Västernorrland County Travel Guide

Discover Västernorrland County in Sweden with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the best places to visit, hiking routes, activities, food and drink scene, and more.


Introduction to Västernorrland County

Västernorrland County is located in Norrland, one of the most sparsely populated areas in Sweden. With a diverse landscape ranging from forests and mountains to archipelagos and coastlines, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The county is also rich in cultural attractions, such as museums and historical sites, as well as exciting activities and tours. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best things to see and do in Västernorrland County.

List of Places to Visit in Västernorrland County

  • Sundsvall: The largest city in Västernorrland County, Sundsvall is famous for its beautiful stone buildings, museums, and galleries.

  • Höga Kusten Bridge: A spectacular suspension bridge that crosses the Ångermanälven river, offering panoramic views of Höga Kusten, or the High Coast.

  • Skuleskogen National Park: A stunning nature reserve with hiking trails winding through forests, rocky hills, and a dramatic coastline.

  • Junsele Wildlife Park: A great family attraction where you can observe wild animals, including wolves, lynx, and brown bears, in their natural habitat.

  • Kramfors: A small town that boasts a beautiful archipelago, with numerous islands and a rich maritime heritage.

  • Härnösand: The cultural center of Västernorrland County, with several museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Västernorrland County Museum: Located in Härnösand, this museum exhibits the region’s history, culture, and wildlife, including the famous Ymer Runestone.

  • Murberget Open-Air Museum: An outdoor museum in Härnösand that showcases the county’s traditional architecture, farming, and handicrafts.

  • Gammelstaden Old Church Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves a medieval church village with over 400 timber houses and a beautiful 13th-century church.

Natural Attractions of Västernorrland County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The High Coast: One of Sweden’s most spectacular natural wonders, the High Coast offers stunning views of rugged cliffs, islands, and forests, with hiking trails and activities such as kayaking and boating.

  • The Bothnian Sea: The coastal waters of Västernorrland County are a haven for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts, with numerous islands, harbors, and marinas.

  • The Mountains: Västernorrland County is home to several mountain ranges, such as the Sylarna and Helags, offering challenging hikes and winter sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Västernorrland County

  • The High Coast Trail: A 130 km long-distance trail that winds through the High Coast, passing by stunning viewpoints, forests, and lakes.

  • The Queen’s Trail: Another popular hiking route, named after Queen Kristina, that goes from Sundsvall to Storlien, offering panoramic views of forests, mountains, and rivers.

  • The Hemsö Trail: A shorter trail on the island of Hemsön, with beautiful views of the Bothnian Sea and the surrounding archipelago.

Best Things to Do in Västernorrland County: Activities and Tours

  • Sea kayaking: Explore the archipelago and coastal waters of Västernorrland County on a guided sea kayaking trip.

  • Fishing: Try your luck at catching salmon, trout, or pike in the rivers and lakes of the county.

  • Moose safari: Join a guided tour to spot wild moose and other animals in their natural habitat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Västernorrland County

Day 1-2: Sundsvall and surroundings, including museums and galleries.

Day 3-4: The High Coast, hiking the High Coast Trail and enjoying outdoor activities.

Day 5: Junsele Wildlife Park, observing wild animals.

Day 6: Kramfors and the archipelago, exploring the islands and fishing.

Day 7: Härnösand, visiting museums and galleries.

Food and Drink Scene of Västernorrland County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Surströmming: A traditional Swedish dish consisting of fermented herring, usually served with potatoes, onions, and bread.

  • Jämtland Game: Västernorrland County is located near Jämtland County, known for its game dishes, such as elk and reindeer.

  • Lingonberry Jam: A tart and sweet jam made from lingonberries, a berry common in the forests of Sweden.

Local Beverages

  • Norrlands Guld: A popular lager beer brewed in Västernorrland County.

  • Mackmyra Whiskey: A Swedish whiskey producer with a distillery in the county.

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

  • STF Härnösand Hostel: A modern hostel in central Härnösand, with comfortable rooms and a cozy atmosphere.

  • Elite Hotel Knaust: A luxury hotel in Sundsvall, occupying a beautiful 19th-century building.

  • Högakusten Resort: An eco-friendly resort located in the High Coast, with cabins, camping, and outdoor activities.

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

  • Handicrafts: Murberget Open-Air Museum sells traditional handicrafts made by local artisans, such as textiles and wood carvings.

  • Moose and Reindeer Products: Moose and reindeer leather products, such as mittens and hats, are popular souvenirs in Sweden.

Local Culture and Customs of Västernorrland County

  • Fika: Fika is a Swedish tradition of coffee and cake breaks, usually enjoyed in the late morning or afternoon.

  • Midsummer: Midsummer is a popular Swedish holiday, celebrated on the longest day of the year with traditional food, dancing, and flower wreaths.

Best Time to Visit Västernorrland County

The best time to visit Västernorrland County is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities and festivals are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Västernorrland County

Do:

  • Respect nature and wildlife.

  • Try local food and drinks.

  • Learn some basic Swedish phrases.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.

  • Assume that everyone in Sweden speaks English.

  • Be excessively loud or disruptive.

Safety and Health in Västernorrland County

Safety in Västernorrland County

Västernorrland County is relatively safe, with low levels of crime and violence. However, as with any outdoor activity, it’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions and wilderness emergencies.

Health in Västernorrland County

Sweden has a high standard of healthcare, and Västernorrland County has several hospitals and clinics. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Västernorrland County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Västernorrland County

  • Sundsvall Timrå Airport: Located 20 km from Sundsvall, with several domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Västernorrland County

  • Eskelhem bus station: A main bus station located in Sundsvall, with connections to other cities in Norrland.

  • Härnösand bus station: A smaller station in central Härnösand, with regional and local bus services.

Other Options

  • Train: Västernorrland County has several train stations, with connections to other regions in Sweden.

  • Car: Driving is a popular option in Sweden, and Västernorrland County has a well-developed road network.

How to Get Around in Västernorrland County

Public transportation in Västernorrland County consists of buses and trains, with several companies operating regional and local services. However, the best way to get around is by car, as it gives you more flexibility to explore the scenic routes and remote areas.

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

  • Jämtland County: Located to the west of Västernorrland County, Jämtland is famous for its national parks, ski resorts, and wildlife.

  • Lapland: To the north of Västernorrland County lies the vast and wild region of Lapland, with unique experiences such as the Northern Lights and reindeer herding.

Conclusion

Västernorrland County offers a fantastic combination of scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture vulture, or adventure seeker, this county has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to explore Västernorrland County and discover its hidden gems. Happy traveling!

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    Härnösand