Cruises to Härnösand

Description

Discover two of Sweden’s most spectacular bridges and dive into fascinating regional history on this scenic excursion. The first highlight is the High Coast Bridge, one of Sweden’s tallest and longest suspension bridges, towering 180 meters above the water. With its resemblance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, this architectural wonder offers a striking visual spectacle. At Hotell Höga Kusten, situated on a mountain overviewing the bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to taste a unique local delicacy—surströmming tapas, a mild and flavorful take on Sweden’s famous fermented herring. Following this, a delightful lunch will be served, featuring locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavors of the High Coast. Guests can browse a selection of handcrafted souvenirs and gourmet regional products.

The tour continues with a visit to Sandö Bridge and the Ådalen 31 monument, a historical landmark telling the story of 1931, a peaceful labor demonstration in Ådalen, Sweden, escalated when the military opened fire on striking workers, killing five people. The event, known as Ådalen 31, was a response to wage disputes and harsh working conditions. The tragedy sparked nationwide outrage and significantly influenced Swedish labor policy.

The construction of the Sandö Bridge began in the late 1930s, aiming to create a vital crossing over the Ångermanälven River. However, during the casting of the main span in 1939, the mold collapsed, causing a tragic accident that claimed the lives of 18 workers—a disaster that was largely overshadowed in the national press due to the outbreak of World War II the following day. Combining stunning landscapes, delicious food, and compelling history, this excursion is a must for visitors to the region.

Description:

Join us for a leisurely 3-kilometer guided walk-through Härnösand, a city with a rich maritime and trading history. The tour begins at the harbour, passing Sweden’s largest car museum, Motor Museum Härnösand, which houses an impressive collection of vintage and classic automobiles. (You can return to visit the inside on your own after the tour)

From there, we move into the city center, where you’ll discover the well-preserved district of Östanbäcken, a charming area filled with colorful 18th and 19th-century wooden houses. These historic buildings tell stories of the merchants, sailors, and townspeople who once called them home. The highlight of the tour is a visit to Härnösand Domkyrka, one of Sweden’s most remarkable neoclassical churches. Here, you’ll learn about its intriguing history and see the famous rainbow carpet, an inspiring representation of inclusion and equality. The tour concludes in city center, where you can take time to explore cafés, shops, and cultural spots on your own.

Description

Prepare for a day of breathtaking views and a generous dose of stunning natural landscapes. The High Coast holds the world record for land uplift! Here, the highest coastline in the world reaches 286 meters above sea level. This land uplift has created a unique archipelago environment with bays, lagoons, and lakes.

Upon arrival at Skuleberget, we take the cable car to the top, where we enjoy the fantastic view and a delicious lunch featuring local delicatesses for example homemade potato salad with High Coast potatoes and slow-cooked pork shoulder from Västernorrland (a vegetarian option is available—please pre-book).

With its dramatic profile, Skuleberget is one of the High Coast’s most significant landmarks and has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage area since 2020. What were once small islands are now towering, forest-covered mountains. During this excursion, you will learn all about the land uplift and how it has shaped the dramatic landscapes of the High Coast.

We recommend sturdy shoes, as well as windproof and slightly warmer clothing, to make the cable car ride and the time spent at the top of Skuleberget enjoyable, regardless of the weather.

If there is a risk of thunderstorms or extremely strong winds, the cable car cannot operate. In such cases, we will admire Skuleberget from the base and instead enjoy lunch at Friluftsbyn, where we will hear the story of one of Sweden’s fastest-growing outdoor destinations. We will then visit Utsikt Höga Kusten, another scenic viewpoint, which we reach entirely by bus. On a clear day, you may see both the High Coast Bridge to the south and Skuleberget to the north from here.

On our way back to the harbor, regardless of the weather, we will make a stop at the 101-year-old Mjälloms Tunnbröd bakery, where you will have the opportunity to purchase various flavors of tunnbröd (traditional Swedish flatbread) and other local delicacies to take home.

