A little bit of Paradise in Örnsköldsvik –
Have a splashing time in the balmy tropical atmosphere of the Paradisebadet adventure pool which boasts the longest water shoot in Northern Europe. There’s further chances to get wet and wild in the outdoor pool, rapids and whirlpool bathtubs, while energetic one to seven year-olds can enjoy watery fun in the renovated kids pool. Adults seeking some personal TLC can relax in the spa or work out in the gym and everyone can enjoy the delicious menu available in the restaurant.
+ 46 (0) 660-885 90. www.paradisetornskoldsvik.se
Källarbackens saga Sidensjö
Enjoy the magical opportunity of meeting famous fairytale characters such as Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel as you walk along the pathway of the Saga Trail which winds through the northern forest. Along the trail there is also the opportunity to discover how the region’s wild animals survive winter and a chance to visit the old corn barn: find out why its windows are so small. Refreshments and lighter lunches are served in the café.
46 (0) 70-272 50 82. www.källarbackenssaga.se
Gerdal Ostrich Farm
Come and get close to some of nature’s largest feathered friends. The ostriches love to be fed and be the centre of attention. A restaurant is on hand providing welcome refreshments and before leaving, visit the shop where you can buy local handicrafts and ostrich meat.
+ 46 (0) 660-711 50 www.strutsfarmen.se
Ulvön
The island of Ulvön lies among the archipelago islands of Örnsköldsviks at the heart of the Höga Kusten (High Coast) region. Ulvön comprises two islands, North and South Ulvön with Ulvöhamn harbour on the north. Famed for the production of fermented herring, a tradition dating back more than 100 years, Ulvön enjoys idyllic surroundings which are popular with summer visitors. There’s always lots to see and do, with charming shops and a variety of well-preserved old buildings and restaurants to visit and a fun-packed festival programme to enjoy. Visitors can also take their pick from a wide choice of accommodation, including hotels, hostels and cabins for hire.
Ulvö Tourist Information Office + 46 (0) 660-22 40 93. (summer) www.ulvon.info
The old farmstead Gammelgården at Myckelgensjö
There are 28 restored timbered buildings at Gammelgården, an old farmstead dating from the 1700s and whose origins go even further back to the 1500s. Guided tours and refreshments are available. Don’t forget to taste the local ice cream, made in the village of Myckelgensjö. + 46 (0) 611-886 00 (County Museum), + 46 (0) 661-221 12 (Myckelgensjö local shop)
Mo local heritage and the Moliden Ecocentre
Featuring the MoDo museum collection of buildings from the area’s industrial past. Tours available. Summer café.
+ 46 (0) 660-915 20
Shopping in Örnsköldsvik
Örnsköldsvik boasts a vibrant commercial sector, comprising three separate shopping centres, in which well-known main stores stand alongside small charming independent boutiques. But don’t just shop ’til you drop. You can also visit the City play park, museum and art gallery. And just 7km south of town, one of Sweden’s most renown outdoor clothes specialist – Fjällräven – has its headquarters and store.
Skuleskogens National Park
Skuleskogen National Park is an area of dramatic jagged terrain covered by ancient virgin forest that sweeps majestically across the land to the Baltic Sea. Crossed by the 130km Höga Kustenleden trail, here is where visitors can discover a number of prehistoric rock carvings and glory in the majestic surroundings of the Slåttdalsskrevan ravine.
+ 46 (0) 611-349 000 (County Administration), + 46 (0) 613-700 200 (Naturum Exhibition Höga Kusten). www.skuleskogen.se
Gullviks leisure area & Ögeltjärns Nature Reserve
A trip to the Gullviks leisure area means a trip to the Ögeltjärns Nature Reserve which comes within its boundaries. Starting at the Gullvik beach and camping site, you can choose to walk along several different paths to a number of shelters, outdoor barbecue sites and viewpoints. For the best view of the coast and sea, walk to the top of Ögeltjärnsberget or Vikbottsberget. Gullvik is also the starting point for cross-country skiers or those who like to skate on the frozen sea.
+ 46 (0) 660-745 82 (Gullviks Havsbad och Camping)
Mellansels Bad & Camping
With no less than three heated outdoor swimming pools, slides and play area, the camping site at Mellansel is perfect for families. You can also try your hand at mini-golf and beach volleyball. There is a also a café, cabins available for hire and a separate caravan site. + 46 (0) 661-407 01: www.mellansel.se
Skallbergsgrottan Cave
Take a trip underground to discover the largest system of bedrock caves and potholes in Scandinavia. Formed over 1,800 million years ago, Skallbergsgrottan Cave is 220m in length and located 2.5 km north east of Gideå.
Kerstins Udde Spa & Turism
Relax and unwind in secluded surroundings. Kerstins Udde lies on an outcrop of land and includes accommodation, bathing facilities, a spa, restaurant and various outdoor activities. Located about 65 km from Örnsköldsvik, this is where Höga Kusten meets Swedish Lapland.
+ 46 (0) 662-204 05: www.trehorningsjo.se
Winterland
There are plenty of reasons to visit Örnsköldsvik municipality throughout the year – during the cold months it’s a real winter wonderland of activity. Rev up for some snowmobile action along some of the 1,500kms of tracks which crisscross the municipality. If you don’t have a machine of your own, you can hire one in Solberg or Bjästa.
The ski jumping centre Friska Viljor Backhoppning has a year-round action-packed programme of competitions and training sessions, while skiers can woosh their way down a choice of three slopes at Solbergsbacken, Bjästabacken and Åsbacken. If cross-country skiing is more your sport, visit Skyttis, a facility that can produce snow even when the weather is too warm. Further fast-moving action can be found at Fjällräven Center, home to premier division ice hockey club MODO Hockey.
Winter is also the time for the Sami market of Orrestaare Maarhna, which is held every February in the town’s museum and art gallery.
