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.
Viewpoint in Sundsvall
Norra Berget
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.
At Norra Berget, 165 meters above Sundsvall, you can walk among red wooden farmhouses from the 1800s, watch sheep grazing in summer pastures, and climb a 22-meter observation tower for views of the harbor. The site includes the Crafts and Maritime Museum, which displays the curious stuffed Skvader - a local mythical creature - and two restaurants where you can taste Swedish dishes while looking out over the city.
Getting to Norra Berget
Walk 1.5 kilometers from central Sundsvall via several paths, including a narrow trail along the southern slope with viewing spots every 200-300 meters. By car, drive up Gaffelbyvägen - the journey takes about 10 minutes from the E4 highway exit north of Sundsvallsbron bridge. Park either near the main entrance below the open-air museum or by the observation tower and Restaurant Grankotten. The museum buildings open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, while the grounds remain accessible 24 hours.
The Open-Air Museum
The museum consists of 40 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, relocated from specific towns and villages across Medelpad. The Crafts and Maritime Museum, which opened in 1944, contains tools and artifacts from Sundsvall's shipbuilding era, working demonstrations of clockmaking and coppersmithing, and a collection of Sami clothing and tools. Look for the museum's centerpiece - the stuffed Skvader, a creature from local folklore with the body of a hare and wings of a wood grouse.
Dining and Accommodation
Restaurant Grankotten sits in a red wooden building from 1901, originally a tourist cabin. The dining room windows face the city, and the kitchen serves lunch from 11 AM to 2 PM and dinner until 8 PM. At Café Gesällen, housed in a former journeyman's lodge, you can try Swedish pastries and coffee between 10 AM and 4 PM. The Gaffelbyn Youth Hostel has rooms available year-round, located 5 minutes' walk from the museum area.
Views and Activities
The 22-meter observation tower gives you clear views in all directions: Sundsvall Bay and Kubikenborg to the west, Södra Berget and Sidsjön to the south, and Nacksta to the west. In the nature reserve, established in 2015, you'll find 5 kilometers of marked walking paths, two children's playgrounds with swings and climbing frames, and 3 grilling areas with free firewood. The site's highest point at 166.04 meters above sea level includes benches and information panels about the surrounding landscape.
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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.
Drive the Indalsleden route
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.
