Sundsvall, Medelpad | Exploring Sweden

Sundsvall is a city described as being built of stone and guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. With approximately 58,000 inhabitants, Sundsvall is the third-largest city in northern Sweden, surpassed only by Umeå and Gävle. The city offers many reasons for a visit, with abundant nature close by and a city center considered worthy of a capital. For travelers passing by on the E4 highway, the impressive Sundsvall Bridge provides a striking glimpse of what the city has to offer. Its unique architectural character and symbolic guardian make it a distinct destination along the coast of the Baltic Sea.

The city’s identity is deeply rooted in its dramatic history and its remarkable recovery from disaster. The decision to rebuild the city entirely in stone after a devastating fire has resulted in a unique and elegant urban landscape. This stone core, known as Stenstan, features wide streets and grand buildings that give it a continental European feel. The dragon, once a detail on a single building, has been embraced as the symbol of the entire municipality, representing strength and courage. This blend of historical resilience and modern vibrancy makes Sundsvall a compelling place to explore.

History of Sundsvall

The city of Sundsvall was founded in the year 1621. It was established on what was then pasture grounds at the location where the river Selångersån meets the Baltic Sea. Sundsvall was just one of several towns founded around this time along the northern Swedish coast, a development that followed a journey around the Gulf of Bothnia by the statesman Johan Skytte two years earlier. During its 400-year history, the city has been shaped by industrial development, conflict, and most notably, three major fires that led to its complete transformation.

The Founding and Early Development

In its earliest days, Sundsvall was a small settlement that mainly housed a few fishermen. As the town began to develop, its strategic coastal location attracted the attention of the Swedish Crown. This led to the construction of a weapons factory in the town, marking an early phase of industrial activity. Over time, the city’s industrial focus shifted, and it eventually developed into a major center for the forestry industry. This industry would come to dominate the region’s economy and drive the city’s growth in the later centuries, making Sundsvall one of the wealthiest cities in Sweden during the late 19th century.

A History of Major Fires

Sundsvall has endured three major fires during its history, each leaving a significant mark on the city. The first fire occurred in 1721 during the Russian Pillage, when the Imperial Russian Fleet attacked civilian populations along the Swedish east coast during the Great Northern War. A second major fire in 1803 saw 211 houses burn down in just five hours, which resulted in over 900 of the town’s approximately 1,000 inhabitants becoming homeless. The final and most devastating fire took place in 1888; it is considered the largest city fire in the history of Sweden. This fire left the town in ruins within nine hours and caused around 9,000 people to lose their homes.

Rebuilding in Stone

The great fire of 1888 prompted a monumental decision that would forever change the character of Sundsvall. After the disaster, the decision was made to rebuild the city center entirely in stone to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again. The new city plan dictated that only stone houses were to be built, and the streets were made wider to act as firebreaks. However, only the wealthy citizens and timber barons could afford to rebuild their houses in this expensive new material. One of the most spectacular buildings from this era was the Hirschska huset, or the House of Hirsch, which featured a dragon statue in one of its towers to protect it from future fires.

Sights in Sundsvall

The city of Sundsvall offers visitors a variety of interesting things to do and see, largely centered around its unique history and its natural surroundings. The central part of the city, known as Stenstan, is an attraction in itself, with its grand stone architecture and wide, walkable streets. For those interested in history and nature, the city is flanked by two hills, Norra Stadsberget and Södra berget, each offering different experiences. Norra Stadsberget is home to an open-air museum, while Södra berget serves as a large outdoor center with recreational trails and activities.

A unique cultural feature of the city is its connection to the symbol of the dragon, which is celebrated with an annual parade. Beyond the city center, the island of Alnö offers beautiful beaches and a change of scenery. The city’s cultural heart can be found in the Kulturmagasinet, a collection of historic warehouses that now house museums and the city library. Exploring these different sights provides a comprehensive look at the city’s heritage, from its post-fire reconstruction to its modern cultural expressions.

Stenstan (The Stone City)

Stenstan, or the ”stone city,” is the name given to the central part of Sundsvall and is its most famous sight. This entire district is a product of the rebuilding effort that followed the great fire of 1888. The architectural style is grand and uniform, as only stone houses were permitted, resulting in one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved cityscapes from the late 19th century. The streets were also designed to be wider to prevent future fires from spreading. One of the most spectacular buildings is the Hirschska huset, which famously features a dragon statue in one of its towers. The district’s elegant buildings, parks, and wide walking streets make it a beautiful area to explore on foot.

Norra Stadsberget

Norra Stadsberget is a hill located to the north of Sundsvall’s city center. This area offers visitors not only a great view of the city below but also serves as the location for Sundsvall’s open-air museum. This museum has taken inspiration from the famous Skansen in Stockholm. It provides an opportunity to explore the history of the Medelpad region through its collection of historical buildings. Visitors can also see domestic animals on the site, and there is a large playground available for children to enjoy. The hill is a popular recreational area for locals and a key attraction for tourists.

