Things To Do
in Söderhamn
Söderhamn is a small town in Gävleborg County, Sweden, located along the Ljusnan River. The town blends industrial heritage with green spaces, offering a calm base for exploring Hälsingland and the Baltic coast. The city center features wooden houses, a friendly local scene, and easy access to forests, lakes, and cycling routes.
Visitors will enjoy riverside strolls, cultural sites, and a relaxed Scandinavian atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Söderhamn and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Swedish pastries. Take a walk along the beautiful waterfront to soak in the fresh air and scenic views.
Visit the Söderhamn Museum to learn about the town's history, culture, and its significance in the timber industry. Explore the charming streets, stopping by unique shops and boutiques. Grab lunch at a cute bistro, trying some local seafood dishes.
Dine at a waterfront restaurant with fresh catches of the day, while enjoying the sunset views over the Gulf of Bothnia. Post-dinner, stroll through the cozy town center, possibly catching some live music or local events. End your evening with a nightcap at a nearby pub.
Start the day with breakfast before heading out to the nearby Söderhamn archipelago. Embark on a guided kayak tour to explore the numerous islands and hidden coves. Enjoy the tranquility of nature as you paddle through serene waters.
After kayaking, take a scenic hike on one of the marked trails, surrounded by lush forests and curious wildlife. Stop for a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty. Consider a visit to a lookout point for breathtaking panoramic views of the archipelago.
Return to Söderhamn and freshen up for dinner. Indulge in a hearty meal at a local tavern reflecting traditional Swedish cuisine. Spend your evening relaxing by the shore, perhaps with a bonfire if permitted, sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | $40-70 |
| 🚌Public transport day pass | $6-12 |
| 🍺Beer at a local bar | $5-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable town with easy access to nature
- Friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere
- Beautiful riverfront and parks for outdoor activities
- Good base for exploring Hälsingland and nearby towns
- Limited nightlife and dining options compared to big cities
- Weather can be changeable and winters are cold
- Public transport options are practical but slower than in larger urban areas
- "Hej" - Hello
- "Tack" - Thank you
- "God morgon" - Good morning
- "Ursäkta, kan jag få notan?" - Excuse me, can I get the bill?
- "Var ligger toaletten?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Hur mycket kostar det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Pratar du engelska?" - Do you speak English?
- "När öppnar det?" - When does it open?
Places to Visit in Söderhamn
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic riverside path with reflections, boats, and willow trees offering dramatic light.
Historic 19th-century wooden façades and cobbled streets ideal for morning light.
City park with open lawns and a hilltop vantage point overlooking the town and river.
Food in Söderhamn
Söderhamn Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured salmon served with mustard-dill sauce and rye bread or crispbread; a common starter or light lunch.
Must-Try!
Open-faced sandwich topped with peeled shrimp, mayonnaise, lettuce, and a wedge of lemon on soft Swedish bread.
Swedish meatballs served with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam; widely available in local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls around the central square selling berries, fish, cheeses, and baked goods.
Temporary stalls offering grilled fish, pastries, and traditional Swedish snacks near the river.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and transportation; lateness is generally frowned upon in formal settings.
Take part in fika breaks; it’s a social ritual of coffee and cake, and a polite moment for conversation.
Queue in an orderly fashion and wait your turn in shops and transit.
A simple 'Hej' (hi) and a handshake are common; maintain polite eye contact.
Swedes value personal space and relatively quiet public surroundings; avoid loud conversations in public transport.
Safety
Tipping in Söderhamn
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Sweden; rounding up the bill or leaving about 5-10% for good service is common but not expected.
Credit/debit cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; cash is less common in many places but still usable in smaller shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long days with mild to warm temperatures; great for outdoor activities, riverside strolls, and markets. Expect occasional rain and pleasant evenings for outdoor dining.
Cooler days with colorful foliage; ideal for forest walks and harvest-related events. Bring a light jacket and waterproof layer.
Cold and snowy with shorter daylight hours; indoor attractions and cozy cafés are popular. Dress in layers and waterproof boots for outdoor activities.
Mild weather and blooming plants; great for nature walks and outdoor markets as the region wakes up after winter.
Söderhamn at Night
Hiking in Söderhamn
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic riverside hike with forested sections and views over the water; suitable for a half-day trip from Söderhamn.
Network of forest trails through birch and pine, with small lakes and wildlife; great for day hikes from town.
Airports
How to reach Söderhamn by plane.
Regional airport serving northern Sweden; roughly 2 hours by car from Söderhamn; connects to Stockholm and other cities.
Sweden's main international gateway; longer travel time from Söderhamn but excellent international connections.
Smaller regional airport with limited commercial service; feasible for some private or charter flights; drive or train to Söderhamn.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many households with children; safe neighborhoods and good schools in the area.
A steady presence of older residents contributing to a relaxed pace of life.
People who travel to nearby towns for work, reflecting the town's role as a regional hub.
Young adults and students in the broader Hälsingland area who use Söderhamn as a base.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Strong regional presence with local clubs and seasonal games.
Active community leagues and local matches in the warmer months.
Popular indoor sport with local clubs.
Widely enjoyed in winter with nearby trails and winter equipment rental.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Söderhamn.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetarian dishes such as vegetable soups, salads, and veggie patties; in smaller venues you may need to ask in Swedish or English. Consider cooking in accommodation or booking ahead for vegetarian or vegan options; inform staff about dairy or egg restrictions.