Description:

Whisky enthusiasts will relish this exclusive visit to the High Coast Distillery, set along the banks of the scenic Ångermanälven River. This renowned distillery has gained many international prices for its high-quality single malt whisky. The guided tour takes you through the fascinating process of whisky production, from raw ingredients to finished barrels. Explore the still house, maturation warehouses, and the bottling process while learning about the meticulous craftsmanship that defines High Coast Whisky.

The experience also includes a tasting session featuring two of the distillery’s finest expressions. Following the tour, a delightful lunch with locally inspired dishes will be served at the distillery restaurant, overlooking the serene river landscape. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a curious beginner, this tour offers a captivating glimpse into Sweden’s whisky-making heritage.

You can even buy your own barrel of whisky and go home and wait for the time to do the job to make it tasteful.

Description:

Step back in time to the Cold War era with a visit to Hemsö Fortress, Sweden’s best-preserved coastal defense installation. This imposing underground fortress was once classified as a top-secret military site, built to protect Sweden’s shores from potential threats. Nestled on Hemsön island, the fortress offers an in-depth look at the lives of the 340 conscripts and officers who worked and lived within its fortified walls. Visitors will explore living quarters, command centers, an underground hospital, kitchens, and weaponry rooms, all carefully preserved to reflect the era. Beyond its historical significance, Hemsö Fortress is uniquely positioned on a hill, providing stunning sea views over the Ångermanälven river.

Following the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring regional specialties at the fortress’s restaurant, where you can take in the panoramic views from 145 meters above sea level. This excursion offers a fascinating blend of military history, natural beauty, and an unforgettable insight into Sweden’s defense past.

Description

Experience one of Sweden’s most beautiful waterfalls at Västanåfallet, a nature reserve featuring Sweden’s second-highest waterfall. This excursion takes you through stunning natural landscapes rich in history. Learn about the region’s past, including its ironworks heritage and the lives of early settlers. You will have time to explore exhibitions showcasing local crafts and wildlife before enjoying a traditional outdoor lumberjack lunch. The meal consists of "kolbullar" (a Swedish pancake with bacon) with lingonberry jam and freshly cooked coffee over an open fire. This excursion provides an authentic taste of Swedish outdoor culture.

Description

Discover a unique fusion of history, culture, and art at Mannaminne, a one-of-a-kind open-air museum created by the Swedish artist Anders Åberg. This site features historic buildings, vehicles, trams, and boats from across the world, along with inspiring contemporary art. Before reaching Mannaminne, we stop at the Ådalen 31 monument, a historical landmark telling the story of 1931, a peaceful labor demonstration in Ådalen, Sweden, escalated when

the military opened fire on striking workers, killing five people. The event, known as Ådalen 31, was a response to wage disputes and harsh working conditions. The tragedy sparked nationwide outrage and significantly influenced Swedish labor policy.

Description: 

This is an example. The tour can be adjusted in many ways, due to time, time of the year, participants’ fitness.

Experience an unforgettable day hike through the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage landscape of the High Coast. This excursion offers spectacular views, local delicacies, and a rewarding outdoor lunch experience.

After a short transfer by bus, we begin our guided hike through rolling hills, forest trails, ancient Iron Age burial sites, and expansive fields of smooth, wave-shaped stone formations. Over the course of three hours, we ascend to a height of 175 meters above sea level, surrounded by panoramic views of the ocean and vast forests. Along the way, we pause for a taste of local specialties, enjoying the tranquility of nature and the fresh, invigorating air.

At the northern viewpoint, the city of Härnösand and the coastline stretch out before us like a living painting—a perfect moment to rest and capture memories before continuing towards the final highlight of the day. Our hike concludes on top of Vårdkasberget. Here, we enjoy a delicious outdoor meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients, paired with flavors that reflect the essence of the High Coast wilderness.

With full stomachs, refreshed spirits, and perhaps a little fatigue in our legs, we finish the tour with a comfortable bus ride back to the harbor.