Medelpad, Sweden Travel Guide

Discover Medelpad: A Swedish haven of natural splendor and rich cultural heritage, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Nestled in the heart of Sweden, Medelpad offers a captivating blend of stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. Known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and serene lakes, this region is a paradise for nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply soaking in breathtaking views, Medelpad has something to offer for every outdoor enthusiast. The region's cultural heritage is equally compelling, with a history that dates back to ancient times. Visitors can explore charming villages, historical landmarks, and traditional Swedish architecture. The city of Sundsvall, often referred to as the 'Stone City', is a must-visit for its beautiful stone buildings and vibrant cultural scene. Don't miss the chance to visit the Sundsvall Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the area's fascinating past. Medelpad is also known for its warm and welcoming locals who are always eager to share stories and tips about their beloved region. From tasting local delicacies to participating in traditional Swedish festivities, you will find countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. No matter the season, Medelpad promises an unforgettable experience filled with natural beauty and cultural richness.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Medelpad.

Best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
Visit the Norra Berget (North Mountain) in Sundsvall for panoramic views and a glimpse into local wildlife and culture.
Try the local delicacy 'surströmming', a traditional Swedish fermented fish, for a unique culinary experience.
Rent a car to explore the region at your own pace and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the shoulder seasons.

Explore Medelpad: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Medelpad

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Slåttdalsskrevan

A narrow, dramatic granite crevasse through Slåttdalsberget — a tactile lesson in glaciers, faults and the High Coast’s uplifted coastline.

4.7

Länsmuseet Gävleborg

A multi‑floor county museum in a red‑brick Gävle building with strong art, textile and regional history collections and rotating exhibitions.

4.2

Naturum Höga Kusten

A modern, family-friendly visitor centre that explains the High Coast’s rising shorelines and links you straight to Skuleberget and nearby nature.

4.4

Norra Berget friluftsmuseum

A leafy hilltop mix of historic farmhouses, heritage animals, cafés and forest trails with wide views over Sundsvall.

4.5

Best landmarks in Medelpad

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Slåttdalsskrevan

Descend into Sweden's most mesmerizing granite chasm, a 200m Ice Age scar amid Skuleskogen's ancient forests and uplifting High Coast wonders.

4.7

Flataklocken, Sveriges geografiska mittpunkt

Stand at Sweden's geographical heart atop Flataklocken, where epic Medelpad views meet historic significance and cozy fika amid serene hilltop wilds.

4.3

Galtströms Bruk & Herrgård AB

Medelpads första järnbruk: Masugn, ånglok och herrgård vid havet – en tidsresa i idyllisk natur.

4.4

Lögdö Bruk

Step into Sweden's preserved ironworks world at Lögdö Bruk, where 17th-century forges meet timeless rural charm in Timrå's culture reserve.

4.1

Best restaurants in Medelpad

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Skatans Café

Seaside haven in Skatan harbor serving world-class pizzas, fresh mussels, and Swedish seafood classics amid stunning archipelago views and charming fisherman cottages.

4.4

The Bishops Arms Sundsvall

Sundsvall's premier gastropub by Vängåvan river, boasting the widest beer and whisky selection with British pub vibes and hearty cuisine in a historic city heart.

4.2

Bloco

Sundsvall's fiery fusion hotspot on Stora Torget: South American tapas, killer cocktails, and terrace vibes that blend Latin spice with Nordic chill.

4.1

Naturaj

An intimate, season-led tasting kitchen in Sundsvall where provenance, preservation and an open kitchen shape a deliberate multi-course evening.

4.8

Best bars in Medelpad

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Jazzklubben Sundsvall

Sundsvall's premier jazz and blues club at E Street, hosting intimate Monday and Thursday live sessions with top Swedish talent—affordable entry, cozy vibes, and pure musical immersion.

4.7

Strike Club

Unleash fun in Sundsvall's ultimate playhouse: bowling, laser tag, Prison Island, and tasty bites for epic group adventures.

4.1

Udda

Sundsvall's coziest tapas bar where small plates unleash bold global flavors, craft drinks flow, and evenings pulse with shared sensory delight.

4.2

Lion bar Sundsvall

Sundsvall's go-to bar for cheap beers, pub favorites, and friendly vibes—open late for your perfect unwind spot.

3.8

Best nightclubs in Medelpad

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Club Deströyer

Norrland's thundering metal mecca: raw riffs, epic gigs, and headbanging nights since 2007 in Sundsvall's heart.

4.6

Strike Club

Sundsvall's ultimate playground: bowl, battle in laser tag, conquer Prison Island, and feast on burgers amid non-stop fun for all ages.

4.1

Club Backdoor

Stockholm's boldest gay nightclub: three dance floors, epic sound, and beats until 5 AM—Fridays hit music and hip-hop, Saturdays dark house techno.

2.0

Rose Club

Glamorous Stockholm nightlife haven with velvet elegance, rose motifs, and pulsating DJ beats drawing stylish crowds until 5am on weekends.

2.7

Best shops in Medelpad

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Mat & Nostalgi i Viksjö

Retro gas station wonderland with 50s diner, antiques, flea market finds, and fika bliss in Sweden's High Coast countryside.

4.2

Åhléns

Central Sundsvall department store with fashion, homeware and beauty across several floors — practical shopping with seasonal displays and in‑store services.

4.1

Eclair Konditori Café

Sundsvall's cozy konditori haven, crafting irresistible Swedish pastries, custom cakes, and savory smörgåsar for perfect fika moments amid bakery aromas.

