This coastal Swedish town sits beside 286-meter Baltic cliffs, with downtown ski trails in winter, NHL-level hockey culture, and summer kayaking through its archipelago islands.
Örnsköldsvik (nicknamed Ö-vik) lies where the Gulf of Bothnia meets dramatic 286-meter coastal cliffs. You can glide down the 140-meter water slide at Paradisbadet, watch NHL-caliber hockey at Hägglunds Arena, or hike the red granite cliffs along the UNESCO-recognized coastline. In winter, locals ski through downtown streets, while summer brings kayakers paddling between the archipelago's islands.
Winter Sports in Central Örnsköldsvik
You can ski on groomed cross-country trails that wind through downtown parks and streets. The surrounding hills include ski jumps and alpine slopes for winter sports. At Hägglunds Arena, 7,600 fans pack in to watch the Modo Hockey team compete in the Swedish Hockey League from September to March. The city has produced several NHL players including Peter Forsberg, Victor Hedman, and the Sedin twins. You can watch team practices or attend games during the season.
The High Coast Landscape
The coastline near Örnsköldsvik reaches 286 meters above sea level - the highest point along the Baltic Sea. Red rapakivi granite forms sharp cliffs at the water's edge, while spruce forests cover the slopes leading inland to scattered sandy beaches. The Höga Kusten Bridge stretches 1,867 meters across the water. You'll find an automated kayak rental station (kayakomat) at Strandkajen, or you can join boat tours exploring the archipelago's more than 30 islands.
Summer Activities and Water Parks
Paradisbadet water park operates throughout the year in the city center, with a spa area, restaurant, wave pools, and swimming zones for different ages. In summer, you can ride the Paradisliften chairlift up Varvsberget hill and walk the 5-kilometer trail network around Hörnsjön lake. The guest harbor fills with summer cafes and shops, and you can catch regular ferry departures to explore nearby islands.
Getting Around Örnsköldsvik
You can fly between Örnsköldsvik Airport and Stockholm Arlanda in 1 hour and 15 minutes. The E4 highway runs through the city, and local buses run every 30 minutes between main areas. From May to September, passenger ferries connect to the archipelago islands. The compact city center spans just 3 kilometers, making it easy to cycle, with bike parking available throughout downtown.
