Sweden's second best summer town

The town has been right at the top of the list of best summer towns in Sweden in recent years. And there are many reasons behind this. With its seaside location, unique shops, events, sights and beautiful scenery, Härnösand is the perfect archipelago destination. A beautiful summer’s day cannot be better spent than at Smitingen beach. When conditions allow, you can even surf here or explore the caves north of the beach. Technichus is a fun place for children. An outing worth mentioning is to Hemsön where you can visit exciting Hemsö Fort and the restaurant to enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the amazing views over the open sea. Härnösand also has a wide selection of things to do for those interested in culture. You can visit Härnösand Art Hall and see the famous Matissé painting or go to the Västernorrland Regional Museum and outdoor museum. Härnösand is a unique base to discover the High Coast World Heritage Site from as well as all the other activities in the area.

Things to do

For families with children, Technichus Science Center is a must-visit. On Hemsön, you can explore the intriguing Hemsö Fortress and enjoy a meal or coffee with a magnificent view of the open sea. The best way to experience the sea is with an archipelago cruise along the Ångerman River aboard Ådalen 3. Savor delicious food on board as the boat glides beneath the majestic High Coast Bridge.

For culture enthusiasts, there are numerous attractions. At the Västernorrland Museum, you'll find permanent exhibitions about the region's history, as well as one of Sweden's largest open-air museums, Murberget. Härnösand's Car Museum is Sweden's largest car museum, boasting over 200 vehicles. Located at Stora Torget, the Art Hall features, among other things, the Qvistska collection and the Matisse painting made famous by the television program Antikrundan.

Discover the culture

Härnösand boasts a rich history, having recently celebrated its 400th anniversary. The city is home to numerous beautiful buildings preserved from the 18th century onwards. The old district of Östanbäcken and parts of Långgatan are notable examples of well-preserved areas. For culture enthusiasts, there are many attractions that offer a journey back in time.

At the Västernorrlands Museum, you can explore permanent exhibitions about the county's history, as well as one of Sweden's largest open-air museums, Murberget. The Härnösands Car Museum, Sweden's largest car museum, houses over 200 cars, along with steam trains, engines, motorcycles, and a collection of fire trucks. The maritime heritage is showcased at the Fritidsbåtsmuseet, a national maritime museum featuring unique boats and the story of Swedish leisure boat history. Stora Torget, with its neoclassical residence completed in 1790, also hosts the Art Hall, which includes the Qvistska collection and the Matisse painting known from the television program Antikrundan. Härnösand Cathedral is one of Sweden's finest neoclassical buildings and is noted for its 17-meter-long rainbow carpet. A walk through Östanbäcken, a well-preserved district with wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, is recommended en route to or from the cathedral. Härnösand's Town Hall, considered one of Sweden's most beautiful municipal buildings, was constructed between 1790 and 1791 based on designs by Olof Tempelman and is well worth a visit.

Stay in Härnösand

In Härnösand you will find accommodation for all tastes. There are hotels in the city center with sea views, cozy bed & breakfasts in the old town of Östanbäcken, hostels and camping.

Eating in Härnösand

Härnösand has a wide range of restaurants offering everything from simple meals to fine dining.