Södra Berget

Södra berget, which translates to the southern hill, is the location of a large outdoor and activity center. This area is a primary destination for recreation and sports for both locals and visitors. The hill features several ski slopes for winter activities, providing downhill skiing opportunities close to the city. During the warmer months, it offers numerous walking and jogging trails with excellent views. For younger travelers, the area includes both a forest playground and the Tarzan path (Tarzanstigen), which offers adventures along its route. The hotel on the hill also has a well-known spa and restaurant.

Kulturmagasinet

The Kulturmagasinet, or Culture Warehouse, is the cultural heart of Sundsvall. It is housed in four large brick warehouses from the late 19th century, located near the harbor. This impressive complex contains both the Sundsvall Museum and the city library under one roof. The museum’s exhibits tell the story of the city and the Medelpad region, from its early history to the industrial boom and the great fire. The building itself is an architectural landmark and a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage. It is a central meeting place in the city and a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and history.

Gustav Adolfs Kyrka

The Gustav Adolfs kyrka is the main church in the center of Sundsvall. It is located in the heart of Stenstan and is an excellent example of the architecture from the rebuilding period after the 1888 fire. The church was inaugurated in 1894 and is built in a Neo-Gothic style, constructed from the same local red brick as many of the surrounding buildings. Its tall spire is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. The church is named after King Gustav II Adolf, who signed the city’s founding charter. It is an active church and also a beautiful historical monument open to visitors.

Find the Dragons

The dragon that was first placed on the House of Hirsch later became the official symbol of the municipality of Sundsvall. This symbol is the inspiration for an annual public art event, the Dragon Parade, which first began in 2003. The Dragon Parade starts in May each year, and numerous large, artistically decorated dragon statues are placed throughout the center of Sundsvall for the entire summer. These unique sculptures are created by local artists and sponsored by local businesses. At the end of the summer, the best dragon statue is elected during a festival.

Himlabadet

The Himlabadet is a popular indoor and outdoor water park located in the city center. It is one of the most visited family attractions in Sundsvall. The indoor section is open year-round and features multiple pools, water slides, a climbing wall, and jacuzzis. During the summer, the outdoor section opens with additional pools and sunbathing areas. The facility is known for its rooftop pool, which offers a unique view over the city. Himlabadet is a modern facility that offers a full day of fun for all ages, making it a perfect activity for families, especially on a rainy day.

Alnö Island

The island of Alnö, located just east of Sundsvall, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during the summer. It is often referred to as ”Norrland’s Hawaii” due to its many beautiful beaches and coves. The island is easily accessible from the mainland via the Alnö Bridge. Alnö is known for its picturesque fishing villages, such as Spikarna, and its beautiful natural scenery. The island also has a unique geological history as the site of an ancient volcano. It offers a perfect escape from the city for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the coastal landscape.

Sundsvall Bridge

The Sundsvall Bridge (Sundsvallsbron) is a major landmark and an impressive feat of engineering. The bridge carries the E4 highway over the Sundsvall Bay, bypassing the city center and reducing traffic congestion. Opened in 2014, it is over 2,100 meters long, making it one of the longest bridges in Sweden. Its elegant design is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline, visible from many points, including Norra Stadsberget. For travelers on the E4, crossing the bridge provides a spectacular panoramic view of the city, the bay, and the surrounding landscape.

Merlo Slott

The Merlo Slott, or Merlo Castle, is a unique and picturesque building located just outside Sundsvall in the area of Timrå. It was built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for Fredrik Bünsow, one of the region’s wealthiest timber barons. The castle is designed in a romantic national style to resemble a medieval castle, complete with towers and crenellations. Today, the building is owned by a forestry company and is not open to the public, but its beautiful exterior and park-like surroundings can be admired from a distance. It stands as a testament to the immense wealth generated by the forestry industry in the late 1800s.

Traveling with Kids

Sundsvall offers several excellent attractions for families traveling with children, particularly those who enjoy outdoor activities and play. The city’s two main hills, Norra Stadsberget and Södra berget, serve as fantastic destinations for family fun. Both locations combine natural settings with purpose-built activities designed for younger travelers. This provides a great opportunity for children to play and explore while the family enjoys scenic views and fresh air.

These areas allow families to engage with both the region’s history and its natural landscape in an accessible and entertaining way. In addition to the outdoor options, the city also features one of the region’s most popular indoor water parks, ensuring that there is a fun activity available regardless of the weather. The combination of historical exploration, natural playgrounds, and modern recreational facilities makes Sundsvall a welcoming environment for its youngest visitors.

