Gävleborg County Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems of Gävleborg County in Northern Sweden, including cultural attractions, natural wonders, hiking routes, food scene, accommodations, local customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to Gävleborg County

Situated in the heart of Norrland, Gävleborg County is a picturesque region known for its unspoiled nature, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. This beautiful area of Sweden is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Nordic wilderness.

Gävleborg County is home to some of Sweden’s most celebrated personalities, including the world-famous author Selma Lagerlöf and the renowned botanist Carl von Linné. The County boasts a wealth of cultural attractions, from museums and historical landmarks to folk festivals and music events.

But Gävleborg County is not just about culture and history: the region is also blessed with breathtaking natural landscapes, charming villages, and picturesque towns. You will find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking.

In this travel guide, we will take you through some of the highlights of Gävleborg County, with suggestions on where to go and what to see. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, we’ve got you covered.

List of Places to Visit in Gävleborg County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Gävle Castle: A magnificent Renaissance palace in the heart of Gävle, built in the 16th century and home to the County administrative board.
  2. The Joe Hill Museum: A museum dedicated to the life and work of the legendary songwriter and labor activist Joe Hill, located in Gävle.
  3. Linnés Hammarby: The summer residence of the famous botanist Carl von Linné, located near Uppsala, is now a museum.

Natural Attractions of Gävleborg County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Jädraås Silforsen Nature Reserve: A beautiful reserve with a diverse range of fauna and flora.
  2. Skärpanäset Nature Reserve: A bird-watchers paradise located on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.
  3. Ockelboåsen Nature Reserve: A stunning landscape of rolling hills and dense forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gävleborg County

  1. Fjällräven Classic Sweden: A five-day hiking event that takes you through the magnificent landscapes of northern Sweden.
  2. The Hälsingeleden Trail: A magnificent 270 km trail that runs through some of Gävleborg County’s most stunning landscapes and offers a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  3. The Rullsandsleden Trail: A 20 km trail that runs through woodlands and along the beach of Rullsand, offering spectacular views of the coast.

Best Things to Do in Gävleborg County: Activities and Tours

  1. Try your luck fishing for salmon in the Ljusnan River.
  2. Take a guided tour of Gävle’s beautiful old town, with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets.
  3. Visit the famous Christmas goat in Gävle, which is erected every year in the town square.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gävleborg County

Day 1: Visit Gävle’s old town and Gävle Castle. Day 2: Hike Hälsingeleden Trail from Harsa to Hassela. Day 3: Visit the Joe Hill Museum and Ockelboåsen Nature Reserve. Day 4: Go fishing in the Ljusnan River. Day 5: Take a boat tour of the Skärpanäset Nature Reserve. Day 6: Visit Linnés Hammarby and hike Fjällräven Classic Sweden. Day 7: Explore the Rullsandsleden Trail and enjoy the beach at Rullsand.

Food and Drink Scene of Gävleborg County

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Köttbullar: Swedish meatballs, a classic dish served with cream sauce and lingonberry jam.
  2. Gravlax: Scandanavian cured salmon, served with dill sauce and boiled potatoes.
  3. Råraka: A potato pancake served with sour cream and roe.

Local Beverages

  1. Snaps: A traditional spirit made from various herbs and spices.
  2. Gävle Porter: A dark, malty beer with a long history in Gävle.
  3. Cloudberry Liquor: A sweet and tart berry liquor, served at celebrations and special occasions.

Where to Stay in Gävleborg County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Clarion Hotel Winn: A centrally located hotel in Gävle with an excellent restaurant and comfortable rooms.
  2. Ullnabacken: A rustic and cozy guesthouse in the heart of the Hälsingland countryside.
  3. Högbo Brukshotell: A charming hotel located in the Högbo area, with a spa and wellness center.

What to Buy in Gävleborg County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Dala Horse: A traditional wooden horse, made in the nearby province of Dalarna.
  2. Hantverk från Hälsingland: Handmade crafts and textiles produced by locals in Hälsingland.
  3. Lokalt öl: Local beer from the many breweries in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Gävleborg County

Gävleborg County has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique mixture of Swedish and Finnish influences. The locals are proud of their history, and the region has preserved many traditions and customs that are often celebrated through festivals and events.

One of the most famous customs of Gävleborg County is the annual building of the Gävle goat for Christmas. The goat has been a tradition since 1966 and is now one of the most famous symbols of Swedish Christmas. Another traditional festival celebrated in the area is the St. Olaf’s Summer Festival, which takes place every summer in the town of Norrala and features folk music, dance, and food.

Best Time to Visit Gävleborg County

The best time to visit Gävleborg County is from May to September when the weather is mild, and the days are long. The region offers plenty of outdoor activities during this time, and you can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. December is also an excellent time to visit, to experience the magic of Swedish Christmas and the Gävle goat festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gävleborg County

Do:

  1. Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  2. Try the traditional dishes and drinks of the area.
  3. Take care of the environment – Gävleborg County’s natural wonders are a precious resource that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Don’t:

  1. Be late for appointments – punctuality is highly valued in Gävleborg County.
  2. Interrupt others while they are speaking.
  3. Wear shoes indoors – it is a Swedish custom to remove your shoes in someone’s home.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gävleborg County

Gävleborg County is generally a safe place for visitors, with relatively low crime rates and a highly functioning social welfare system. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as wild animals, extreme weather, and treacherous terrain when exploring the region’s natural landscapes.

Health in Gävleborg County

Sweden has a world-class healthcare system, and visitors can access medical care at any of the County’s hospitals or clinics if needed. It is also recommended that visitors have comprehensive travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses.

Getting to Gävleborg County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Gävleborg County

  1. Stockholm Arlanda Airport – popular international airport located in Stockholm, about 2 hours’ drive to Gävle.
  2. Sundsvall-Timrå Airport – regional airport located on Sweden’s east coast, near Örnsköldsvik, 3 hours’ drive to Gävle.

Bus Stations Near Gävleborg County

  1. Gävle Bus Station – located in Gävle’s city center, connecting to many major cities in northern Sweden.
  2. Söderhamn Bus Station – located in Söderhamn, bus routes connecting to Gävle and other nearby cities.

Other Options

Travellers can also take a train or hire a car to reach Gävleborg County. The County has a well-developed road network and public transport system.

How to Get Around in Gävleborg County

The best way to get around Gävleborg County is by car, allowing you to explore the region’s rural areas and natural landscapes. If you prefer public transport, Gävleborg County has buses and trains that connect many of its major cities and towns.

Where to Go Next from Gävleborg County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Stockholm: Sweden’s charming capital city, a few hours drive south from Gävleborg County.
  2. Dalarna: A picturesque province known for its traditional wooden Dala Horses, located west of Gävleborg County.
  3. Lofoten Islands: A breathtaking archipelago of small fishing villages in Norway, accessible by ferry from Gävleborg County.

Conclusion

Gävleborg County is an unspoiled region of rural Sweden, offering visitors a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its diverse range of museums, historical landmarks, outdoor attractions, and local cuisine, Gävleborg County is a great destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in Scandinavian culture and traditions. Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a few days, Gävleborg County is sure to captivate you with its enchanting charm and beauty.

Municipalities of Gävleborg County Municipalities of Gävleborg County Bommars, one of the traditional world heritage listed farms Bommars, one of the traditional world heritage listed farms


    Hofors
    Ljusdal
    Ockelbo