Härnösand between Sea, Nature and Culture

Härnösand extends along both sides of Härnösundet and has always been strongly shaped by its maritime character. The regional overview of places includes the pages on Älandsbro, Ramvik, Viksjö and Härnösand.

Nature

Smitingen is a nature reserve directly on the coast. The Grottstigen trail at Smitingen leads to tunnel caves carved out by the surf right by the water. The two geology trails at Smitingen pass rauks, potholes and depressions.

The Härnöleden begins at Härnösand Central Station and is therefore directly accessible by train or bus. Its route leads through the urban area and forests, over mountains and along the sea. Gådeåleden is an easy-to-walk 5.6-kilometre hiking trail a few kilometres south of Härnösand Central Station. It connects Lövudden with Sparrudden at the mouth of the Gådeån. At Vårdkasen, there are two signposted circular routes specially suited to mountain biking.

Värptjärn is an accessible fishing area south of Härnösand where rainbow trout and perch can be caught. The small lake Godstjärn, close to the edge of the town, is known for its large colony of breeding black-headed gulls and a birdwatching tower. Godstjärn also has fishing jetties, a wind shelter and a rest area for fishing or taking a break.

Vålön has a nature trail around the island. Due to post-glacial land uplift and the rock surfaces smoothed by the inland ice, as well as the remains of Nöjestemplet and Jaktstugan, traces of the Ice Age, the sawmill era and the rise of the temperance movement can be seen there. Älandsån is a watercourse worthy of protection with high natural values; freshwater pearl mussels that reproduce there and migrating sea trout can be found in the river.

Härnösand’s free nature guide includes birdwatching sites, plant locations, viewpoints, bathing spots, fishing lakes, burial mounds, hiking trails and historic springs. The different types of trails, landscape areas and nature themes can be viewed separately when planning your days between the coast, forests, waterways and culture.

Culture and History

Västernorrlands Museum is a cultural history museum with a main building and an open-air museum at Murberget in Härnösand. The Murberget open-air museum includes buildings and environments from the 19th and 20th centuries. Technichus is a science centre for children, young people and adults.

Härnösand Art Gallery displays art, objects and furniture from the Qvistska Collection, including works by Matisse, Chagall and Picasso. Härnösand also offers a digital tour of public art with a map, views and information about individual works of art. Today’s Härnösand Cathedral was built in 1846 in the Neoclassical style. The Chapter House in Härnösand has been protected as a listed building since 1995.

Hemsö Fortress offers guided tours through Swedish military history and the secrets of the Cold War deep inside the mountain. Hemsö Fortress is designated a state-listed historic building. It is located on the 140-metre-high Storråberget and offers expansive views over the sea, islands and coast.

Harbour and Regional Experiences

There are three guest harbours in central Härnösand: Norra hamnen, Kanaludden at Södra Sundet and the guest harbour by the boathouses in Nattviken.

The Hernö Gin Distillery offers gin tastings by prior booking. Hernö Gin tastings include five different gins as well as information about botanicals and factors that influence aroma and flavour. On request, Hernö Gin offers individually tailored experiences that may include dinner and activities.

For the higher-level travel overview: Västernorrland.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Härnösand.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Bonässund, Örnsköldsvik, Ånge.