Gästrikland – a peaceful province by the Baltic Sea

Conveniently located just north of Uppland – a mere two-hour drive from Stockholm – Gästrikland is a historic province along Sweden’s east coast. The province’s varied landscapes range from archipelago and rolling meadows to deep forests and mountain-studded terrain in the northwest. This diverse nature makes it ideal for outdoor adventures year-round, whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking. If alpine skiing is on your agenda, the sustainably run Kungsberget ski resortis a must-visit.

Cultural experiences abound as well. The province’s coastal capital, Gävle, offers a wealth of sights, activities, and attractions. The city is also home to some iconic traditions and brands. One is the Gävle Goat, a gigantic version of a traditional Swedish Christmas decoration that appears annually in the city centre. Another is Gevalia, one of Sweden’s most popular coffee brands. Even the beloved car-shaped candy, Ahlgrens Bilar, hails from Gästrikland.

A variety of hotels, hostels, and other accommodations are available throughout the region, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Lap up the culture of Gästrikland and Gävle

A stroll through ‘Gamla Gefle’ – Old Town Gävle – is a must when visiting Gästrikland. Most of the charming houses in this cobblestoned area, just south of the Gavleån River, date from the 18th century and are painted in soft pastel hues. These are the only remains of the devastating fire that swept through the city in 1869.

Mining and iron production have shaped Gästrikland since the 5th century. While some ironworks, like those in Hofors and Sandviken, remain in use, others have been transformed into historical sites. Axmar Bruk, for example, dates back to 1671 and offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s industrial past. Set near the beautiful coastal area of Ödmården, this cultural heritage site features historic buildings, an English park, and a preserved canal system that was once essential to iron production.

For a taste of UNESCO-listed heritage, visit Erik-Anders Hälsingegård the nearby province of Hälsingland. Located in the village of Asta, just on Gästrikland’s border, this grand 19th-century farmhouse boasts striking interiors adorned with artwork by the renowned Knutes family of artists.

A variety of outdoor adventures

Gästrikland is full of coastal charm. ‘Jungfrukusten’ – the Maiden Coast – stretches 200 kilometres from Öregrund in the south to the High Coast in the north. A highlight within the Gävle archipelago is Limön island, home to a historic fishing hamlet that has been in use since the 18th century. Today, the harbour is a lively summer destination with a variety of activities. If you’re looking to swim, head to one of the island’s three main bathing areas: Kalkudden, Scoutviken, and Tärnviken. Limön is also ideal for hiking, offering scenic trails through a protected nature conservation area filled with unique plant and bird species.

For cycling enthusiasts, the picturesque Jungfruleden trail stretches 70 kilometres from bustling Gävle to the historic surroundings of Axmar Bruk.

Animal lovers can embark on a wildlife safari with Wild Nordic. Their guided experiences take you deep into the forest, where you can safely observe bears in their natural habitat from a comfortable hideaway.

Eat and drink in the name of sustainability

Like the rest of Sweden, Gästrikland is embracing a more sustainable food culture, focusing on organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. A standout example is the acclaimed restaurant at Högbo Brukshotell in Sandviken, located on the historic Högbo Bruk estate. Depending on the season, the menu might feature foraged mushrooms, grilled local lamb with fresh pasta, or root vegetables.

In Gävle, Matildas Kvarterskrog is a popular neighbourhood restaurant serving imaginative dishes crafted with ingredients from local producers. Even their desserts offer a twist – expect creations like sorrel ice cream with mint and chervil meringue, topped with frozen elderflowers picked in nearby Valbo.