Ragunda: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments

The municipality of Ragunda is home to the Indalsälven Geopark, which was recognised as a Swedish geopark by the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) in 2022. Its geological features range from unique clay varves and magma chambers to glacial potholes, large boulders and traces of past ice ages. The geopark can be visited year-round; in winter, snow may make access more difficult.

Nature

The Ammerån is a completely unregulated river that originates in the Hotagsfjällen mountains. The Ammerån Nature Reserve features foaming rapids, calm waters and opportunities for fishing. The Kvarnån Utanede area is home to rare forests characterised by calcareous sand and gravel. This material was transported by the Indalsälven and by earlier glacial meltwater rivers.

The Revaberget Nature Reserve features a waterfall accessible via a path with stairs and wooden boardwalks running south of the river. Other landscape attractions lie at varying distances around Ragunda: Döda Fallet is a waterfall in the vicinity of Ragunda. Stenloppberget and Höghanåsen are mountains in the vicinity of Ragunda, while Vattenberget lies in the wider regional area.

Culture

Ragunda gamla kyrka is a well-preserved Gothic stone church dating from the first decade of the 16th century. It has a unique chancel screen; only one other survives in Sweden. In Skyttmon, there are around ten well-preserved large wooden houses with richly decorated plank architecture, known as “wooden castles”.

In Utanede stands the Thailändska Paviljongen, the only royal Thai pavilion outside Thailand. The cultural centre displays objects and photographs relating to the pavilion’s creation, King Chulalongkorn and Thai culture. During the seasonal opening period, guided tours are offered around the pavilion grounds, explaining the history of King Chulalongkorn and the memorial building. The recurring summer tradition of Vägkyrka includes an open church, opportunities for conversation, guided tours and simple fika.

Church attractions also extend beyond the immediate locality. Ragunda Church is located in the vicinity of the town of Ragunda. Håsjö Gamla Kyrka is a church in the area around Ragunda. Fors Skogskapell and Håsjö lie in the wider regional area around Ragunda; both are designated as churches.

Things to Do

The “Borgsjön runt” hiking trail passes several wetlands. The hiking trails in Ragundadalen are equipped with a new signposting system and clear markings. Another hiking trail crosses the ridge of Kullstaberget and offers beautiful views. Hammarstrand’s “Hollywoodskylt” is also a noteworthy landmark.

For winter activities, Hammarstrand’s Naturbana is a 1,000-metre-long winter track for snow racers and alpine sledding. The Indalsälven Geopark can be reached by car or bus from the towns in the region; rail and air connections run via Sundsvall or Östersund.

Other places in Ragunda include Köttsjön, Stugun, Hammarstrand and Bispgården.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jämtland.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Härjedalen, Krokom, Berg, Strömsund.