Discover Söderhamn: Nature, Culture and Trails

Söderhamn combines urban history with a varied landscape of nature reserves, waterways and archipelago views. Söderhamn Resecentrum is a hub for train and bus travel, making it easier to plan your journey. On site, you can combine culture, nature and active excursions – depending on whether you are looking for a varied day with your family or individual special experiences.

Nature Reserves, Archipelago and Trails

East of the town lies Skatön Nature Reserve, about 10 km from Söderhamn. The area covers 343 hectares. Skatberget also rises 32 m above sea level in the surrounding area and offers extensive views over the Söderhamn archipelago. Several sandy beaches on Skatön add to this landscape experience.

South of Söderhamn lies Ålsjön Nature Reserve, covering 248 hectares. More than 200 bird species have been recorded there; more than 60 species breed regularly. A wooden footbridge through large parts of the Ålsjöområdet makes access easier for wheelchair users and visitors with prams. This allows a visit to nature to be tailored to the needs of different travellers without committing the day to a single activity.

For a longer route, Sågverkstrampet is a good option. The 13-km hiking and cycling trail starts in Söderhamn and leads to the quay in Stugsund. It runs along the Söderhamnsån and the Söderhamnsfjärden. Information boards along the route provide information about the historical period described there. The route is therefore interesting both for exercise and for learning about the history of the surrounding area.

Urban History and Special Cultural Sites

Söderhamn Museum has a permanent exhibition on the town’s history. The Föreningen Söderhamns Museum association has been carrying out museum work since 1915 in the historic 1748 drill house. Those who prefer to learn about urban history outdoors can take part in a self-guided city walk. You will learn more about the history and buildings of Söderhamn; the walk is suitable for visitors who have about an hour available. City guides also lead tours through the oldest parts of the town and explain their buildings, art and the people who shaped Söderhamn over the centuries.

Rådhustorget is part of a culturally and historically valuable town centre that is protected as a historic monument. Ulrika Eleonora Church was inaugurated in 1693 and is built of stone. It survived the fire. In summer, the church is open from Monday to Thursday from 12:00 to 18:00; summer attendants offer guided tours. For another cultural visit, there is the F15 Flygmuseum. It is housed in an old hangar and displays all the military aircraft stationed at F15, as well as aircraft and environments from the former air force wing. The Viggen flight simulator must be booked in advance.

The Erik-Anders farm is also located in Söderhamn Municipality. It is one of the seven World Heritage farms of Hälsingland and houses a visitor centre for the Hälsingegårdar World Heritage Site. During your stay, you can therefore choose between different focuses, including urban history, aviation and regional architectural heritage.

Excursions for Different Seasons

Skärså, an old fishing village with fishermen’s cottages and boathouses, is located near Söderhamn. There is a bathing area with a kayak jetty. Boat trips from the mainland to the islands are also offered, including from Skärså to Prästgrundet and with the M/S Moa for a day of swimming at Enskärsoren. These destinations offer a different side of the surrounding area from the town museums and historic squares.

Hällåsen-Hällmyra also offers different seasonal opportunities. In winter, there are 10 km of groomed, illuminated ski tracks with routes of varying difficulty, including a family-friendly 2.5-km loop. In summer, the tracks in the Hällmyra-Hällåsen area are used for walking and running; the trail system is also used for mountain biking. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether nature reserves, culture, water-based experiences, cycling or winter sports should be the focus of your trip.

Choosing the Right Base

For a trip to Söderhamn, it is worth organising your planned experiences before searching for accommodation. Those interested in culture can combine the museum, city walk, Rådhustorget, church and F15 Flygmuseum. If you prefer nature, you can plan visits to Skatön, Ålsjön or Sågverkstrampet. For additional excursions, Skärså, the boat trips and the seasonal activities in Hällmyra-Hällåsen are available as options. This makes it possible to choose a holiday apartment or holiday home in Söderhamn according to your preferred pace of travel and personal daily goals.

If you would like to compare other places, you can also find Söderala, Norrala, Mo, Marmaverken, Ljusne, Skog, Stråtjära and Holmsveden.

To the higher-level travel overview: Söderhamn.