Activities for Kids in Sundsvall

For families seeking engaging activities, Sundsvall provides unique experiences that are both fun and memorable. From exploring historic buildings and seeing animals at an open-air museum to enjoying the thrills of a modern water park, the city offers diverse options. These activities allow children to interact with culture and recreation in a hands-on manner.

Norra Stadsberget Open-Air Museum

The open-air museum at Norra Stadsberget is a wonderful activity for families. It gives children a chance to explore the history of the Medelpad region by walking through historical buildings that have been moved to the site. The museum takes its inspiration from Skansen in Stockholm. In addition to the buildings, the site features domestic animals, which can be a fun experience for kids. The combination of history, animals, and open space makes it an educational and entertaining outing. The great view of the city from the hill is an added bonus for the entire family.

Himlabadet Water Park

The Himlabadet water park is a premier destination for family fun in Sundsvall. This large facility offers both indoor and outdoor pools, making it a year-round attraction. The indoor area features multiple water slides, a wave pool, and areas specifically for younger children. One of its most popular features is a water slide that goes outside the building and back in again. The park is a modern and safe environment for kids to swim and play. It provides a full day of energetic entertainment and is a perfect choice for families looking for a break from sightseeing.

Playgrounds in Sundsvall

For families with children, access to good playgrounds is always a plus. Sundsvall features dedicated playgrounds in its main recreational areas, providing safe and fun environments for kids to play. These play areas are located within natural settings on the city’s hills, offering scenic backdrops for family time.

Playground at Norra Stadsberget

There is a large playground located at the Norra Stadsberget recreational area. This playground serves as a key attraction for families visiting the hill’s open-air museum and lookout point. Its large size means there is plenty of space and equipment for many children to play at once. The playground provides a dedicated space for fun and physical activity. It is an essential part of the family-friendly offerings at Norra Stadsberget. After exploring the historical buildings, kids can enjoy some free time playing here in a beautiful setting.

Tarzan Path at Södra Berget

The Tarzan path, or Tarzanstigen, at Södra berget is a dedicated adventure trail for younger travelers. This activity encourages children to play and be active while exploring the natural forest environment of the hill. The path is designed with various adventures and low-level obstacles along its route, making a simple walk in the woods more exciting. It is part of the larger outdoor center on the southern hill, which also includes other recreational trails. This activity is a great way for children to burn off energy and engage with nature in a creative way.

Sports in Sundsvall

Sundsvall has a rich sporting history, with several clubs that have competed at the highest levels in Sweden. Football has traditionally been the most popular sport in the city, with the local club having a long history in the top national leagues. Ice hockey has also had a significant presence, with a former team that was beloved by the community. The city has modern arenas and stadiums to support these sports, providing venues for both elite competition and local participation. For visitors, attending a football match can be an excellent way to experience the local passion and community spirit.

GIF Sundsvall (Football)

The most prominent sports club in the city is GIF Sundsvall. Founded in 1903, this football club has a long and storied history. They are often referred to as ”Giffarna.” The club has spent many seasons competing in Allsvenskan, the top tier of Swedish football, as well as the second tier, Superettan. They play their home matches at NP3 Arena. The club has a strong local following and a fierce regional rivalry with Gefle IF. Attending a GIF Sundsvall match is a great way to see high-level Swedish football.

Sundsvall Dragons (Ice Hockey)

The Sundsvall Dragons was the name of the city’s premier ice hockey team for many years. The club had a passionate following and competed for several seasons in HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest league in Sweden. They played their home games at the Sundsvall Energi Arena. Unfortunately, the club faced financial difficulties and went bankrupt in 2017, an event that was a significant loss for the local sports community. Though the elite team no longer exists, its legacy is remembered by the city’s hockey fans.

Sundsvall FBC (Floorball)

Floorball, or ”innebandy,” is a very popular sport in Sweden, and Sundsvall is represented at a high level by Sundsvall FBC. The club was formed through a merger of other local teams. The men’s team competes in Allsvenskan, the second-highest floorball league in the country. They play their home matches at Sundsvalls Sporthall. The sport is known for being fast-paced and high-scoring, making for exciting games. The club has a strong youth program and is a key part of the local sports scene.

Getting Around in Sundsvall

The central part of Sundsvall, Stenstan, is very walkable and best explored on foot. Its wide streets, parks, and compact layout make it easy to navigate between shops, restaurants, and the main architectural sights. For travel to other parts of the city, such as the recreational areas on the hills or the airport, public transport is necessary. The local public transport system is managed by the regional authority, Din Tur, and consists primarily of a network of city buses. For those with a car, the road network is excellent, though parking in the city center may require using designated lots or garages.

