Ockelbo: Gästrikeleden, Lakes and Culture

The Gästrikeleden trail runs through Ockelbo and offers several beautiful sections. The Gästriketriangeln can be hiked in Ockelbo; it connects Rönnåsen, Åmot and Jädraås. Its individual sections are each 15 to 20 Swedish kilometres long, and the route covers approximately 53 Swedish kilometres in total.

The different lengths of the Gästriketriangeln sections can be considered separately when planning. In addition, mountain biking trails, lakes, gardens and museums represent different themes alongside one another. Those placing Ockelbo in context can consider these highlights separately instead of combining them into a single excursion destination.

The selection of localities includes Kolforsen, Ockelbo, Jädraås and Åmotsbruk.

Nature and Trails

Rönnåsen is designated as a popular local recreation area and excursion destination. The summit of Rönnåsen is approximately 270 metres above sea level and offers views across much of northern Gästrikland. Rönnåsen has the child-friendly Mullestigen nature trail; small figures and riddles draw attention to animals and nature there.

Biking Gästrikland has developed a mountain bike trail network in the Ockelbo region. The different trail lengths and activity types can be considered separately when planning.

Water and Family Attractions

Ockelbo has 226 lakes and ponds with an area of more than one hectare. A fishing permit is required for fishing in all of Ockelbo's waters.

Wij Trädgårdar has roses, summer flowers and abundant vegetable plantings in a vibrant park. Wij Trädgårdar includes a restaurant and a summer café. The children's garden, Barnens Trädgård, includes Pettson's kitchen and carpenter's workshop for play, as well as Findus' fishing pond. The park area of Wij Trädgårdar has a convenient, child-friendly beach.

The Älgparken in Ockelbo offers guided tours; free parking is available at the entrance.

Culture

Today's Ockelbo Church was originally built in 1791–1793 and rebuilt in 1906–1908 after a fire, using the surviving walls. The church's chancel mosaic consists of 300,000 mosaic pieces and covers 35 square metres.

Wij valsverk is now a unique industrial museum and was part of Ockelboverken, the most successful ironworks company in Gästrikland in the 18th century.

History and Crafts

Oklagård combines a newly built early medieval stave church with an open-air museum on grounds characterised by historic Swedish and medieval settings. The Oklagård open-air museum includes a small museum of wooden tools and an exhibition about timber joints.

Oklagård offers guided tours and study visits with pre-ordered coffee and pastries, as well as folk music. In its authentic historic setting, Oklagård offers medieval events, storytelling and forest music.

Pålsgården is a local heritage farm on Lustigbacken overlooking Lake Bysjön. The Ockelbo Hembygdsförening offers guided tours on request and has a collection of 58 textile printing blocks and tools from Färber Hallberg's calico-printing workshop in 1850s Ockelbo.

Swimming

A centrally located bathing spot is near the railway and bus services, as well as amenities and shops.

To the higher-level travel overview: Gävleborg.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Hudiksvall, Söderhamn, Sandviken, Gävle.