What can you do in Hälsingland? Lots and lots! Hälsingland offered us some wonderful surprises when we travelled around for a month last summer, to experience and write about the landscape. Here's the best of Hälsingland!
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Things to do in Hälsingland
Wild and beautiful nature, a long and glorious coastline and lots of historic Hälsingland farms - that's just some of what Hälsingland has to offer. In other words, it's not hard to find things to do in Hälsingland!
Hälsingland is a province in central Sweden bordering Gästrikland, Dalarna, Härjedalen and Medelpad. Places include Bollnäs, Edsbyn, Ljusdal, Färila, Hudiksvall, Järvsö, Söderhamn, Skärså, and Forsa. Princess Madeleine is Duchess of Hälsingland and Gästrikland.
1. Immerse yourself in history at Hälsingland Museum
Hälsingland Museum is a cultural history museum located in a historic bank palace in the heart of Hudiksvall. The museum offers an exciting mix of history and art, with both permanent and temporary exhibitions. A visit here is both rewarding and enjoyable - and best of all, admission is completely free!
2. Camp by the magical Wine River
If you like nature and camping, we can highly recommend a visit to Vinströmmen. It is very wild and beautiful but still somewhat organised with waste management and good areas for anyone who wants to camp in any way.
3. Impressed by Sweden's largest rural church in Järvsö
Järvsö Church, located on Kyrkön, is Sweden's largest rural church. It was built between 1832 and 1838 on the site of an older medieval church. The cemetery is the resting place of, among others, Lill-Babs, one of Sweden's most beloved artists. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic path that winds around the island.
4. Admire street art in Ljusdal
Despite being a smaller municipality, Ljusdal has managed to organise a major street art festival, ARTSCAPE 2019 LJUSDAL, where international artists have contributed their works. Today you can admire 16 large murals along Bagargränd.
5. Enjoy Skärså fishing village
Skärså fishing village is a true gem, with idyllic views and the opportunity to enjoy delicacies at the Albertina fish restaurant. There is also a smokehouse, a general store, a museum and much more to discover!
6. Check out the town hall in Söderhamn
Söderhamn Town Hall is an impressive 19th-century building with a rich history. In the neighbouring Rådhusparken, there is a statue of theologian and archbishop Nathan Söderblom, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1930 for his work for peace.
7. Stroll in the centre of Järvsö with cafes and shops
Järvsö is a small town with a lovely and charming atmosphere. In the centre you will find beautiful buildings and a surprisingly wide range of restaurants, cafés and shops. For example, you can enjoy a meal at Järvsöbaden, Bergshotellet or Restaurang Sydsidan, or sit down for a coffee at the cosy Anders-Pers Fikabod.
8. Coffee at Café Rådis in Söderhamn
Right by the Town Hall, you'll find the cosy Café Rådis, which boasts a fantastic original interior dating back to 1954. Here you can enjoy the unique atmosphere while enjoying a coffee or a good lunch.
9. Take a look inside Ljusdal church
Ljusdal Church dates back to the late 12th century, although it has undergone major changes over the years. In 1753 it suffered a devastating fire, and when the church was rebuilt it took on its present appearance. A restoration in 1914-1915 added the beautiful paintings.
10. See the sheds in Hudiksvall
In the heart of Hudiksvall lies a row of charming boathouses that have become a well-known feature of the town. Similar boathouses were once common in northern harbour towns, but Hudiksvall is unique in having preserved them in this way. Today, the boathouses are used for craft shops and restaurants, such as Möljen Café & Grill.
Things to do in Hälsingland
11. Admire Ulrika Eleonora Church
Ulrika Eleonora Church is an impressively beautiful cross-shaped church with a brilliant red facade. It was named after Queen Ulrika Eleonora, consort of Charles XI, and was consecrated in 1693. Adjacent to the church is a charming belfry built in 1748.
12. Eat well at Creperiet in Järvsö
One place we highly recommend is the creperie in Järvsö - a charming little eatery where you can enjoy both sweet crepes and savoury galettes. There are two creperies, one "on the mountain" and one "in the village", and we tried the one in the village. We each chose a galette and it was both good and nice!
13. Sneak into Hudiksvall church
Hudiksvall Church, also known as Jacob's Church, was originally consecrated in 1672. The church has undergone several changes since then, including in 1888 when it was redecorated in a dark neo-baroque style. A unique detail is the so-called "Russian bullet", which was fired from a Russian galley at the church in 1721. The original was stolen in 1972, and has been replaced by a copy.
14. visit the museum of ljusdalsbygden
When we visited Ljusdal, Ljusdalsbygdens museum was closed, but when the museum is open you can discover the cultural heritage of north-west Hälsingland through a range of exhibitions.