Exploring Stenstan by Foot

The ”stone city” of Sundsvall is ideally suited for exploration on foot. The district was designed after the great fire of 1888 with wide streets and esplanades, which today make for pleasant walking routes. All the major sights within Stenstan, including the Kulturmagasinet, the Gustav Adolfs kyrka, and the many historic buildings, are within a short distance of each other. Walking is the best way to appreciate the unique and detailed architecture of the stone buildings. The central area is also filled with squares and parks, providing places to rest. This makes a walking tour the most immersive way to experience the city’s historic core.

Navigating by City Bus

The public transport system in Sundsvall is operated by Din Tur, the regional transport authority for Västernorrland county. The system is centered around a network of city buses that connect the downtown area with the suburbs and other key locations. The main bus hub is located at the city’s travel center (Resecentrum), which is also where the train station is located. From here, buses run to destinations such as the Norra and Södra berget recreational areas, the airport, and the large shopping centers on the outskirts of the city. This network is the primary mode of public transport for locals and visitors alike.

Traveling by Car

For those with a vehicle, traveling by car in and around Sundsvall is generally straightforward. The city is located at the junction of the E4 and E14 highways, making it very accessible. The Sundsvall Bridge helps to keep through-traffic out of the city center, which improves the driving experience within the city itself. Parking in the central Stenstan district is regulated, and it is often easiest to use one of the multi-story car parks (P-hus). A car is particularly useful for exploring attractions outside the immediate city, such as the island of Alnö or the historic site of Merlo Slott.

How to get to Sundsvall

Sundsvall is a well-connected city in northern Sweden, accessible via several modes of transportation. The city is strategically located where two major highways, the E4 and E14, meet, making it straightforward to reach by car. For those traveling by air, a local airport connects the region with Stockholm and, from there, the rest of the globe. The national rail network also serves the city, with northbound trains from Stockholm making regular stops. Additionally, long-distance bus routes provide another option for reaching the city.

Arriving by Air

Air travel to Sundsvall is served by Sundsvall–Timrå Airport (SDL). The airport is located 21 kilometers north of the city. This airport connects the Sundsvall area primarily with Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN). This crucial link allows for connections for travelers coming from or going to destinations around the globe. The flight between Sundsvall and Stockholm is short, making it a quick way to travel between the cities. From the airport, travelers can continue their journey to the city center via airport buses or taxi services.

Driving into the City

For those traveling by car, Sundsvall is conveniently located at the intersection of two major highways. The E4 highway is the main route that runs from southern to northern Sweden along the coast, passing directly through the city. The E14 highway connects Sundsvall with cities to the west, such as Östersund and Åre, and continues all the way to Trondheim in Norway. The impressive Sundsvall Bridge is a part of the E4 and offers travelers a memorable entry to the city. This excellent road access makes driving a very practical option for reaching Sundsvall.

Journey by Rail

The national rail network provides effective train connections to Sundsvall. The city is a key stop for the northbound trains that originate in Stockholm. This makes traveling by train from the capital a convenient option. In addition to the north-south line, there are also westbound rail connections from Sundsvall. These westbound routes connect to the cities of Östersund and further on to Trondheim in Norway. The train station is centrally located at the Resecentrum, allowing for easy access to the rest of the city upon arrival.

Connecting by Bus

Several long-distance bus routes serve Sundsvall, providing another option for public transport. These bus routes run along the northern coast of Sweden, connecting various towns and cities. Sundsvall is a major stop on these routes. This makes it possible to travel to and from the city by bus from many other locations in the region. For travelers looking for a budget-friendly alternative to the train or flying, the bus can be a good choice. The bus terminal is typically located at the central Resecentrum for convenient transfers.

Coastal Travel & Ferries

While Sundsvall is not a major international ferry port, its location on the E4 corridor makes it accessible for those traveling to Sweden by sea. Major ferry ports further south, such as Stockholm or Nynäshamn, receive regular services from countries like Finland, Estonia, and Poland. Travelers arriving at these ports with a vehicle can then drive north along the E4 to reach Sundsvall. Similarly, the port of Umeå further north receives ferries from Vaasa in Finland. This makes the city a logical stop on a longer road trip through the coastal regions of the Baltic Sea.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Gävle, Sweden – 209 kilometers (2 h 10 min)
• Östersund, Sweden – 216 kilometers (2 h 40 min)
• Umeå, Sweden – 265 kilometers (3 h 00 min)
• Uppsala, Sweden – 311 kilometers (3 h 10 min)
• Stockholm, Sweden – 372 kilometers (3 h 50 min)
• Trondheim, Norway – 389 kilometers (5 h 20 min)
• Linköping, Sweden – 572 kilometers (5 h 50 min)
• Gothenburg, Sweden – 730 kilometers (8 h 00 min)
• Kiruna, Sweden – 863 kilometers (9 h 40 min)
• Malmö, Sweden – 985 kilometers (9 h 30 min)

Explore More of Medelpad and Sweden

This post was first published 2020-08-23 and was updated 2025-07-28