On a trip along the Swedish coast, visit Sundsvall, distinguished from its neighbors by its gray stone downtown. Rebuilt after devastating 19th-century fires that destroyed the whole town, it is preserved as an excellent example of period Scandinavian architecture. Explore the time capsule of downtown and head out into the surrounding countryside. Follow part of St. Olav’s Trail if on foot, a 360-mile (580-kilometer) jaunt, or drive slowly down the seaside Kustvägen.
Join locals on Norra Berget, a hilly park just outside town with an observation tower providing 360-degree views. Spot the steeple of the Gustav Adolfs Kyrka, which serves as a reference point for any navigation around the city. Admire the innovative architecture on display at the Kulturmagasinet, where four 19th-century buildings are connected by glass panels creating an open courtyard.
Look for the remaining traces of the long industrial heritage Sundsvall is known for. Visit Galtströms Bruk to see the remains of a 17th-century ironworks that operated until 1916. The stunning panoramas from Vättaberget are enhanced by the exploration possibilities of an iron forge that remains on the site. Stop at the Sundsvall Museum that celebrates the fact that in 1879 the city was home to the country’s first large strike.
Sundsvall is about 250 miles (400 kilometers) up the coast from Stockholm, along the E4 highway, with multiple bus services. The small airport in town has regular connections to Gothenburg and serves a few other Scandinavian destinations. Gothenburg is a 1-hour flight or 8-hour drive away. Travel by train from Stockholm in 3.5 hours or drive in about 4 hours. You do not need a private vehicle to tour Sundsvall itself, but many of the local attractions, including scenic driving routes, are best appreciated by car.
It may not be the typical Swedish vacation, but stop at the Thailandska paviljongen, a Thai temple in the middle of Sundsvall countryside, which celebrates the strong presence of Southeast Asians in the country.
