Best attractions and places to see around Sundsvalls kommun, known as the "Stone City" (Stenstaden), feature impressive 19th-century architecture. The area offers a diverse range of attractions that blend historical charm with natural beauty. Visitors can explore notable landmarks, enjoy expansive natural landscapes, and immerse themselves in cultural experiences. The region provides various points of interest for exploration.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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After the Sundsvall fire of 1888, the city's reconstruction was the subject of much debate. Officials eventually agreed to largely preserve the existing city plan, rather than transforming it into a network of wide fire lanes. However, all buildings were to be constructed of stone (hence the name Stenstaden, or Stone City), and a wide promenade, serving as a fire lane, was to be built through the city center. The use of stone for all city buildings meant that many who had lost their homes in the fire could not afford to rebuild. Despite immediate aid from across Europe, only the city's wealthy timber barons could finance the new stone structures.
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Together with Stora Torget on the other side of the Esplanade, Vängåvan Park forms a large green space and the heart of Sundsvall. The park, with its fountain built at the end of the 19th century, was one of the first publicly designed spaces in Sweden. During Sundsvall's rapid economic growth, the area around Vängåvan, with its several banks, became one of Sweden's most important financial centers. The fountain in the center of the park was designed by the Sundsvall artist Sofia Gisberg. It was completed on August 25, 1886, the same day as the new Läroverket (the Swedish National Library), now the Hedbergska School. The fountain was made possible by donations from A. P. Hedberg. Public artworks were rare in Swedish provincial towns at that time and considered highly exclusive.
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Located in the heart of Stenstan, the stone city, some of Sundsvall's most magnificent houses are situated around its main square, Stora Torget. A market is also held here regularly.
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Sundsvall's city park is not in the middle of the city center, but on a 165 m high mountain. It is called Norra Berget. But it is not just the location of the city park that is unusual, but also its shape. The city park is an exciting open-air museum with playgrounds and barbecue areas, all kinds of animals, two cafés, small shops and over forty typical Swedish wooden houses from all over Medelpad. The open-air museum grounds are always open. The cafés, shops, the restaurant and the observation tower have different opening times.
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If you are standing in the center at Stora Torget in Sundsvall, you should look up at the house facades and see the richly decorated dormer windows and roofs of the stone houses. With all this splendor, you can understand why many Swedes today consider Sundsvall to be the most beautiful city in the country. This district is called Stenstan, or the stone city. The center of the district is the magnificent Stadshuset at Stora Torget. If you stroll through the city center along the pedestrian zone, you will be able to admire many colorful dragons. We discovered around 20 dragons. The dragon is a symbol of Sundsvall.
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At the pilgrimage centre there is also a beautiful circular path around Selångersfjärden from Selånger with information boards about the history of the place and the local wildlife, about 6 km long
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The medieval pilgrimage route St. Olavsleden was reopened in 2013 after extensive renovation work. The hiking trail is about 580 km long and runs between Selånger near Sundsvall and Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway. Nidaros Cathedral is the burial church of St. Olav. The route stretches from coast to coast, from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Atlantic Ocean.
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The Selånger Pilgrimage Centre has been located in an old barn of a vicarage from the early 20th century, which once housed 27 cows and four horses, since 2021. This is where the St. Olav's Way officially begins. The Selånger Pilgrimage Centre has a café, conference rooms and exhibition areas, and of course lots of information about the pilgrimage route.
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Sundsvalls kommun is rich in history. You can explore the impressive 19th-century architecture of Stenstan (Stone City) Sundsvall, particularly around Stora Torget (Main Square). Other notable landmarks include the Neo-Gothic Gustav Adolf Church and the historic Hotell Knaust with its famous marble staircase. For a deeper dive into the region's past, visit the ancient burial mounds at Högom or the former ironworks at Galtströms Bruk.
