Attractions in Medelpad – 7 nature experiences in the landscape you didn't know you wanted to visit

Medelpad is located where the forest landscape meets the coast of the Bothnian Sea. There are no high mountains in the classic sense here, but deep forests, large marshlands, rushing water, coastal paths and mountain viewpoints that give the landscape a distinct character.

In this series we move from south to north through the Swedish landscape. After Skåne, Blekinge, Halland, Småland, Öland, Västergötland, Dalsland, Östergötland, Värmland, Närke, Södermanland, Västmanland, Uppland, Gästrikland, Hälsingland, Dalarna and Härjedalen, it is now Medelpad's turn.

The highest point in the landscape is Myckelmyrberget, 578 meters above sea level . It is a recurring detail in the series, but the height does not say everything. Medelpad is best experienced through variation: one day on a pilgrimage route, the next by the sea and then in an old-growth forest or at a waterfall.

Here are seven nature experiences for those who want to hike, discover and understand the landscape better.

1. Flataklocken – view from the geographical center of Sweden

On the mountain Flataklocken, south of Lake Munkbysjön, lies one of Sweden's most famous geographical centers. The peak reaches approximately 465 meters above sea level and offers a mile-wide view of the forests and lakes of Ljungandalen.

This is an easily accessible destination compared to many longer mountain hikes. You can make Flataklocken a short excursion with coffee, or combine the visit with other stops in Ånge municipality. Ånge municipality's visitor page about Flataklocken has up-to-date information about the place.

What do you really want to get out of the trip? If the goal is views and an easy walk, you don't need to carry full mountain equipment with you. Comfortable shoes, reinforcement clothing and rain protection are often enough. However, the weather can change even at lower altitudes. A windbreaker or rainwear takes up little space and makes a big difference when the wind picks up.

The balance is simple: pack light, but not so light that a change in weather ends the trip.

2. St. Olav's Trail – hike from Selånger through Medelpad

The St. Olav's Trail runs from Selånger outside Sundsvall to Trondheim in Norway. The approximately 580-kilometer-long pilgrimage trail follows a historic route with forests, lakes, villages, churches and cultural environments.

The first part, from Selånger towards Borgsjö, goes through Medelpad and is approximately 86–88 kilometers long depending on how the stages are counted. So you don't have to hike the entire trail. Choose a few days and plan based on accommodation, food and opportunities to stop.

The St. Olavs Trail is suitable for those who want to experience a landscape in motion. Here, the hike is less about a single attraction and more about the transitions between coast, agricultural countryside and forest landscape. The pace becomes part of the experience.

On a multi-day trip, the function of your gear is more important than the exact weight. Start with what affects sleep, weather protection, and carrying comfort. A reliable tent , a well-fitting backpack , and a functioning rain cover do more for the trip than many small accessories.

The sleeping system requires special consideration. A sleeping bag that is too thin or a substandard sleeping pad can cause ground chill and poor recovery, even if the day's stage feels easy. Please read our guide to bird down in sleeping bags before choosing insulation. There we go over CUIN, differences between goose, duck and eider down and why fill weight affects warmth.

Good hiking equipment should make it possible to continue when the weather changes, not just when the forecast is correct.

3. Jämtgavel Nature Reserve – primeval forest, bog and undisturbed forest terrain

Jämtgaveln Nature Reserve in Ånge municipality is one of Medelpad's most obvious wilderness destinations. The reserve covers just over 3,000 hectares of forest and bog landscape. There are natural forests, fire-affected environments, picnic areas, overnight cabins and over 20 km of trails.

A common tour is around Jämtgaveln , a full-day tour of approximately 18 kilometers. The terrain is not technically difficult in the same way as steep mountain terrain, but the length, surface and distance to service require planning.

Read the information from the Västernorrland County Administrative Board before setting off. Check trail status, water availability and rules for campfires and overnight stays. Forest roads can also be of a simpler standard, especially after rain or thawing.

In Jämtgaveln, the layer-on-layer principle is practical. A moisture-wicking base layer keeps the skin drier. A warming midlayer is used during breaks. Ultimately, protection against wind and rain is needed. You don't need to wear many garments, but each layer must have a clear purpose.

The forest rewards thoughtful choices. However, it easily punishes those who underestimate distance, wetness and fatigue.