15. Walk on the love trail in Söderhamn
In the centre of Söderhamn, at Västra berget, lies the idyllic walking trail Kärleksstigen. People started walking here as early as the beginning of the 20th century, and the name has stuck ever since.
16. Discover Sjölins bröd in Söderhamn
Sjölins Bröd is Söderhamn's oldest bakery, where the ceiling is adorned with nostalgic photographs showing the previous owners through the years. Even today, you can buy freshly baked bread and delicious pastries here - or sit down for a coffee in the cosy café.
17. Eat ice cream at the ice cream parlour in Järvsö
If you're craving ice cream, we recommend a visit to Glasskupan, a cosy ice cream café in the middle of Järvsö. We each chose a delicious soft ice cream, but there are also more creative and exciting ice cream options to try.
18. Get round Lillfjärden in Hudiksvall
In the centre of Hudiksvall you will find Lake Lillfjärden, a place rich in both fish and birds. The lake has a circumference of 2.2 kilometres, and is a popular destination for both walking and jogging.
19. View Oscarsborg castle in Söderhamn
Oscarsborg viewing tower, located on Östra Berget in Söderhamn, was inaugurated in 1895 and is today a well-known landmark for the town. During the summer high season, the tower is open to visitors, while the rest of the year it can be admired from the outside.
Things to do in Hälsingland
20. Shop for delicacies in Färila
Just east of the centre of Ljusdal is the charming village of Färila, which is a great stop for those who love delicacies. Start at Färila ICA / Delins charkuteri, which is known for its sausages, especially the famous "Färilakorven". Not far away you will also find Björk & Co, a shop full of delicacies such as meats, cheeses and jams.
21. Sunbathing and swimming at Malnbaden in Hudiksvall
Malnbaden, located near the centre of Hudiksvall, has a beautiful sandy beach. Here you will also find the restaurant Maln Hav & Krog and Malnbadens Camping. We can imagine that this place becomes very popular during the hot summer days.
22. Take a boat trip with M/S Moa in Söderhamn
Summers in Söderhamn offer wonderful tours of the archipelago on the charming boat M/S Moa. During the high season, there are day trips several times a week to Enskärsorn, where you can relax with sun, swimming and beautiful nature. Lunch and ice cream are served on board, and some evenings you can enjoy a prawn cruise or taco cruise.
23. Experience Stenegård in Järvsö
A must in Järvsö is to visit Stenegård, a place that provides an authentic Hälsingland environment. Here you can explore craft shops, wander through a beautiful garden park, take part in cultural activities and visit the visitor centre for the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site. You can also discover the Lill-Babs Museum, take part in children's activities, have coffee and celebrate Midsummer.
24. Fishing and swimming in Färssjön in Söderhamn
This beautiful bathing area in Söderhamn has been equipped with bathing jetties, changing rooms and toilets. Sunbathe and swim at Färssjön or try fishing perhaps ...
25. Check out the Eye of Alir in Söderhamn
Alir's Eye is Sweden's largest landscape sculpture and is located next to the Hällmyra jogging track in Söderhamn. The site is sometimes used for various events, but the sculpture's unique shape is best experienced from above. The name "Alir" has its origins in the Middle Ages and refers to southern Hälsingland, a name that can be traced back to the early 14th century.
26. Visit Hälsingegården beyond Åa
Hälsingegården Bortom Åa - Fågelsjö Gammelgård - is one of the seven Hälsingegården farms included in the World Heritage Site. The farm is both impressive and easy to visit, with regular guided tours during the summer. Here you can admire the beautiful murals, hear the story of the 'America House' and be fascinated by the unique 'sjulåshärbret', a food storage room with seven locks.
27. Take a look inside the Bergvik Industrial Museum
The world's first sulphite pulp factory was founded in Bergvik back in 1874. Today, part of the old factory building houses both a museum and a restaurant. When we were there, the museum was unfortunately closed, but it can certainly be interesting to take a look inside.
28. fascinated by Lill-babs museum
What we found most fascinating at Stenegård was the Lill-Babs Museum. The reason why the museum is located here is that Lill-Babs grew up in Järvsö and later had a house in the neighbourhood. The museum is small but rich in content and gives an insight into the star's life, both on stage and in private. You can see everything from her stage clothes to paintings and other nostalgic objects.
29. Explore beautiful Skatön in Söderhamn
Skatön Nature Reserve is a gem of outdoor recreation, where you can enjoy both hiking trails and lovely swimming spots. Despite being on an island, Skatön is easy to reach - park your car on the mainland and take a short walk across the idyllic suspension bridge that leads you there.