4.3

Indus The Gift Shop

Discover handpicked Swedish souvenirs, Pippi toys, trolls, and textiles in Gamla Stan's coziest 120 sqm gift haven since 2006—authentic treasures await.

3.7

Explore Medelpad on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Medelpad, mapped for you.

Medelpad Essentials

Medelpad can be reached by several means. The nearest major airport is Sundsvall-Timrå Airport, which offers domestic flights connecting from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. From Stockholm, you can take a direct train to Sundsvall, the largest city in Medelpad, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. Buses also operate between Stockholm and Sundsvall, providing an alternative for travelers preferring road transport.
Within Medelpad, you can use public buses and trains to travel between towns and cities. In Sundsvall, local buses are efficient and cover most areas of the city. Taxis are also available and can be booked via phone or mobile apps. Renting a car is a good option if you wish to explore the rural areas and scenic routes at your own pace.
The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even for small purchases. However, it is still advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities like Sundsvall.
Medelpad is generally a safe destination for tourists. Sundsvall and other larger towns have low crime rates. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding less populated areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the emergency number in Sweden. Hospitals and healthcare centers are available in Sundsvall and other towns. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are well-stocked and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing. Layers are recommended due to the variable weather. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, although Sweden is largely secular. If visiting a church, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be punctual and respect the queue when boarding buses or trains. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. A friendly 'hej' (hello) is customary. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be polite when invited to someone's home. Don't start eating until the host says 'smaklig måltid' (bon appétit).
To experience Medelpad like a local, visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with residents; they are generally friendly and happy to share insights about the region. Explore the beautiful nature trails and national parks, such as Skuleskogen National Park. Don't miss out on traditional Swedish fika (coffee break), which is an integral part of Swedish culture.

When is the best time to visit Medelpad?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Medelpad

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Medelpad. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHej
  [hey]
- GoodbyeHejdå
  [hey-daw]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeTack
  [tahk]
- Thank youTack så mycket
  [tahk soh mee-ket]
- Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta
  [oor-sehk-tah]
- How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hoor mohr doo]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [brah. ohk doo]
- Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lar doo eng-els-kah]
- I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yahg fur-stor in-teh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah seh meh-nun, tahk]
- I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yahg eh-ter in-teh yurt]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah beh-tah-lah, tahk]
- Help!Hjälp!
  [yelp]
- Go away!Gå bort!
  [gaw bort]
- Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring poh-lees-en]
- Call a doctor!Ring en doktor!
  [ring en dok-tor]
- I'm lostJag har gått vilse
  [yahg har goht vil-seh]
- I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yahg air shook]
- I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah shur-pah]
- I'm just lookingJag tittar bara
  [yahg tit-tar bah-rah]
- How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hoor myu-ket koh-star deh]
- That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [deh air fur deert]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kan doo sen-kah pree-set]
- What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vahd air klok-kan]
- It's one o'clockKlockan är ett
  [klok-kan air eht]
- Half past (10)Halv (10)
  [halv (ten)]
- MorningMorgon
  [mor-gon]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mid-dahg]
- EveningKväll
  [kvel]
- YesterdayIgår
  [ee-gor]
- TodayIdag
  [ee-dahg]
- TomorrowImorgon
  [ee-mor-gon]
- 11
  [ett]
- 22
  [två]
- 33
  [tre]
- 44
  [fyra]
- 55
  [fem]
- 66
  [sex]
- 77
  [sju]
- 88
  [åtta]
- 99
  [nio]
- 1010
  [tio]
- Where's a/the...?Var är en/den...?
  [var air en/den...?]
- What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vahd air a-dres-sen]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kan doo vee-sah may (po kar-tan)?]
- When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nair gor nes-ta (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [en bil-yet (til ....)]

History of Medelpad

The history of Medelpad can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back over 5,000 years. The area is home to numerous petroglyphs, particularly around the Ånge municipality. These rock carvings depict scenes of hunting, fishing, and daily life, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region's early inhabitants.
The medieval period saw the establishment of Sundsvall, which was officially founded in 1621 by King Gustavus Adolphus. Sundsvall quickly became a crucial hub for trade and commerce, capitalizing on its strategic location by the Gulf of Bothnia. The town's growth was fueled by the timber industry, which played a significant role in the region's economy.
One of the most significant events in Medelpad's history is the Great Fire of 1888, which devastated Sundsvall. The fire, which started on June 25, destroyed over 9,000 buildings and left thousands homeless. Sundsvall was subsequently rebuilt with more robust building codes, giving rise to a cityscape characterized by stone architecture, earning it the nickname 'Stenstaden' or 'The Stone City.'
The late 19th and early 20th centuries were transformative for Medelpad, particularly due to the industrial revolution. The region saw a boom in the timber industry, with numerous sawmills and pulp factories established along the Indalsälven and Ljungan rivers. This period of rapid industrialization significantly shaped the economic and social landscape of Medelpad.
Medelpad is rich in cultural heritage and folklore, with traditions that have been passed down through generations. One notable aspect is the region's folk music, characterized by the use of instruments like the nyckelharpa and fiddle. Traditional festivals, such as Midsummer celebrations, highlight the region's enduring customs and communal spirit.
In the modern era, Medelpad has diversified its economy beyond timber and industry. The region has developed a vibrant tourism sector, leveraging its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural events to attract visitors. Sundsvall has also become a center for education and technology, with institutions like Mid Sweden University playing a pivotal role in the region's development.