Things to do in Gästrikland – 23 tips, attractions and experiences

Writer: Peter Bergström

What can you do in Gästrikland and which sights should you not miss? Charming Gävle, historic mill environments, coastal gems along the Bay of Gävle, fine museums and nature excursions await you here. Here are our best tips for sights and things to do in Gästrikland.

Gästrikland

We have been around Gävle several times to different places to collect 23 sights and experiences. Peter's parents lived in Gävle so there were visits for about 20 years.

1. Discover Gävle – Gästrikland's largest city

Gävle is the obvious starting point for a trip to Gästrikland and a city that has more to offer than many people think. Here you can combine charming neighborhoods, culture, shopping, seaside environments and several really nice excursion destinations both in town and just outside.

2. Stroll through Old Gefle

Gamla Gefle is one of the most atmospheric parts of Gävle and a must if you like cobblestone streets, old wooden houses and a historical atmosphere. This is a perfect area to stroll around with your camera in hand and just enjoy the feeling.

3. Visit Gävle's best museums

When visiting Gävle, take the opportunity to check out the city's best museums. We can especially recommend a visit to the Swedish Prison Museum. Other interesting museums include the Gävleborg County Museum, the Gävle Railway Museum and Joe Hill-Gården.

4. Stroll in Boulogne Forest

Boulognerskogen is a green oasis in the middle of Gävle and one of the city's most popular parks. Here you can walk, sit by the water, have a coffee or just enjoy a quiet moment in the middle of the city - a tip that is often picked up by locals too. 

5. Discover Gävle Concert Hall or the cultural offerings in town

Gävle is not only a city for walks and history, but also a strong cultural stop in Gästrikland. If you like concerts, theater or events, it is worth keeping an eye on what is happening during your visit.

6. See the Gävle Goat – or the place where it stands

The Gävle Goat is one of Sweden's most famous Christmas phenomena and something that put Gävle on the map far beyond the country's borders. If you visit the city in winter, it is obvious, but even the rest of the year it is fun to know the history behind this now legendary symbol.

7. Take a trip to Bönan and the coast outside Gävle

Bönan is a classic coastal gem just outside Gävle and a perfect stop if you want to really experience the sea. Here you will find cliffs, views, small coastal environments and a peaceful feeling that makes it a nice contrast to city life.

8. Enjoy the view from Gråberget

Gråberget outside Gävle is a really good tip for those who like viewpoints and picnics with a seaside feel. Many locals recommend the place as one of the area's finest views of the coast and archipelago. 

9. Visit Furuvik – zoo, amusement park and seaside atmosphere

Furuvik is one of Gästrikland's most famous tourist destinations and a classic for families with children. Here you get a zoo, entertainment, concerts, swimming and a summer feeling all in one - all in an environment right by the sea. 

10. Try whiskey at Mackmyra Whisky Village

Mackmyra Whiskyby, just outside Gävle, is an exciting stop for those who like local taste experiences and different destinations. There is a bar and bistro, the opportunity for whiskey tastings and an environment that is perfect for an excursion – especially if you are traveling by motorhome, as there is also parking space at booked events.

11. Discover Hemlingby recreational area

Hemlingby is a popular area in Gävle for those who want to get active, regardless of the season. There are great opportunities for walking, exercise, outdoor activities and sometimes even activities that are enjoyed by both children and adults. 

12. Shop and take a break in Valbo

Valbo is a natural stop for many traveling through Gästrikland and is a good place to combine shopping with coffee or a short break. The area is also close to several other excursion destinations, making it easy to weave into a road trip.

13. Take a trip to Mackmyra Mill

Mackmyra Mill is a beautiful mill environment by the Gavleån River and a good stop if you like history, walks and cultural environments. There is a mill street, park, old buildings and an environment that reflects much of Gästrikland's industrial heritage. 