Things to do in Hälsingland
30. Discover Hornslandet and Kuggören fishing village
Hornslandet is a vast peninsula in the Bothnian Sea, located about 15 kilometres east of Hudiksvall. Here you will find the charming fishing village of Kuggören, where you can enjoy beautiful views, swim or buy fresh fish. We also took the opportunity to visit the "Labyrinth at Kuggörarna".
31. Stay at the Hälsingegården Erik-Anders
Erik-Anders is one of the seven Hälsingland farms listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 under the name "Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland". In summer you can visit the farm, either on your own or with a guide who will tell you more about the place. There is a café and shop, and it is also possible to book rooms.
32. Step inside the F15 Aviation Museum
The F15 Aviation Museum gives you an insight into the fascinating history of the aeroplanes, warplanes and training aircraft that have been stationed here since 1945. An excellent destination for all aeroplane enthusiasts, both young and old!
33. Coffee at Systrarna Söderström
We received several recommendations about Systrarna Söderström, and even though it was closed when we drove past on our way to Skärså, we still wanted to recommend the place. It offers music, food, tastings and various events, and during the summer it is often open.
34. Time travel at Karlsgården in Järvsö
In Järvsö, you'll find Karlsgården, also known as 'Karls i Bondarv', a Hälsingland farm with a rich history. Of the eight farms that existed here in the 16th century, five remain today, and Karlsgården gives an insight into what the farms looked like before they were painted red. The local history society sometimes organises activities, and it is also possible to book a guided tour.
35. Taste good food at Albertina in Skärså
One of the real highlights in Skärså is Restaurant Albertina. During our long journey we usually cook ourselves in the campervan, but some restaurants are simply too tempting to miss - and Albertina was one of them! We chose to enjoy mussels with French fries, and oh, how good it was!
36. Step into the Loos cobalt mine
The Loos cobalt mine, located in the parish of Los, was in operation for a short period from the 1730s to 1773. The mine extracted cobalt ore which was used to make a much sought-after blue colour. Today you can visit the museum and the mine.
37. Travel in time at Trönö old church
Trönö Old Church is considered the best preserved medieval church in Norrland. The oldest parts date from the end of the 12th century, while other parts date from the 16th and 18th centuries. About 500 metres from the church is Söderblomsgården, where the archbishop and Nobel laureate Nathan Söderblom was born in 1866. The museum and farm are open in high season.
38. Activate yourself at Kasberget
Kasberget rises 202 metres above sea level, and at the top stands a viewing tower built by Mo Hembygsförening. The tower is built with telephone poles that were dragged up by members of the local community association. You can get to the top by following a path.
Things to do in Hälsingland
39. Try champagne at Järvsö champagne bar
A champagne bar in Järvsö? Yes, actually! In this small village you'll find the world's northernmost champagne bar offering the full range of Taittinger. The bar is open on Friday and Saturday evenings during the summer, where you can taste champagne and enjoy delicious snacks such as cheese and charcuterie trays. There is also a beer bar, boules and a cosy farm bakery near the bar.
40. Stay at Stenö & sea baths and camping
Stenö Havsbad & Camping is a beautiful campsite that also serves as a meeting place for both tourists and locals. Here you can enjoy sun and swimming, participate in various outdoor activities, eat well at the restaurant and socialise.
41. Enjoy Hamra National Park
Just outside Hälsingegården, beyond Åa, you'll find Hamra National Park. This protected area is best known for its untouched primeval forest, where a rich animal and plant life thrives in the old and dead trees. The national park also consists largely of marshland with bogs, streams and small lakes.
42. Open your senses in the new church of Trönö
Trönö Old Church was later joined by Trönö New Church, completed in 1895 to the designs of architect Axel Fredrik Nyström. This impressive rural church suffered a devastating fire in 1998 but has since been rebuilt.
43. Photographing in beautiful Hölick
At Hölick in Hornslandet you will find the beautiful sandy beaches of Storsand and Östra havsbadet. Storsand is also home to the Sand & Kök restaurant, which is open in high season and offers impressive views. We also took a look at Hölick Havsresort & Spa, which seemed to be a relaxing place.
44. Climbing in the Hölick Caves
At Hölick Nature Reserve, on the southern tip of Hornslandet, are the Hölick Caves, which boast Europe's second longest system of rock caves, a full 1,340 metres long. We hiked here, a short but pleasant trip, and found a cave opening with a rope. We didn't venture too far in, but the cave can be explored with experience, the right equipment, and perhaps a guide.
