Hammarstrand: Skiing, Trails and History

Hammarstrand combines winter sports experiences, distinctive landscapes and a surprisingly diverse range of cultural attractions. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment for an active family holiday can choose between downhill skiing, cross-country trails, hiking paths, nature experiences and historical discoveries. For planning purposes, it helps to decide on your preferred focus: a winter’s day at Kullstabacken is different from a hike to Vättaberg or a visit to the churches and local heritage museums in the surrounding area.

Winter sports with a range of options

Kullstabacken offers 100,000 square metres of ski terrain with varied conditions. The longest run is 1,000 metres long and has a vertical drop of 220 metres. There is a beginners’ slope with its own lift for children. This makes it possible to plan the ski day around different interests, without all family members having to choose the same route.

One special feature is Hammarstrand’s Rodel- och Kälkklubb. It is home to Sweden’s only artificial track for luge, bobsleigh and skeleton. There is also a natural track for snow racers and sport toboggans. Those who prefer to experience winter on narrower tracks can find cross-country trails of 4 and 7 kilometres on Kullstaberget. The longer trail passes Kullsta Fäbodar, where a rest cabin is available.

Hiking trails, views and picnic areas

Hammarstrand also offers specific destinations for active days outside the winter season. Kullstaberगsleden follows the ridge of Kullstaberget and offers views over Hammarstrand and the valley. The red-marked Vättabergsleden can be reached from a starting point in Hammarstrand. At the summit of Vättaberg, there is a wind shelter and a barbecue area.

Another option is the forest path to Kullsta fäbodar. At the destination, there is a wind shelter and an area for barbecuing.

Nature and water in the surrounding area

The Döda fallet nature reserve is located near Hammarstrand. A 350-metre-long wooden walkway and an 800-metre circular trail lead through the area. At Koppelhällan bathing area, the water was suitable for swimming. The different options—a short walkway, a circular trail or time by the water—make it possible to plan the day around a manageable route or a longer excursion.

Distinctive places and regional history

The townscape itself contains several notable landmarks. The Hammarstrandsskylten is 68 metres long, its letters are 8 metres high, and it has stood on the slope of Kullstaberget since September 2007. In the western part of Hammarstrand, the Vildhusstatyn is located a few dozen metres from the main road. The monument to Magnus Huss was inaugurated in 1965.

The history of the town goes back to the draining of Lake Ragundasjön in 1796: Hammarstrand was subsequently founded on dry land. Culture enthusiasts can also visit Ragunda gamla kyrka, a well-preserved Gothic-style stone church from the first decade of the 16th century. Its chancel screen is unique; in Sweden, only one other preserved example is known, at Husaby kyrka. Ragunda hembygdsgård in Pålgård offers extensive summer activities in historic surroundings and many exhibitions from the local heritage society’s collections.

Accommodation and further travel ideas

When looking for a holiday apartment in Hammarstrand, it is therefore worthwhile to take your personal travel plans into account: winter sports, cross-country skiing, hiking, water or culture each create a different focus. Ragundadalen’s InfoPoints help visitors find attractions and events in the surrounding area. In addition, the Municipality of Ragunda’s customer centre provides tourist information.

If you would like to compare other places, you can also include Stugun, Köttsjön and Bispgården in your travel plans.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ragunda.