The rivers have shaped Sollefteå’s landscape and influenced the transport of goods for centuries. After the inland ice melted, the Ångermanälven and Faxälven repeatedly changed course. This created steep sandy slopes and the plain between them that characterises the nip landscape. For several centuries, Sollefteå was a central settlement and a marketplace and transshipment point for goods transported along the river. The landscape and river trade offer two different ways to explore the town’s history.

Cultural Traces in the Townscape

From the 1870s, Sollefteå developed into a town with impressive buildings, most of them constructed in timber. Sollefteå Church also has a long history: its origins date back to the 13th century. It is open on weekdays from 9 am to 3 pm and during services. As opening hours may vary by season, check visiting times in advance.

Kulturstråket combines history and art with a walk through an attractive park landscape in the town centre. For exhibitions, Apotekshuset serves as an art gallery and cultural venue; the exhibition programme may change. Hullsta Gård has also been a cultural meeting place in Sollefteå for more than 50 years. It offers a wide and varied cultural programme. Check the specific programme if you are planning a visit.

River Routes and Sports at Hallstaberget

Hallstaberget offers several kinds of sport side by side: cross-country ski trails, roller-ski tracks, mountain bike trails, a biathlon stadium, alpine ski runs and ski jumps. There are around 60 kilometres of groomed ski trails. There is also a downhill trail and a skills area; the lift is open in summer. Seasonal operating details may change, so check the latest information about lift opening times.

The Nipleden hiking trail begins at Sollefteå Camping on Risön in the centre of Sollefteå. It follows the Ångermanälven upstream to Edsbron; after crossing the river, the return route follows it downstream to the starting point. This lets you experience both directions of the river on one continuous loop. A digital navigation map and downloadable GPS files for GPS devices or mobile phones are available for travelling along the Ångermanälven. Navigation conditions and trail markers may change; check the information before setting out.

Swimming Facilities and Urban Open Spaces

Risöbadet, a heated swimming facility, is located in the centre of Sollefteå, next to Sollefteå Camping. Three pools vary in size and depth: the 50 × 21-metre pool is 1.2 to 1.9 metres deep and has eight lanes; another measures 16 × 8 metres and is 0.6 to 0.9 metres deep. The paddling pool is 0.15 to 0.35 metres deep. The facility also has a water slide, playground, beach volleyball court, kiosk, food service and changing rooms with showers. These amenities may change independently of the swimming facility; check current facilities if needed.

Sollefteå’s mini-golf course is right next to the campsite and Risöbadet. It is a summer activity, and opening times may vary by season, so check the latest information before your visit. Other urban attractions include Hågestaön, a green space close to town, and the parkour park in Västraskogen. Sollefteå Library is a meeting place open to everyone, with information services, Wi-Fi and book lending. Opening hours and services may change; check the latest hours before planning a visit.

Archaeology and Nature Nearby

Nearby, in Näsåker, Nämforsen preserves at least 2,595 rock carvings; the oldest are believed to be around 6,000 years old. The rock-carving site is open year-round, but the carvings are not visible when covered by snow. In summer, the rock-carving museum offers guided tours with free admission; tour availability may change.

Nearby, Gideåbergsmyrarna is a botanically significant mire and swamp forest area with numerous orchid species, attributed to its calcareous moraine soil. Near Gideåbergsmyrarna, boardwalks and paths lead to Rävlarna, where there is an observation tower. The surrounding area offers a range of natural features: the orchids of the mire and swamp forest as well as the steep sandy slopes of the nip landscape.

Nearby, Junsele Zoo offers a family-friendly experience with around 20 different animal species, including white tigers, lemurs, lynxes and meerkats. The animal collection and activities may change. Also nearby, Kvarnå Trädgård combines a visitor garden with local produce, a farm shop and a café. Seasonal products and opening hours may change.

Discover more destinations: Sollefteå, Långsele, Ramsele, Junsele, Näsåker, Edsele, Helgum, Ånge.

Return to the main travel overview: Västernorrland.