Along the way

Ånge which is the northern endpoint − or starting point − of Tidernas Väg is, to a certain extent, a geographical centre point in Sweden: close to everywhere – to the mountains in the west, the Baltic coasts in the east, the hustle and bustle of towns and cities to the south, to nearby pristine nature and to both the dramatic and the tranquile. There is a rich cultural life in Ånge with several active artists and musicians.

Östavall lies 20 kilometres west of Ånge along Tidernas Väg and is dominated by sawmills and the timber industry. Storsand’s Camping lies approximately 6 kilometres from Östervall. If you continue along Road 315 you will see much of the area’s natural beauty at sites such as Bybergets camping and Haverö open-air museum with its hostel and café. The adventurous can stopover in a spectacular wooden house, nine metres above the ground, on its own island in the Haverö lake.

At Borgsjö one has the sense of always being close to the past. Along the scenic Saint Olov’s pilgrim’s path you can stop to drink the waters at the well created by Saint Olov. The pink rococo church in the village is well known, as also is the bell tower. You can take in at the open-air museum beside the church, enjoy refreshments and also visit the museum. Across the road, at the Sockenmagasinet, quality handicraft is on sale.  Don’t miss visiting the unique handicrafts museum in Västanå.

Ramsjö is a village with approximately 600 inhabitants and lies in the northwestern corner of Hälsingland in beautiful forest and lake surroundings. There is excellent hunting and fishing here, as well as quality accommodation. But, above all, you can enjoy peace and quiet in a beautiful environment.

Hennans Camping is beautifully situated beside the Hennansjö lake. North of Ramsjö you can visit and enjoy being in one of Sweden’s finest virgin forests and hiking areas.

The road to Ljusdal is straight and wide. The town is an administrative, business and entertainment centre. Tidernas Väg runs through a landscape of forest and water bodies with a background of distant, blue mountains, and dotted with the distinctive, magnificent Hälsinge farmhouses. A visit here offers close contact with local culture and a fantastic nature. At the Ljusdal museum you can see a range of exhibitions and at the open-air museum there is art and handicraft. In the nearby Folkparken children can bathe and play. A stopover at Nore Camping is recommended. This is a three-star camping, situated beside Norebadet, which is on one of Sweden’s finest lakes with kilometre-long sand beaches and excellent bathing possibilities.

Järvsö has a long history as a tourist centre. In the Järvsö zoo, you can see Nordic wildlife in a natural environment. The zoo is open all year round. Visit Stenegård’s handicraft centre during the summer months, as it is also the home of the renowned Hälsingland’s Träteater.  During the summer there are facilities for mountain biking and during the winter a visit to Järvsö’s excellent ski slopes is recommended − there are 20 descents. Järvsö can, offer tourists a wide range of activities and recreational possibilities.

In Bollnäs you’re never far from where you want to be! Central Bollnäs is a lively shopping centre with a wide range of quality shops. During the winter it is not far to ski slopes and prepared ski tracks. Summertime there are fine fishing waters and lakes for bathing.  You can also bathe at the swimming baths in central Bollnäs or at several other places in the municipality. If you’re looking for accommodation, or for a meal, there is a wide choice. Should you want more information about the excellence that Bollnäs can offer, visit the tourist office.

Holmsveden lies in an extensive forest area in the boundary area between the provinces of Gästrikland and Hälsingland. With a little fantasy, you can easily imagine what the main street looks like when Holmsveden celebrates its annual “Western Day” during the last weekend of August. The houses certainly, to some extent, resemble the saloons and stores along a typical “Wild West” street with the railway line running parallel to it.

Lingbo is a village that lies around the Lingan lake and administratively within Ockelbo municipality. The population is about 500 persons, many of whom work in small, local mechanical industrial firms. The Gästrike and Hälsinge hiking trails meet just outside Lingbo. In Lingbo there is a well-preserved cottage, suitable for overnight stays.

Ockelbo is a favorite spot for many visitors in both summer and winter. There are excellent fishing waters, snowmobile and skiing trails in the winter, active summer farms and much more. Visit the open-air summer and winter markets or just enjoy the wonderful scenery.

In Sandviken, the Viking Age and the present meet. There are carefully preserved, old industrial environments and remains from the Viking Age, along with more recent industrial and other interesting objects and activities, as well as a broad musical life. Sandviken has something to offer everyone. If you are interested in sporting and similar activities, Parkbadet’s Äventyrsbad offers 30°C Mediterranean warmth in both air and water all year-round. Högbo Bruk, north of Sandviken on Tidernas Väg, is a cultural and open-air recreation area, dating back to the 1600s when it was the embryo to the present-day international Sandvik Company.

Årsunda lies on the shores of Storsjön lake. Here the Viking Age has left clear traces. At the Viking farm you can rub shoulders with cultural history and learn about Viking times. Årsunda church, from the 1200s, is one of Gästrikland’s best-preserved medieval churches.

Österfärnebo lies in southern Gästrikland in a landscape dominated by the mighty Dalälven river. The village dates back to the Stone Age, and in Koversta Gammalby there are well-preserved 16th and 17th century village buildings. For information visit www.osterfarnebo.com.

Gysinge is a well-preserved vallon bruk dating back to the 1600s. Gysinge is beautifully situated surrounded by the Dalälven river and its powerful rapids. Today, Gysinge Bruk epitomizes nature, cultural history and fishing − all in a perfect combination.

Östervåla is well known for manufacturing of chairs and furniture. In the early 1800s a number of local carpenter started making chairs and this resulted in an economic lift for an economically deprived locality. Production peaked in 1875 when 48 000 chairs and furniture units were made. Today, there are four furniture makers left in Östervåla. Visit the furniture museum (Möbelmuseet) in Mårtsbo. In Östetväla there are hiking trails, you can bathe, climb on adventure courses, go fishing and enjoy a wide selection of other activities. You can rent a canoe. You can also visit local craftsmen or the perfume design centre.

The varying and, to a large extent, untouched nature, is one of Harbo’s greatest attractions. Up to the 1950s, marble was quarried in the neighborhood. In Harbo there are excellent opportunities for fishing and outdoor activities.

Jumkil. Just over 10 kilometres from central Uppsala lies Åkerby church, which dates from the 1300s. From there, take the detour across Jumkilsön leading to Gammalgården, where you can see how a farm looked long ago. In Jumkil’s church, which is also from the 1300s, you can see, among other things, beautiful church paintings.

Ulva is known for its glass, ceramics, leather, metal, textiles, carpentry products, art and curiosities. There is a café where you can buy home-baked bread and take lunch - open. Saturdays and Sundays between 11 and 16. www.ulvakvarn.se

Uppsala. Do you want to see the mythical Silver Bible or Gustav Vasa's sword? Have you thought of attending the Reggae Festival or going for a Pelle Svanslös walk? In Uppsala there is always something for all ages, senses and tastes! In the centre of the city there is an open-air market, attractive shops and many pubs and restaurants that give life to the city. All year round. www.destinationuppsala.se