This calm town in central Sweden has a traditional timber church from 1750 and an active local folk music scene centered at the Stenegård cultural center.
Ljusdal, a town of 6,230 residents in central Sweden's Gävleborg County, sits along the winding Ljusnan River. You'll find the turquoise waters of Gröntjärn Nature Reserve, three UNESCO-listed farmhouses with detailed wooden carvings, and the active Ljusdals Bandyklubb ice sports team. The town became internationally known for hosting the Bandy World Cup from 1974 to 2008.
Getting to Ljusdal
You can reach Ljusdal via Riksväg 83, which connects Tönnebro and Ånge. Regular trains stop at Ljusdal station on Sweden's northern main line (Norra Stambanan). If you drive, you'll only encounter tolls near Stockholm, making car travel a practical choice for exploring the region.
Seasonal Activities
Summer temperatures range from 65°F to 85°F, ideal for swimming and boating on the Ljusnan River. You can sail, raft, or fish along the 40-kilometer waterway. From November through March, winter activities include skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. Spring and fall bring rain and cooler temperatures, with fewer visitors during these seasons.
Natural Landmarks
The Gröntjärn Nature Reserve, 20 kilometers north of town, contains kettle holes created by glacial retreat. The groundwater gives the lake its distinctive turquoise-green color. In the western municipality, Hamra National Park spreads across dense forest areas, where pine and spruce trees grow in abundance.
Cultural Sites
The Ljusdalsbygdens Museum, in a converted dairy building, contains local artifacts and photographs documenting the region's history. Three farmhouses in the municipality have earned UNESCO World Heritage status for their intricate wooden architecture typical of the Hälsingland region. The 19th-century Borrgården and Ljusdal Church represent traditional Swedish building techniques.
Sports and Recreation
The Ljusdals Bandyklubb plays regular matches during winter months. You can join activities at the local riding club, judo club, and karate club throughout the year.
Berry Picking and Forest Activities
You'll find lingonberry and blueberry patches in the surrounding forests during summer months. Forest land covers more than two-thirds of the region, with marked hiking trails throughout. From late spring through early fall, you can canoe and fish in any of the area's 97,000 lakes.
