art in public spaces thus offer two different ways to explore the city’s art.
Härnösand’s present-day cathedral was built in 1846 in the Classical style. Since 1995, the Domkapitelhuset has been a listed building. Hemsö Fortress also offers a glimpse into history: guided tours focus on Swedish military history and the secrets of the Cold War deep inside the mountain. The fortress is a state-listed historic building, located on 140-metre-high Storråberget, and offers sweeping views of the sea, islands and coast.
Härnösands Bilmuseum has more than 200 cars in themed halls. On display are both luxurious show cars and ordinary Swedish cars from the Folkhem era. This contrast makes the collection interesting to visitors looking not only for exceptional vehicles, but also for a glimpse of everyday history.
Experience maritime Härnösand
There are three guest harbours in the town centre: Norra hamnen, Kanaludden on Södra Sundet and the guest harbour by the boathouses in Nattviken. Seasonal services may vary, so check the latest information in advance. Trips aboard the M/S Ådalen 3 depart from the Skeppsbron landing stage in the centre, with food and drinks available on board.
A tasting at the Hernö Gin distillery is another bookable experience in the area. The tasting includes five different gins and information about botanicals and the factors that influence aroma and flavour. It takes place by prior booking; check the booking arrangements before travelling. Hernö Gin offers tailor-made experiences on request. These may include dinner and activities, but require advance arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Viksjö, Härnösand, Älandsbro, Ramvik, Örnsköldsvik, Bonässund, Kramfors, Sundsvall
Go to the main travel overview: Västernorrland.
