Stenstan brings Sundsvall’s history to life in the cityscape: after a fire, a densely built stone city with elaborate architecture took shape, much of which has been preserved to this day. It is considered an urban environment of national cultural and historical importance and a unique attraction in Sweden.
City history and art at Kulturmagasinet
Anyone wishing to explore Sundsvall’s history further will find a focus on it at Sundsvall Museum: the museum is dedicated to the city’s history. Its art collection spans Swedish art from the late 19th century to the present day, including contemporary art, and focuses on artists from northern Sweden. Archaeological finds from the Högom burial ground offer a different perspective on the past. They date to the Migration Period in central Norrland, around 500 AD.
The museum’s exhibitions are housed in the two sections of Kulturmagasinet known as Barkassen and Skonerten. Kulturmagasinet is centrally located and can be reached by bus, bicycle, car or on foot. Events take place there year-round, including guided tours, lectures, film screenings, dance, concerts and theatre performances. Check the schedule before your visit. The library is also part of the venue: it is a meeting place for everyone and offers information, knowledge, reading experiences and activities.
Cycling, skiing and a lakeside trail
Södra Berget Bike Arena combines the forests of northern Sweden with views of Stenstan at the foot of the mountain. Its 19 trails are not lift-served, have varying difficulty levels and include flow, cross-country and enduro trails. This gives cyclists a choice of different types of trails rather than just one form of mountain biking.
The slalom ski area at Södra Berget in central Sundsvall has a family slope and a competition slope with World Cup status. It has two downhill runs and two lifts. The longest run is 650 metres long, with a vertical drop of 142 metres. Cycling and skiing are both possible at Södra stadsberget.
At Sidsjön, a 3.1-kilometre exercise trail runs along the lake. Fishing is possible there; you can also go canoeing and rent canoes on site. As rental terms may change, it is worth checking before your visit. This offers activities on the water alongside the mountain trails, each with its own character: a lakeside trail and paddling here, different bike trails or downhill runs there.
Views, a long-distance trail and water fun
There is a viewpoint at the summit of Norra Berget, as well as historic houses and farmsteads from Medelpad. The S:t Olavsleden trail starts in SelĂĄnger, seven kilometres from Sundsvall. It runs for around 580 kilometres to Trondheim. You can also explore the first section in shorter stages. If arriving by train, follow the signs from Sundsvall station to SelĂĄnger to reach the start of the trail; the distance is listed as ten kilometres. Check the current signage and travel information before setting out.
Himlabadet in Sundsvall offers another way to combine exercise with time in the water: you can surf on the Surfstream, and there are also the Magic eye, Black Hole and Turbo water slides. The relaxation area includes several saunas, hot and cold pools, an experience shower and a sun terrace with a whirlpool. The facility is fully accessible, from the entrance and changing facilities to the pool and swimming areas.
Getting around and discovering local products
Sundsvall has regular bus and train connections from places such as Stockholm, Gävle and Umeå; the main roads into the city are the E14 and E4. Timetables may change, so it is a good idea to check current connections. Sundsvall is easy to explore on foot, and there are well-developed cycling paths.
Local products are also part of the discoveries: cheese, craft beer and gin are made in Sundsvall. Surströmming is considered a traditional Swedish dish whose origins lie on these coasts. Together, the city’s history, art, outdoor activities and regional food culture offer different reasons to explore Sundsvall.
Discover more destinations: Liden, Stöde, Indal, Sundsvall, Njurunda, Kvissleby, Svartvik, Sollefteå.
Back to the regional travel guide: Västernorrland.
