Sundsvall

A coastal city rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1888 with impressive stone architecture and wide boulevards in a distinctive grid pattern. Worth visiting for its unique urban design, maritime museums, and access to the Höga Kusten (High Coast) region.

Things to do

• Explore the Grid City Centre — Walk the distinctive rectangular grid of wide boulevards and stone buildings designed after the 1888 fire, featuring elegant architecture and cafés.
• Visit the Maritime Museum — Discover Sundsvall's history as a major timber and shipping port through exhibits on local maritime heritage and coastal trade.
• Höga Kusten Day Trip — Journey to the dramatic High Coast UNESCO World Heritage site just north of the city to see steep cliffs, picturesque villages, and coastal landscapes.
• Norrlands Museum — Explore regional cultural and natural history exhibits showcasing life in northern Sweden and indigenous Sámi heritage.
• Stroll along the Sundsvall Waterfront — Walk the scenic harbor promenade with views of the bay, historic timber warehouses, and modern recreational areas.
• Murberget Open-Air Museum — Experience traditional Swedish rural life through historic farmsteads and buildings relocated to create an authentic village setting.

Food to try

• Västernorrland Fish Soup — A creamy seafood soup featuring local white fish, prawns, and mussels from the Bothnian Bay, often served with bread and dill.
• Surströmming — The region's famous fermented herring with a pungent aroma, traditionally eaten on thin bread with chopped onions and potatoes.
• Game and Reindeer Dishes — Local restaurants serve elk, venison, and reindeer prepared with lingonberries and mushrooms, reflecting northern Swedish hunting traditions.
• Höga Kusten Mussels — Fresh blue mussels harvested from the cold waters of the High Coast, grilled or served in white wine sauce at waterfront restaurants.
• Ljusbakelse — A traditional Swedish pastry with a custard and jam filling, a local specialty found in Sundsvall's bakeries and cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Appreciate Fire-Recovery Architecture — The city's distinctive stone buildings and wide streets were intentionally designed after the 1888 fire to prevent future conflagrations, making urban planning central to local pride.
• Visit During Summer Months — May to September offers the best weather for exploring the city and accessing the High Coast, as winters are long and dark with limited daylight.
• Respect Outdoor Access Rights — Sweden's 'allemansrätten' (right to roam) allows public access to nature, but visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid private property.
• Learn About Maritime Heritage — Sundsvall's identity is deeply tied to its timber export and shipping past, so engaging with maritime museums and waterfront history provides insight into local culture.