Yes, Sundsvalls kommun offers several family-friendly options. The Norra Berget Open-Air Museum is a great choice, featuring historic houses, farm animals, playgrounds, and barbecue areas. For active fun, Himlabadet Water Park in the city center provides activities for all ages, including a surfing machine. Many of the city's main squares and parks, like Stora Torget and Vängåvan Park, are also suitable for families.
Nature enthusiasts have many options. Norra Berget and Södra Berget both offer extensive hiking trails and stunning views over the city. Alnön Island, a volcanic island just outside Sundsvall, features unique landscapes and excellent trails. You can also explore coastal paths connecting fishing villages or visit municipal nature reserves like Grenforsen and Lill-Sundsjön for peaceful walks. For more detailed routes, you can find various options for hiking around Sundsvalls kommun.
Beyond its historical sites, Sundsvalls kommun has a vibrant cultural scene. The Norra Berget Open-Air Museum showcases traditional agricultural communities. Kulturmagasinet, housed in old harbor warehouses, is home to the Sundsvall Museum and city library, offering exhibitions on local history, art, and various cultural events. The Selånger Pilgrim Center marks the official start of St. Olavs Way, a significant pilgrimage route.
Yes, Sundsvalls kommun provides excellent opportunities for cycling and running. Many areas, including Södra Berget, feature trails suitable for both. You can find a variety of road cycling routes and running trails that explore the city and its surrounding natural beauty, often passing by key attractions like Vängåvan Park and the Gustav Adolf Church.
The "Stone City" or Stenstan is Sundsvall's city center, rebuilt entirely in stone after a devastating fire in 1888. It's famous for its magnificent 19th-century architecture and was voted the most beautiful city in Sweden in 2017. Here, you can admire richly decorated buildings, stroll along the pedestrian zone, and visit Stora Torget (Main Square), which often hosts markets.
Several areas in Sundsvalls kommun offer good accessibility. The city center, including Stora Torget and Vängåvan Park, is generally accessible. While specific information on all attractions' accessibility varies, many modern facilities and public spaces are designed to accommodate wheelchairs.
The best time to visit Sundsvalls kommun largely depends on your interests. Summer (June-August) is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities, coastal trails, and city parks in pleasant weather. Autumn brings beautiful fall foliage, perfect for hiking. Winter offers opportunities for skiing and other snow activities at places like Sidsjöbacken Ski Resort. Spring is a time of awakening nature, suitable for walks and exploring.
Beyond the mountains, Sundsvalls kommun boasts unique natural features. Alnön Island, a volcanic island, offers distinct landscapes. The Ljungan Valley to the south is known for its spectacular views and fishing opportunities. You can also explore several municipal nature reserves like Grenforsen, Klampenborg, Målstaallmänningen, and Lill-Sundsjön, which provide peaceful forest environments for relaxation and short hikes.
To delve into ancient history, visit Högom, one of northern Sweden's largest burial mounds, offering insights into the 6th-century chieftain known as "Högomsmannen." Nearby, Nolby Högar also features Iron Age burial mounds and the Burestenen rune stone, providing a glimpse into the region's prehistoric past.
Yes, during winter, Sidsjöbacken Ski Resort just outside the city offers three ski slopes, cross-country trails, ice skating, and tobogganing. Södra Berget also transforms its hiking trails into ski tracks, providing more options for winter sports enthusiasts.
Visitors frequently praise the city's unique blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The impressive 19th-century architecture of Stenstan, especially around Stora Torget, is a major highlight. Many also appreciate the stunning views and recreational opportunities at Norra Berget, which combines an open-air museum with nature trails.
Absolutely. Vängåvan Park and Fountain is a significant green space located in the heart of Sundsvall. It's an ideal spot to relax, enjoy the fountain designed by Sofia Gisberg, and take a break amidst the city's architecture. It forms a large green area together with Stora Torget.
While not directly within Sundsvalls kommun, the Höga Kusten (High Coast), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is about an hour and a half drive north and makes for an excellent day trip. It's renowned for its dramatic granite cliffs and sea-jutting rocks, offering spectacular hiking opportunities and breathtaking coastal scenery.


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