Sundsvall

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Sundsvall

Sundsvall, a dynamic urban centre in northern Sweden, offers a unique blend of modern vibrancy and rich neo-Renaissance architectural charm. Encircled by lush forests and towering mountains, this city is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Its rejuvenated cityscape, highlighted by the striking stone architecture of Stenstaden, invites you to explore cultural richness, diverse cuisine and a thriving art scene. Sundsvall is a captivating destination for travellers seeking an authentic Swedish experience.

The City Activities Restaurants Camping

The City

If there is a Swedish city that has risen from the ashes like a Phoenix and dazzled the rest of the world with its new splendour, it must be Sundsvall. After the major fire in 1888, the city was rebuilt with insurance money and contributions from the rich timber magnates. It was built entirely in stone and designed by the leading architects of the time, who took pride in outdoing each other. It would be simply impossible to build a similar city today. Back then, Sundsvall was Sweden’s Klondike — a city to which thousands of people travelled to seek their fortune and a better life. Today, Sundsvall buzzes with life and activity more than ever, and the chances of finding happiness are not diminished, but quite the opposite. Sweden’s largest coastal delta is formed at the mouth of the river Indalsälven, where it flows into the Gulf of Bothnia. This unique natural environment is best explored on foot or by canoe. The Sundsvall-Timrå Airport, the county’s largest airport, is located in the middle of the delta, a stone’s throw from the magnificent Y:et sculpture created by the artist Bengt Lindström. Here is also a seaside 18-hole golf course. Timrå is also home to Merlo, the only castle in Norrland, and the beautiful Tynderö peninsula with its many roadside cafes and farm shops along Skeppshamnsleden. A ten-minute drive south brings you to Birsta shopping centre and Sundsvall’s diverse offerings. The geographical heart of Sweden is starting to develop into a musical centre. The rock bands Takida and Corroded both originate from Ånge. The beautiful valley of the river Ljungan, dotted with small villages and large manors from the days of the timber magnates, strikes a chord in people’s hearts. The result is sweet music.

Activities

Sundsvall has everything to offer you a memorable vacation. Here, you'll find the pulse of the urban life and charm of a small town, activities and culture, history and architecture. Come and enjoy yourself. Summer or winter, weekday or weekend.

Restaurants

Sundsvall, the most restaurant-dense city in Norrland, offers a range of dining experiences that are sure to delight gourmets passing through. Be inspired by flavours and ideas from around the world in its many White Guide-awarded restaurants. The city boasts gourmet restaurants, cocktail bars, international kitchens, cosy local pubs, organic eateries, vibrant spots and romantic venues – indeed, something for every taste.

Camping

Do & See Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

There’s a lot to see in the Sundsvall region. The natural attractions are just as fascinating as the historical sites. And don’t miss the Stone City!

Staircase of Knaust

The Elite Hotel Knaust is located in a building from 1891, well-known for its beautiful fan-shaped marble staircase and magnificent hall of …

Rooftop Tour

Discover Sundsvall from above! Have a close up with the Stone Town on a guided …

Gudmundstjärn Nature Reserve & Open-air Museum

Gudmundstjärn, located 30 km west of Sundsvall, is one of Sweden's last preserved self-sufficient settlements. Between 1779 and 1944 the fields here were farmed by five generations. No roads connected the homestead to the outside world. The 22 preserved buildings have been declared historical monuments, and the area is now a nature …

Kulturmagasinet

The Kulturmagasinet consists of four old harbour warehouses in the Stone City of Sundsvall, which were glazed over in 1986 to form today's cultural centre. It houses Sundsvall city library, Sundsvall Museum, a café, the Medelpad Archive and much more. It offers culture for everyone, with special activities aimed at children throughout the …

Indalsleden — the Indal Route

National roads 86 and 87 between Sundsvall and Östersund, known as the Indalsleden, are said to be some of Sweden's most beautiful tourist routes. The entire stretch along the Indal River valley is an eldorado for independent outdoor activities. If you're interested in history, there are numerous reasons to stop and explore old rural …

Selånger Pilgrim Center

The Selånger Pilgrim Centre serves as a platform to highlight the exciting local history. It's also as a starting point for cyclists and hikers on the St Olavsleden — a pilgrim's way between Selånger outside Sundsvall in Sweden and Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in Norway The centre features a café offering coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, …

Nolby Högar Open-air Museum

Welcome to a meeting place many thousands of years old, which tells a part of the exciting history of Västernorrland. Take in the landscape and the views. Traces of previous generations are especially evident here: burial mounds, an early medieval church ruin, house foundations, roads, and a runestone bear witness to the lives lived …

Svartvik Industrial Heritage

Svartvik bears the memories from 200 years of northern Swedish industrial history, evolving from a loading dock to a shipyard, steam sawmill, and pulp factory. Today, Svartvik will be a point of interest with displays of its history, park like environment, playgrounds for the children, one of the oldest water towers in Sweden and …

Galtströms Bruk

Galtström is located at what once was Medelpad's first, largest and last ironworks, along the coast south of Sundsvall. A visit to Galtström is like a journey through time. In the wonderful environment you can feel the wing beat of history, ride a steam train, wander in nature, or take a dip in the …

Merlo Slott

The grand, fairy-tale castle-like main building in Timrå was built in 1883–1885 as a summer residence for the timber magnate Fredrik Bünsow, who was one of Sweden's most powerful timber barons at the time. The architects were Isak Gustaf Clason and Fritz Eckert. Clason is known for designing the Nordic Museum and Hallwyl Palace …

