Tips for autumn outings in Gästrikland

1. Rönnåsen is fantastic!

Just outside Ockelbo, 270 metres above sea level, Rönnåsen offers wonderful views across northern Gästrikland from its summit. The view is spectacular, with forests, vast fields, rivers and lakes stretching out across the landscape below. On a clear day, you can even see the sea on the horizon!

The area is a perfect destination for visitors of all ages. The child-friendly Mullestigen trail encourages children to discover animals and nature through small figures and fun challenges along the way. From Mullestigen, you can hike out to the field of rounded stones, where there is an accessible viewing platform. There is also an adventure trail for children near the large car park by the ski lift.

Our tips:

• Bring a hot drink and a tasty packed lunch to make the most of your visit.
• Take a few beautiful photos on your phone to capture the experience.
• Take your time, pause and simply enjoy the surroundings.

See you at the top!

2. Autumn hiking in Färnebofjärden National Park

Experience a unique river landscape dressed in elegant autumn colours along the lower Dalälven River. The area is teeming with life amid a wonderful variety of beautiful natural settings. Ancient spruce forests, deciduous woodlands, riverside meadows, sandy pine forests and the unique river landscape offer unforgettable nature experiences.

Färnebofjärden National Park has an accessible trail suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, walkers and mobility scooters. It starts at the national park’s main entrance and is approximately 400 metres long, ending with a wide wooden boardwalk across a riverside meadow. Along the way, you can experience some of the most beautiful parts of the national park and most of the different natural habitats that Färnebofjärden has to offer.

If you want to make your visit extra special, you can book one of Gysinge Herrgård’s hiking packages.

Our tips:

• Dress for the weather – a warm hiker is a happy hiker.
• Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the wildlife and nature.
• Bring a friend – experiences like these are worth sharing.

See you in Österfärnebo!

sverigesnationalparker.se/farnebofjarden

3. The best food experiences – taste Gästrikland

Autumn offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious flavours from our region. Visit one of the many markets taking place, including Bondens Egen Marknad farmers’ market every Saturday at Stortorget in Gävle, or the harvest markets in Högbo and Gysinge. At Kajsas Gröna in Valbo, the produce is not only locally grown – it is grown right there on the farm. Pick up something delicious from the self-service farm shop right next to the vegetable fields.

Gävle also has plenty to offer food lovers, with a wide range of cosy cafés and restaurants. The multi-award-winning restaurant Matildas has, among other accolades, been featured in the White Guide and is known for one particularly distinctive dish on its menu. What is it? Black pudding with salted confit pork from a local farm. Enjoy!

Our tips:

• Skip breakfast at home and enjoy brunch in town, for example at Konditori Lido or Epí.
• Take your time at the café or restaurant and savour the experience.
• Don’t forget your comfy clothes so you can relax in your hotel room afterwards with a pleasantly full stomach.

4. Hike along the Gävle coast

Walk all or part of Norrlandets kustled, a coastal hiking trail just north-east of central Gävle. Choose the distance that suits you best on the day. Don’t miss the section past Gråberget, with its spectacular views.

In the beautiful old fishing village of Bönan, fishing traditions stretch far back in time. Perhaps you can pick up some smoked herring from one of the local smokehouses? Autumn is also a great time to come across the large stands of sea buckthorn growing along the Gästrikland coast. The berries growing on these thorny bushes are often described as the Nordic region’s own superfood and are said to contain six times as much vitamin C as oranges.

At weekends, you can stop for coffee, brunch, a light meal or dinner at Skärgårdskrogen Utvalnäs or Böna Café. Or why not pick up something tasty in central Gävle on your way out? Bus 95 serves the area, making it easy to travel sustainably. Engeltofta is a convenient stop to get off at and start your hike.

Our tips:

Take a coffee break at Marskärsudden – a cosy spot with a wind shelter and beautiful views of the sea.

Plan your trip for the weekend and take the opportunity to visit one of the restaurants that are open then.

Celebrate with something tasty when you reach the top of Gråberget, and don’t forget to capture the view. A perfect Instagram moment!

To find out more about Norrlandets kustled, click here.

5. Discover the architecture and culture of Gävle

Without the Gavleån River, there would be no Gävle. Where boats once sailed and a bustling harbour thrived, a row of palatial buildings now lines the river. Today, the riverside is home to two museums, an art gallery and a concert hall, and in a couple of years it will also welcome a brand-new cultural centre, Agnes Kulturhus.

Many of the buildings along the Gavleån River are architectural gems, while the riverside itself is a park and walking area with roots dating back to the 19th century. In autumn 2022, this remarkable cultural heritage was highlighted in a new walking guide: “Årummet i Gävle”. The guide invites you to discover Gävle and take a walk along the river. It is free of charge and available at several locations around the city.

Our tips:

• Länsmuseet Gävleborg always has new and exciting exhibitions. Currently on display: “Fiskare – finns det en framtid?”
• Take a look at the events calendar and plan your stay around when your favourite artist is coming to town.
• The Gavleån River offers more than cultural experiences – there is also great fishing. Don’t forget your fishing rod!