45. Learn more about 7 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Hälsingland
There are around a thousand beautiful Hälsingland farms, but only seven have been selected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we decided to visit all seven. It was not easy because some are private, and a lot of them cost quite a lot of money to see and be guided. Below you will find a link for all the information about what it costs, opening hours, guided tours, where all 7 farms are located, service, pictures, video, well everything you need to know. Here are the Unesco heritage sites.
- Erik-Anders, Söderala (Söderhamn)
- Gästgivars, Vallsta (Bollnäs)
- Kristofers, Järvsö (Ljusdal)
- Bommars, Letsbo (Ljusdal)
- Bortom Åa, Loos (Ljusdal)
- Pallars, Alfta (Ovanåker)
- Jon-Lars, Alfta (Ovanåker)
46. Holiday in Midfjärden
Mellanfjärden is a picturesque seaside village in Nordanstig municipality, about 38 kilometres north of Hudiksvall. Here you will find a charming fishing village with the restaurant Sjömärket, as well as a café, shop, hotel and campsite.
47. Let the kids run wild in the Trolska Forest
Not far from Mellanfjärden is Trolska skogen, a place where you can book theatre adventures for children. It offers music and theatre performances and other cultural activities in the magical atmosphere of the forest.
48. camping at Stocka guest harbour
If you are travelling by motorhome (or boat) we recommend a stop at Stocka Guest Harbour. We stood beautifully by the water and spent several hours in the deck chairs, enjoying the sun. The campsite has all the necessary services, including a washing machine and outdoor dishwashing facilities.
49. Ride a trolley on the Dellen railway
Are you curious to try dressage cycling? On the Dellenbanan, you can ride a trolley along a 54-kilometre stretch of railway between Hudiksvall and Hybo. All cycling starts at Delsbo station, where you will also find a station café and information.
Things to do in Hälsingland
50. Skiing in Järvsöbacken
During the winter months, Järvsöbacken is a popular destination for skiing. There's something for the whole family, with 23 runs, nine lifts, five conveyor belts, two large children's areas and a snow park.
51. Be close to nature in Blacksås Nature Reserve
Blacksås nature reserve attracts with beautiful nature and a spectacular view from the top of Blacksåsberget. To reach the mountain, we took the campervan to the western side, where there is said to be an easier hiking trail up. However, the way there proved to be a challenge for the campervan, with narrow, winding gravel roads that required both patience and caution.
52. Getting to the Boda Caves
The Boda Caves Nature Reserve is home to an impressive rock cave, which at over 2,900 metres is the second longest of its kind in the world. We got to the cave via a short hiking trail that partly went over large boulders.
53. Celebrate Midsummer in Forsa
In Forsa, on a headland in Långsjön in Fränö, lies Forsa forngård - a place that offers a journey back to the 19th century. There are several historic buildings that show what life was like in the past. The local history society regularly organises activities, and on Midsummer Eve you can enjoy fiddlers' music, dancing around the Midsummer pole and the sale of classic health cheesecake.
54. Try Hälsinge cheese cake
We bought Hälsingland cheesecake when we attended a midsummer celebration in Forsa in Hälsingland. This can be made in many different ways in different regions. The health cheesecake is cut into slices and heated together with cream in the oven. It is served with a jam, usually cloudberry jam and whipped cream. Or with a lemonade sauce. It was delicious!
55. Try downhill cycling
During the summer, Järvsö is a popular place for mountain biking and downhill cycling. Järvsö Bergscykel Park, or Järvsö Bikepark, has a wide range of exciting and adventurous cycling trails.
56. experience the wildlife
Vildriket, formerly known as Järvzoo, is a zoo in Järvsö that focuses on Nordic animals. Here you can meet the four big predators - wolf, lynx, bear and wolverine.
57. Take a selfie at Öjeberget
In the centre of Järvsö you will find Öjeberget, where the viewpoint 'Öjebergets utsiktsplats' offers a fantastic view. You can drive almost all the way up by following Alpvägen to the top car park. Once you've parked, don't walk up (like we did!), but instead look for signs saying 'Trappstigen', which will lead you to the viewpoint behind the car park.
58. Climb the Järvsö cliff
Järvsö Klack is a mountain with a viewpoint that serves as a landmark for the Järvsö area. To reach the top, you hike about 1.4 kilometres. The hike is not particularly tough, but since it goes uphill, it can be nice to take a break along the way. Once at the top, you are rewarded with a fantastic view.
Things to do in Hälsingland
59. Bathing in Orbaden
Orbaden is a small town in Bollnäs municipality, near Järvsö. Here you'll find a kilometre-long sandy beach by Lake Orsjön, often referred to as the "Hälsingland Riviera". Orbaden Spa & Resort and Orbadens Camping are also located here. A fantastically beautiful place!
