Ockelbo Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, food and drink scene, accommodations, transportation options, and more in the small town of Ockelbo, Sweden with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Ockelbo

Ockelbo, a small town in Gävleborg County in Norrland, Sweden, is an unexplored gem for those looking for a serene getaway. Located in the Nordic countries of Europe, Ockelbo offers lush sceneries, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous outdoor activities.

This travel guide to Ockelbo will provide an overview of the must-visit places, hiking and biking routes, the best things to do, accommodation options, food and drink scene and local products to buy, local culture and customs, safety and health measures, and transportation options to help you plan your trip better.

List of Places to Visit in Ockelbo

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ockelbo is a town full of history with riveting museums and historical sites. The must-visit ones are:

  • Högbo Bruk: A historic site where iron mining took place in the past. Take a tour and learn how iron was smelted along with the rich industrial heritage of the town.

  • Naturum Engeltofta: Experience the fauna and flora of Ockelbo through interactive exhibitions, bird watching, and hike trails in this nature reserve.

  • Ockelbo Church: Built-in the 13th century, this old Nordic-style church is worth visiting to admire the unique architecture, artful altar painting, and interior decoration.

Natural Attractions of Ockelbo: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ockelbo is surrounded by breathtaking natural attractions, quite appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. The top recommendations are:

  • Forsbacka Bruk: Take a walk along the stunning Gavlekanalen river and admire the waterfalls, fishing, and hiking trails for a scenic route.

  • Jädraås Torn: An awe-inspiring observation tower, 45 meters high, gives panoramic views of the town and its surrounding natural beauty.

  • Lake Tresticklan: A hiking trail that leads you to a beautiful lake, Tresticklan, where you can swim or have a picnic surrounded by nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ockelbo

Ockelbo has plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking trails. The routes are well marked, safe, and provide plenty of stops for panoramic views and picnic spots.

For hiking, the recommended routes are:

  • Långforsleden: An easy route that provides pleasant views of the mountains and beautiful nature of Ockelbo.

  • Hälsingboeleden: A must-try route for outdoor enthusiasts. The challenging rocky terrain provides the ultimate hiking adventure.

The recommended biking routes are:

  • Dellenbanan: A 100 km long trail that winds through the forests and mountains of Ockelbo. It’s a wonderful experience to witness the beauty of nature on a bicycle.

  • Engeltofta Upplevelsepark: Bike your way through different trails, parks, and beach routes, for an opportunity to take pictures and experience a fun-filled adventure.

Best Things to Do in Ockelbo: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of exciting activities and tours to participate in while in Ockelbo. The top recommendations are:

  • Canoeing tours: Ultimate leisure trip with natural beauty and serenity cruising in an open canoe.

  • Fishing: Relax and enjoy the thrill of catching fish in Lake Tresticklan, perfect for spending a peaceful day with family and friends.

  • Horse-carriage rides: Experience a traditional Swedish carriage ride, exploring the surrounding woods and mountains of Ockelbo.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ockelbo

An ideal itinerary would have:

Day Activity
Day 1 Hike the Långforsleden Trail
Day 2 Visit Högbo Bruk
Day 3 Canoeing Tour in Gavlekanalen
Day 4 Biking on Dellenbanan
Day 5 Explore Jädraås Torn
Day 6 Fishing in Lake Tresticklan
Day 7 Travel to nearby destinations

Food and Drink Scene of Ockelbo

Must-Try Dishes

The food and drink scene in Ockelbo is traditional and has a unique taste, with dishes heavily influenced by the local climate and Swedish cuisine.

The must-try dishes are:

  • Pyttipanna: A traditional Swedish dish made with potatoes and meat, pan-fried or roasted and served with pickled beetroot and fried eggs.
  • Crispy pork: Crunchy and delightfully flavored, this dish should be tasted once in a lifetime.
  • Västerbotten Cheese: It is a pure delight, with a sharp and tangy flavor.

Local Beverages

Sweden is known to have one of the world’s highest drinking cultures, and Ockelbo has been preparing alcoholic beverages for centuries.

The local drinks worth trying are:

  • Beer: Ockelbo has several authentic breweries whose beer is known all over Sweden.
  • Vodka: A traditional Swedish drink, Ockelbo vodka has a rich heritage with its unique taste.

Where to Stay in Ockelbo: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options in Ockelbo catering to all budgets.

The top recommendations are:

  • Ryrholm: A cozy and quiet guesthouse with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.
  • Scandic Gävle Väst: A modern and well-equipped hotel situated amidst beautiful scenery.
  • Kungshamn-Morga Gästhem: A charming guesthouse with comfortable rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.

What to Buy in Ockelbo: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ockelbo is known for its local craft and traditional products. The top products to buy in Ockelbo are:

  • Handmade Jewelry: Made by local artisans, the unique jewelry is the perfect souvenir to take home.

  • Glass Art: Ockelbo is well-known for its beautiful glass art crafted by the local glassblowers.

  • Carvings: Woodcarvings and sculptures showcasing the traditional Swedish designs and themes.

Local Culture and Customs of Ockelbo

Ockelbo has a unique culture and customs that reflect its traditional, rural life.

The customs and traditions worth experiencing are:

  • Midsummer: A traditional Swedish festival, celebrating the summer solstice, with dancing, food, drinks, and traditional attire.

  • Hiking: Hiking is a way of life in Ockelbo, with many of its residents proud of their love of nature and the outdoors.

Best Time to Visit Ockelbo

The best time to visit Ockelbo is during the months of June to September, where the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are available, including festivals, fairs, and parties.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ockelbo

Do:

  • Respect the customs and traditions of the locals.
  • Carry insect repellent while indulging in outdoor activities.
  • Explore the town on foot or bike, taking in the beautiful natural scenery.

Don’t:

  • Leave trash in public places or the natural environment.
  • Ignore the safety instructions during outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ockelbo

Ockelbo is considered a safe place for travelers. However, it’s always recommended to take necessary precautions while indulging in outdoor activities.

Some safety measures are:

  • Ensure that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the hiking and biking trails.
  • Keep all your important documents and valuables in a safe place.

Health in Ockelbo

Ockelbo has excellent healthcare facilities, and medical emergencies can be handled easily. However, it’s always recommended to have travel insurance before visiting the town.

Getting to Ockelbo: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Ockelbo

The nearest airport to Ockelbo is Gavle-Sandviken Airport, located 25 km away. More significant airports nearby include Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Sundsvall-Timrå Airport.

Bus Stations Near Ockelbo

Ockelbo has a well-connected bus and railway system. Regular buses to Ockelbo are available from Gävle, Stockholm, and Sundsvall.

Other Options

Cycling and hiking are other transportation options to explore the town’s scenic beauty.

How to Get Around in Ockelbo

Ockelbo is a small town that can be easily explored on foot or by bike.

The top transportation options are:

  • Bike: Renting a bike is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way of exploring the town’s natural beauty.

Where to Go Next from Ockelbo: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations and excursions from Ockelbo are:

  • Gävle: A beautiful coastal city with a historical old town and excellent shopping.
  • Hudiksvall: A small town located northeast of Ockelbo and known for being a center for textiles and other traditional crafts.

Conclusion

Ockelbo is a town full of natural beauty, traditional cultures, and peaceful surroundings. The little-explored town is a worthwhile destination to add to your travel itinerary when visiting Sweden. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ockelbo aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you plan the perfect trip, and we hope this guide has been helpful in planning your next adventure.