Things To Do
in Örnsköldsvik

Locally smoked salmon, herring and whitefish are available at harbour smokehouses and markets; try gravlax at cafés and restaurants along the waterfront.

Must-Try!

A rich cheese pie made with Västerbotten cheese, often served as a starter or at celebrations; available in cafés and at local lunch spots.

Classic Swedish prawn toast that features locally caught prawns or shrimp; a popular lunch or starter in seaside restaurants.

In autumn and winter you’ll find dishes featuring reindeer or local game at traditional restaurants or seasonal menus.

Small smokehouses at the harbour sell smoked fish and seafood; seasonal farmers’ markets (weekends in summer) offer berries, preserves, breads and cheeses.

Look for bakeries and occasional food trucks serving pastries, hot dogs and simple warm dishes during festivals and events.

Be on time for appointments and social gatherings — punctuality is appreciated and expected.

Respect personal space and keep noise levels moderate, especially on public transport and in residential areas.

It’s common to remove shoes when entering someone’s home; recycling and sorting waste is practiced widely — follow local bins.

Conversations tend to be reserved and modest (the Swedish concept of ‘lagom’). Avoid imposing on strangers and be polite and direct when needed.

Tipping is discretionary in Sweden; service charges are usually included and guests often round up or leave a small tip (5–10%) for good service. In casual cafés it’s common to not tip; for taxis and bartenders, rounding up is normal.

Cards are widely accepted (chip and contactless). Cash is used less frequently; mobile payments via Swish are very common locally, and many smaller vendors accept card-only payments.

Warmest and sunniest season with long daylight hours (midnight sun effects in northern latitudes), ideal for hiking, kayaking and island hopping; many attractions and cafés operate full hours.

Crisp air and colourful foliage make for beautiful hiking and photography; weather can be changeable with more rain, and some services start to reduce hours late in the season.

Cold with snow and ice — great for skiing, snowshoeing and winter sports; short daylight but opportunities for northern lights if skies are clear; prepare for icy conditions and dress warmly.

Thawing landscapes, migrating birds and early flowers; shoulder season with fewer tourists and variable weather, but many trails become accessible and wildlife is active.

A long-distance trail broken into day sections that traverse cliffs, forests and coastline; excellent for multi-day trekking or shorter day hikes near Örnsköldsvik.

Short but dramatic trails up Skuleberget with viewpoints, exposed ridges and the famous Slåttdalsskrevan crevice — popular and photogenic.

Island paths with coastal scenery, lighthouses and quiet bays; reachable by boat and good for gentle walks and wildlife watching.

Easy coastal trails and beach walks near town suitable for families, sunrise photography and casual exploration.

Most cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian options (salads, cheese pies, vegetable soups); specify ‘vegetarisk’ and staff are used to accommodating requests.

Vegan options are available but more limited outside summer tourist season — ask for plant-based choices and watch out for dairy in soups and sauces.

Many places can provide gluten-free breads and dishes if you request ‘glutenfritt’; smaller cafés can be hit-or-miss, so mention it when ordering.

Staff are generally accommodating; use short phrases or show a written note in Swedish to avoid misunderstandings about severe allergies.