4. Västanåfallet – hydropower and industrial environment in a dramatic valley

Västanåfallet Nature Reserve is actually located in the Ångermanland region, close to the border with Medelpad. It is nevertheless a natural excursion destination for those traveling in Medelpad and the Sundsvall region.

The waterfall in Eksjöån falls about 90 meters through a forested valley. Together with the older mill environment, it becomes an attraction that combines nature and history. Around the waterfall there are paths and places where you can experience the power of water up close.

On the County Administrative Board's page about Västanåfallet you will find information about the reserve and practical conditions.

Västanåfallet can be suitable both as a short walk and as part of a longer day trip. However, the slippery surface is worth taking seriously. Choose shoes with stable soles and good grip. Do not go closer to the waterfall than the path and safety allow.

Here, it's not the longest trip that determines the experience. It's being able to move safely on wet rocks and at the same time having time to stop.

5. Södra Berget – city-close hike with views of the coast

Södra Berget is Sundsvall's large outdoor recreation area. There are exercise tracks, ski trails, cycle paths and paths with views of the city, the coast and the surrounding forest landscape.

For those who want to get in a nature walk without planning a whole weekend, Södra Berget is a logical choice. You can combine a shorter hike with a visit to Sundsvall and adjust the length according to weather, daylight and the group's stamina.

Close to town doesn't mean risk-free, though. Autumn evenings get dark quickly, and rain makes roots and bridges slippery. Bring extra layers of clothing, water, and a basic first aid kit, even if you're only going to be walking for a few hours. A headlamp is especially useful in spring and autumn.

Södra Berget shows that outdoor activities don't always require long journeys. The best trip is often the one that actually happens – with equipment that works for the conditions.

6. Njurunda Coast and Lörudden – seaside paths and old fishing villages

The Njurunda Coast stretches along the coast south of Sundsvall, from Junibosand via Lörudden and Galtström towards Oxsand. The area contains coastal forest, cliffs, beaches, bays and older buildings.

Lörudden is one of the most characterful stops on the coast. The old fishing village has fishing huts, a harbor, a chapel and businesses that still bring the place to life. Here you can combine a walk with coastal culture, bird watching and sea views.

Coastal hiking has different requirements than forest hiking. The wind is often more noticeable, and the weather can change quickly. A raincoat that covers both body and pack is practical when walking openly near the sea. Also check if the trail goes over cliffs, beach or forest path before choosing shoes.

Pack according to the actual trip. A short coastal walk doesn't require the same amount of equipment as a full-day trip without service. But rain, wind, and cold should always have a plan B.

7. Galtströms bruk – a nature experience with industrial history

Galtströms bruk is located on the coast south of Sundsvall and is Medelpad's oldest, largest and last ironworks. The mill was in operation between 1673 and 1916. The preserved buildings, ruins, waterways and park areas make the place an interesting destination even for those who primarily seek nature.

Here you get a different kind of hike. Paths and walks can be combined with mill history, older industrial environments and coastal landscapes. It suits groups with different interests, as not everyone needs to want to walk the same long route to get something out of the day.

Take your time and use the information on site. Cultural environments require consideration, just like nature reserves. Stick to marked paths and respect barriers.

Galtström reminds us that natural experiences are not always pristine. Many landscapes have been shaped by people, hydropower and work. That doesn't make them any less valuable – but it does require us to see the bigger picture.

Plan your Medelpad trip according to season and ambition level

Medelpad works for both short excursions and multi-day hikes. Start with the question: What will the tour actually handle? A sunny walk at Södra Berget requires something different than several days on the St. Olavs Trail or a full day in Jämtgaveln.

Prioritize in this order:

1. Weather and safety: rainwear, reinforcement clothing, map and communication.
2. Sleep and recovery: the right sleeping bag and sleeping pad .
3. Carrying comfort: a backpack that fits your body and your pack.
4. Feet and grip: shoes that work on wet roots, gravel, rocks and trails.
5. Small details: kitchen, seating and other accessories depending on the length of the trip.

Medelpad's highest point, Myckelmyrberget at 578 meters, may not be the most accessible attraction in the region. But it sums up something important: Medelpad is a hilly forest landscape where altitude, weather and distance are felt in the legs.

The best equipment isn't the most extreme. It's the one that really works when the rain rolls in from the coast, when the forest path gets wet, and when the last kilometer of the day feels longer than planned.