Flataklocken — the Geographical Midpoint of Sweden

Approximately 60 kilometres west of Sundsvall, you'll find Flataklocken, which was designated as the Geographical Centre of Sweden's landmass through a centre-of-gravity calculation by KTH in Stockholm in 1947. This means that if you were to put Sweden on a needle, it would be in balance just over the mountain Flataklocken. It offers a …

Norra Berget Open-air Museum

The Norra Berget open-air museum is one of the region's most popular excursion destinations. The combination of nature, cultural history, eateries, shops, playgrounds, barbecue areas and events appeals to both young and old, all …

Alnö Island

Alnö, known as 'Norrland's Hawaii', is a volcanic island just outside Sundsvall that formed approximately 570 million years ago. As a result, Alnö features unique rocks and minerals not found anywhere else in the world, including the eponymous Alnöite. Around the turn of the 20th century, Alnö was a true sawmill island with 19 …

Old Church of Alnö

The Alnö Old Church is a medieval church built in the latter part of the 12th century. The church served two purposes: as a place of worship and as a defensive structure. Today, it stands as one of the oldest and best-preserved churches, popular in the summer for baptisms and weddings. Nearby lies Alnö …

Vättaberget

The view from Vättaberget is one of the most photographed in Sweden and well worth the 1-hour drive from Sundsvall city. In the summer, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or light refreshments at the Vättaberget café. You can also visit some of the old buildings on site, such as the blacksmith's shop. …

Bergsåkers Trotting Track

Bergsåker Racecourse, the country's fourth largest harness racing track and the true trotting metropolis of Norrland. Races are held year-round, with about 50 racing days every year. The biggest racing event is the Sundsvall Open Trot, held at the end of August each year. Besides harness racing, Bergsåker also annually hosts fairs, exhibitions, markets, …

Kustvägen

Kustvägen (the coast road) is a 75-kmstretch of road south of Sundsvall, that runs from Jättendal in the south to Svartvik in the north. Take the opportunity to leave the big roads and experience the lovely Swedish coastline. The road will take you through forest and agriculture landscape. You'll find genuine fishing villages, Norrland’s …

Himlabadet

Himlabadet is an adventure pool with something for everyone. Water slides, a relaxation and spa area, waterfalls, whirlpools, saunas, café, restaurant and more. Want to give surfing a try? Here's your chance, on Europe's first SurfStream. In the summer, there are also outdoor pools to …

Cafes

Sundsvall has an abundance of cafés. Whether you are looking for a plain cup of Joe, the latest trendy coffee drink, a delicious pastry, an organic alternative, or a light meal, you'll have the ideal place.

Pallas Konditori

Pallas Konditori is a cafe of rich history with their own bakery, a large variety of pastries and cakes. In addition, there's 1950s music and a retro boutique. Breakfast is served on …

Tant Anci & Fröken Sara

Tant Anci & Fröken Sara focus on local, sustainable, and organic options, with gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and other alternatives. If you're in the mood for a treat, they have delightful homemade pastries and excellent organic ice cream. Their wine and beer are, of course, organic, including specially imported Greek wines. In the cosy shop …

Stenstans Bageri & Konditori

Stenstans is a traditional bakery with a genuine local feel. Here, you'll find a huge selection of sourdough bread, cakes, tea time snacks and desserts. Cosy setting, spacious tables and clean. Everything is made in a traditional manner using whole ingredients like butter, cream, berries and …

Café Charm

Café Charm is a traditional café and bakery offering a wide variety of bread, cakes, cookies, sandwiches and sandwich …

City Café

In 1891, three years after the great Sundsvall fire, Mina Nordström started a café in the newly rebuilt Hirschska house. Mina owned the café through a century change and two world wars. In 1945, Konrad Dufenberg took over the business, and in 1967 a new era began with the name change to City Caféet. …

Orangeriet

In the centre of Sundsvall City Hall, you find Orangeriet. The cafe lovely pastries, salads, sandwiches, lighter dishes, coffee and other ecological beverages. Sit down with a fine glass of wine or a locally produced craft beer in the inner courtyard, or on the outdoor terrace, weather …

Espresso House

The history of Espresso House goes back to 1996 when the first café opened in Lund by Charles and Elisabet Asker. What started as a small café inspired by both the Italian coffee culture and the American coffee tradition, is today the largest coffee shop chain in Scandinavia, with more than 400 coffee shops …

Bars & Nightlife

Sundsvall has many pubs and clubs in a wide variety of styles, all with knowledgeable staff and excellent food. The city also has plenty of watering holes for those who love the nightlife and dancing until dawn. Later during the evening, many restaurants turn into lovely places where the lights turn down and the music turns up.

E Street

E Street is the meeting place for those who appreciate good food, friendly gatherings and musical entertainment, including karaoke. Here, you can have a beer at the bar, enjoy a three-course dinner, or simply drop in for a cup of coffee. The bar attracts a more adult …

q.bar

In the lobby bar of Quality Hotel Sundsvall, you can enjoy delicious food and delightful music nights. It's the natural gathering place for both hotel guests and the residents of …

Udda Tapas Bar

Udda, a fusion of Spanish flair and Swedish finesse, is a delight for tapas enthusiasts. Offering an exquisite selection of tapas paired with irresistible cocktails, it's the ideal spot for both dining and lively evenings. As the night progresses, the atmosphere transforms with music, creating a perfect setting for warm summer …

Shopping

Shopping is one of Sundsvall’s strongest features. The range and variety are of big city standard and attract visitors from the whole of Norrland. Even from the south, many keen shoppers flock to the area.