14. Experience Högbo Bruk outside Sandviken

Högbo Bruk is one of Gästrikland's very best attractions and a place that suits almost everyone. Here you can combine nature, crafts, cycling, swimming, animals, cafes, activities and a historic mill environment in a truly pleasant overall experience. 

15. Explore Sandviken – city, nature and iron history

Sandviken is an important stop in Gästrikland and more than just an industrial town. Here you will be close to Högbo Bruk, culture, nature and several of the region's most interesting historical traces connected to iron and steel.

16. Take a trip to Axmar Mill on the coast

Axmar mill and pier is one of Gästrikland's most atmospheric mill environments and a real gem by the sea. Here you can walk among historic buildings, enjoy the archipelago feel, eat well and combine history with a very beautiful coastal environment.

17. Get to know the Iron Kingdom Gästrikland

The Iron Kingdom of Gästrikland is a strong theme for the entire landscape and ties together many of the best sights. If you like mills, industrial history and cultural environments, this is a perfect way to understand what has made Gästrikland so special throughout the ages.

18. Visit Wij Gardens in Ockelbo

Wij Gardens is one of Gästrikland's most well-known destinations and is perfect for those who like gardens, design and peaceful environments. Here you will find beautiful plantings, inspiring environments and a place that feels both peaceful and well-thought-out.

19. Visit Gysinge mill and the historical surroundings

Gysinge is one of Gästrikland's most classic mill environments and a nice stop for those who like history and culture. Here you can experience the old mill environment, wander around among beautiful buildings and combine the visit with the nature by the Dalälven River.

20. Hike or paddle in Färnebofjärden National Park

Färnebofjärden National Park is one of Central Sweden's most special nature experiences and a real must in Gästrikland. Here, river landscapes, islands, birdlife, hiking trails and canoeing await in an environment that feels both wild and calming.

21. Hike the Norrlandet coastal trail

The Norrlandets Kustled is a beautiful coastal hiking trail north of Gävle and is perfect for those who want to combine sea, nature and exercise. The trail stretches between Engeltofta and Marskärsudden and offers a peaceful and natural experience along the Gästrikland coast.

22. Enjoy the sea in Engeltofta

Engeltofta is a nice coastal stop just north of Gävle and is perfect if you want to combine sea, walking and relaxation. Here you get a quiet environment by the water and a nice feeling of the Gästrikland coast without having to go very far from the city.

23. Buy fish at Gåsholma

Gåsholma is a fantastic place located on the coast, north of Gävle. Here you can experience a charming archipelago environment, and in the summer there is both a café and a fish shop. We took the opportunity to buy both perch and smoked salmon. Oh, so good!

READ MORE: Here you will find all our reports about Gästrikland.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Gästrikland

What is Gästrikland known for?

Gästrikland is known for Gävle, Gävlebocken, the history of the mill, iron and steel, coastal environments and beautiful nature experiences. The landscape also offers attractions such as Högbo Bruk, Furuvik, Axmar Bruk, Gysinge and Färnebofjärden National Park.

What shouldn't be missed in Gästrikland?

Some of the most classic sights in Gästrikland are Gävle, Gamla Gefle, Furuvik, Högbo Bruk, Axmar Bruk and Färnebofjärden National Park. If you have more time, Gysinge, Ockelbo and Wij Trädgårdar are also well worth prioritizing.

When is the best time to travel to Gästrikland?

Summer is usually the best time to experience Gästrikland's coast, industrial environments, parks and nature excursions. Spring and early autumn are also very suitable if you want to hike, go on a road trip and discover the landscape at a slower pace.

How many days do you need in Gästrikland?

One day is enough to see Gävle and some of the most famous sights, but two to three days gives a much better overall experience. That way you have time to combine the city, coast, industrial environments and nature in a way that makes Gästrikland more complete.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that we have visited and that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Hälsingland
• Things to do in Dalarna
• Things to do in Uppland
• Things to do in Västmanland
• Holidays in Sweden