60. Join a guided tour of Bommars Hälsingegård
Hälsingegården Bommars is one of the seven farms included in the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site, which was included on the UNESCO list in 2012. Bommars is located in the village of Letsbo and is particularly well known for its beautiful wallpaper, with stencils adorning the surface between the waves. The farm is privately owned and can only be visited by prior arrangement.
61. Hemestra at Järvsö campsite
Järvsö Camping has an excellent location in the centre of Järvsö. This is a relatively small and pleasant campsite with both cabins and camping pitches.
62. Hiking in Hälsingland
Hälsingland offers fantastic scenery, making it a popular place for hiking. For example, you can walk the famous Hälsingland Trail, and you can also walk along the Ljusnan and Voxnan rivers. There are also pilgrimage trails, such as the Stråsjöleden.
63. Fishing in Ljusdal
Fishing is a popular activity in the area, and Ljusdal municipality offers as many as eight fishing conservation areas. Here you can fish both in Ljusnan and in other places such as the Svartsjö area, Örasjön, Leån, Storsjön and Bäckesjön.
More tips on things to do in Hälsingland?
Do you have more tips on things to do in Hälsingland? Please tell us in a comment!
Things to see and do in Hälsingland - info and facts
- Part of the country: Norrland
- County: Gävleborg County, Jämtland County, Västernorrland County
- Biggest lake: The Dellens Lakes
- Largest watercourse: Ljusnan, 443 km long
- Highest point: Garpkölen - 671 metres above sea level
- Landscape animals: Lynx
- Landscape bird: Barn owl
- Landscape flower: Linen
- Landscape coat of arms: A shield with a black field, and a ram in gold with red horns and hooves.
- National Park: Hamra National Park in Ljusdal municipality
- Nature reserve: Agön-Kråkön nature reserve, Kölberget nature reserve, Bodagrottorna Iggesund, Kölberget nature reserve, Kyrkön nature reserve
- Cultural reserve: Västeräng cultural reserve in Hudiksvall municipality and Våsbo fäbodar in Ovanåker municipality.
You might also like:
Stenö Havsbad & Camping in Söderhamn - a pleasant visit
With a camper in Malmö - tips on pitches and experiences
Things to do in Järvsö in Hälsingland - 15 tips
10 caravan parks open in winter in Sweden
English (UK) 
Svenska 
Deutsch 
Suomi 
Polski
Netti Starby says:
Wow what a lot of fun things you can do in Hälsingland and such good tips. Hugs <3
04 February 2025 - 8:03
Helena says:
A very nice part of Sweden!!! 🙂
04 February 2025 - 18:23
Annie - Big Little Adventures says:
Oh Hälsingland! My mum comes from Hälsingland so has grown up with Hälsingland being the most beautiful landscape 😉
This autumn we actually slept at Erik-Anders Hälsingegård. So incredibly cosy! We also visited Bortom Åa. Hudiksvall I would like to see more of, was there a short turn maybe 10-15 years ago.
04 February 2025 - 9:48
Helena says:
Oh, then we understand that you have a special relationship with Hälsingland! A fantastic beautiful landscape! 🙂 Glad you stayed at Erik-Anders, we only visited during the day.
04 February 2025 - 18:24
bmlars travelling companion says:
Imagine that we have been to Hälsingland 4-5 times and can only tick off 11 of all these experiences, so it's just to go there again. Of course, it is an incredibly beautiful landscape with lots of sights.
A cool experience we had there is when we visited friends in Delsbo and it happened to be the weekend of the Hälsingehambon. We sat by the bridge in Järvsö and watched all the dancers as they came dancing along the road in their beautiful folk costumes.
04 February 2025 - 10:41
Helena says:
Haha, well then just go there again! 😉 But oh, what a wonderful experience you had!
04 February 2025 - 18:25
Anonymous says:
Stråsjö chapel on the Pilgrim Trail.
Ramsjö former gold mine
Fiddlers' meetings in July.
Ljusdals hembygdsgård by Ljusnan.Midsummer celebrations in most of the homesteads.
Kvistabäcken floating channel, floating day in June.
04 February 2025 - 13:44
Helena says:
Many thanks for the tips!!! 🙂
04 February 2025 - 18:26
BP says:
A perfect post for motorhome / caravan tourists who want to go to Hälsingland and need tips:-)
I myself am a free rider;-)
04 February 2025 - 14:46
Helena says:
A cheap ride is also a good way to travel! 🙂
04 February 2025 - 18:26