Discover Valbo: Church Sites, Trails and Swimming Experiences

Valbo combines an unusually rich history with green trails, swimming opportunities and regional specialities. Anyone planning a trip can combine historical discoveries with exercise and relaxing hours here. A holiday apartment in Valbo provides a suitable base for this if you would like to shape your days around different interests.

Historical traces around Valbo

The history of the locality centres on Valbo Church. It stands on Gästrikland’s oldest church site and is protected as an ecclesiastical cultural heritage monument under Chapter 4 of the Swedish Cultural Heritage Act. Valbo Cemetery also has a special historical classification: it is considered Gästrikland’s oldest church cemetery. The cemetery also contains four rune stones belonging to the missionary bishop Asmund Karesson, who was active from 1020 to 1050.

The Åby burial ground offers further insights into earlier times. The burial ground comprises 15 graves from the Late Iron Age, dated to AD 400–1050. A set of scales found there and dated to the Viking Age indicates that the inhabitants of that time engaged in trade. On both sides of Valbo Cemetery there are also bloomery sites for iron production with Iron Age characteristics. At Valbo hembygdsgård, you can see wall and ceiling paintings from the late 18th century.

Parkland and trails for active days

Mackmyra brukspark is part of the historic ironworks surroundings of Mackmyra bruk. It was laid out in the English park style in the 1820s. Visitors can walk along the paths and eat meals they have brought with them in the green surroundings. This makes it possible to plan a day outdoors regardless of whether you prefer a longer excursion or a more leisurely break.

Hälsans stig in Valbo provides another walking option. The trail is six kilometres long in total. Cyclists will find a route along Valbovägen connecting Valbo with the centre of Gävle. These different trail options may play a role when choosing your accommodation: before you start searching, consider whether historical sites, walks, cycling tours or swimming and relaxation days should be the focus of your trip.

Swimming, sports and regional specialities

Valbobadet has an indoor and an outdoor pool for bathing and swimming. Private individuals and associations can book Valbobadet’s swimming hall. The trail and cross-country ski area at Valbo sportcentrum has a shelter, parking spaces, a bathing area and changing rooms. Mackmyra Golf is also located in Valbo and adds to the range of possible activities.

Diléns Gourmandis Saluhall in Valbo offers a culinary addition with locally produced delicacies. This allows you to give your trip different themes: one day can be devoted to local history and the rune stones, another to Mackmyra brukspark, swimming or regional products. This combination is interesting for families and other travel groups because not every day has to follow the same rhythm.

More destinations for your travel planning

If you would like to add more places to your itinerary alongside Valbo, you can also include Hamrånge, Bergby, Forsbacka, Gävle, Norrsundet, Axmar and Hedesunda in your further planning.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gävle.