Travel Eye on Norrland (Sweden)

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Overview:

Norrland covers approximately half of the total land mass of Sweden and is well worth visiting in either summer or winter. It is the largest of Sweden's regions.

Only two hours north of Stockholm, Gävle is the main city of Gästrickland and is the gateway to the North. A population of 92,000 is Norrland's oldest town. Formal "town status" was granted Gävle by King Kristoffer of Bayern in 1446. The town is characterised by shipping, and trade and commerce. Gävle is the seat of the County Council and the County Administration Board, and is a central part of the province of Gästrikland. Gästrikland, Sweden's smallest province, has lots to see and do within a close distance.

An in all of Sweden the culture in this area is naturally based on their traditions. The extreme variety in the geography of the country has meant that customs and traditions differ from place to place in Sweden. To some content the culture has been influenced by other countries.

Locality:

Covering approximately half of the total land mass of Sweden, Norrland is the northernmost region of Sweden.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Head north to Hälsingland with its beautiful distant blue mountains and multitude of lakes. The town of Söderhamn has plenty of interesting museums and buildings. Cycle north to the charming fishing village of Skärskå, with its beautiful red-painted buildings. Time your visit to Järvsö to take in the Hälsingehambo dance festival.

Continue north to Sundsvall, the main town of the north. Sundsvall is the venue of many summer carnivals, festivals and outdoor concerts. Head north of Sundsvall to the Höga Kusten, or literally High Coast. This beautiful area of lakes, fjords and spectacular coastline is on the shortlist to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Örnsköldsviks Museum at Örnsköldsvik, which has an interesting exhibition on local history and the history of the Sami (Laplanders).

You can also have a look at some rock carvings, dating back to the Iron Age. Stop off at Vindeln and have a go at rafting, riding and canoeing. Piteå in Norbotten is the main beach resort in northern Sweden and attracts hundreds of tourists. Do not miss the UNESCO World Heritage listed Gammelstad, formerly the medieval centre of northern Sweden. There is an interesting museum and a nature reserve nearby.

Head inland and you will find yourself in a completely different landscape of dense forest, mountains, rivers, waterfalls and even the odd wandering reindeer. Carry on north into Lapland, Land of the Midnight Sun and the Sami. If you are here in summer, hire a bike or go hiking in the mountains.

You can even go mid-summer skiing at Riksgränsen. If you are here in winter hire a snow scooter, try dog sledding, or simply go skiing. Visit Arvidsjaur, an early Sami market town and the Lappstaden museum village, run by the Sami community. Again, if you're here in winter, do not miss the opportunity of staying a night or two in the incredible Ice Hotel at Jukkasjärvi, a hotel that is built out of snow and left to thaw in the spring.