Explore Alnö island
This Baltic Sea island has 570-million-year-old volcanic rocks, a medieval church with defensive walls, and calm swimming coves. Population doubles to 16,000 in summer.
Scenic drive in Sundsvall
Indalsleden
This 420-kilometer route along Indalsälven river includes calm paddling waters, forest trails near Byforsen waterfall, and an unexpected Thai Pavilion amid pine forests and glacial valleys.
National Roads 86 and 87, known as Indalsleden, follow the Indalsälven river for 420 kilometers from coastal Timrå to Östersund. Along this route, you can paddle through calm waters, walk forest trails near Byforsen waterfall, and visit unexpected sights like a Thai Pavilion. The road winds through pine forests and past lakes, following the dramatic river valley shaped by ancient glaciers.
Route Location and Access
National Roads 86 and 87 form Indalsleden, starting at Timrå and following the Indalsälven river valley. The route continues through eastern Sweden and connects to Trondheim, Norway. In Timrå's delta area, you'll find the Y:et sculpture - a 30.5-meter red steel construction by artist Bengt Lindström from 1995, marking the entrance to Sundsvall-Timrå Airport.
River Paddling Routes
You can paddle the Indalsälven river from May through September. For a day trip, start below Järkvissle power station and paddle 15 kilometers through Klubbänget and past Sillre power station to Liden. The longer 40-kilometer route from Långliden takes you through Boda såg, Järkvissle, and Nilsböle, ending at Kävstabron in Indal. You'll find rest stops every 5-10 kilometers and can rent equipment at stations in Liden and Järkvissle.
Rock Formations and Natural History
In the Ragunda area, you can see rock formations dating back millions of years, including glacial deposits and river-carved valleys with visible sedimentary layers. At Döda Fallet, you can walk through a dry riverbed created in 1796 when Ragundasjön lake drained in just four hours, forcing the river to create a new course.
Historical Sites and Nature Trails
The golden Thai Pavilion in Bispgården marks King Chulalongkorn's visit in 1897. At Älgårdsberget, three marked trails lead to different destinations: Järåstigen (2.5 km) takes you to Byforsen waterfall and meadows with views of Indalsälven, Geologistigen (1.8 km) passes through terrain shaped by glaciers and rivers, and Blomstigen (1 km) circles the old school grounds where you can identify labeled native trees.
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What else to see in Sundsvall?
Shopping at Birsta City
Located in Sundsvall, this retail hub spans two levels with 100 stores, including Sweden's fourth IKEA store from 1967. The center welcomes 4 million annual visitors.
Historic ironworks
This preserved 1600s iron foundry includes original forge hammers, a white wooden church from 1680, and runs steam train rides along the Baltic coast during summer weekends.
The Stone Town
The stone city center has 51 blocks of Art Nouveau buildings from the 1880s, with carved dragons and copper domes. Nearby, the St Olavsleden pilgrim trail leads to Norway.
Norra Berget scenic park
Located 165 meters above Sundsvall, this hilltop site has red 1800s farmhouses, grazing sheep, and a 22-meter tower with harbor views. Home to Sweden's curious Skvader exhibit.
