Ovanåker: Church Art and Pilgrim Paths
Accommodation in Ovanåker
Ovanåker can be explored through two very different interests: the architectural and art history of Ovanåker Church, and routes and activities on foot, by bike or on the water. When choosing where to stay, consider whether you want to focus on historical details, a clearly defined pilgrim route or longer opportunities for outdoor activities. Examples range from the approximately seven-kilometre Hoppet to 250 kilometres of canoe routes along the Voxnan.
Church Architecture and Art History
Ovanåker Church was built of stone between 1744 and 1753, roughly on the site of an earlier wooden church. The church brings together several distinct periods: the 1890 altar relief by Carl Johan Dyfverman depicts Jesus on the cross with Jerusalem in the background. The organ represents another layer of history: Jonas Wengström built it in 1845; the original organ mechanism was later replaced, while the current façade is still his work. For those interested in cultural history, this offers specific points of interest: the 18th-century church building, the late-19th-century relief and an organ whose mechanism and façade reflect different developments.
Hoppet and Gamla Landsvägen
The Hoppet pilgrim path is approximately 7 km long and follows Gamla Landsvägen from S:t Olofs Chapel to Ovanåker Church. The path ends at the church, where the seventh and final trail marker is also located. Walking and cycling are possible; motor vehicle traffic is prohibited. You can therefore follow the route on foot or by bike, but not by motor vehicle.
During a 2023 pilgrimage along Gamla Landsvägen between Edsbyn and Ovanåker, participants described the road as Sweden’s most beautiful road. The Voxnadalen Biosphere Reserve also came up in conversation during the same walk. The description of the road remains the walkers’ personal assessment; the biosphere reserve was another topic associated with the tour.
Cycling, Canoeing and Fishing
The Kygelvallen recreation area has a 6 km MTB trail that starts there, within Ovanåker Municipality. At 6 and approximately 7 km respectively, it and Hoppet are of a similar length, but serve different purposes: a mountain biking trail on the one hand, and a pilgrim path from chapel to church on the other.
There are 250 km of canoe routes along the Voxnan within the municipality, ranging from rapids to calm stretches. The MTB trail is defined by a specific length, while canoeing offers a variety of water conditions. The Voxnan also has a distinctive, identifiable feature: it has meanders, or river bends.
The municipality also has fishing waters with pike, perch and whitefish, as well as waters with self-sustaining populations of trout, char, whitefish and grayling. The fish species and population types give anglers a specific point of reference if they would rather spend their time by the water than on trails.
Getting Back
For the return journey from the trail junction near the Hoppet endpoint towards Edsbyn or Söderhamn, bus 100 is an option. Check the current timetable before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Svabensverk, Viksjöfors, Edsbyn, Alfta, Voxnabruk.
Back to the main travel overview: Ovanåker.
