Warmly welcome to Gävle! It's conveniently close from Stockholm and Mälardalen. Come and enjoy a weekend with nature as your experience and playground. Gävle has many different facets for you to explore. Experience the city's parks, deep forests, and water landscapes.
Out & Enjoy – Nature weekend in Gävle
Nature-inspired relaxation like Friday cozy time
Begin your weekend in Gävle by enjoying nature right next to the city and your hotel for the night. With an evening walk to start the weekend, you'll set a nice foundation for the nature experiences that await.
Take a leisurely stroll in Gävle's green lung
Gävle's City Park was planted in the mid-19th century. A stone's throw from the hotel lies the City Garden (Stadsträdgården) and Boulongerskogen, which together form one of the country's largest parks. This green oasis, commonly referred to as "Boulongern" among locals, is characterized by tall pine trees, meadows, and its proximity to the Gavle River. Enjoy the art scattered throughout the area.
City location close to nature
Check in at the hotel, just a stone's throw from your walk in Boulongern and right by the city's pulse. After Friday evening, sleep soundly and wake up to a delightful and energizing breakfast buffet to set the foundation for today's adventures.
Nature experiences by the water
Tie those comfortable shoes that will take you around all day spent by and around water. The day begins at Gävle Bay with a hike that offers magical views, then continues along the river and stream for desired fishing luck.
Coastal nature experience along the coastal trail up to Gråberget
Embark on a hike along the open cliffs and rock formations, enjoying the unique environment and magnificent views between the old fishing villages of Bönan and Utvalnäs. Gråberget being a military protected area until 1997 has greatly contributed to preserving its high natural values and preventing extensive development along this coastline.
Enjoy a weekend menu and stroll in the industrial park
Indulge yourself at Forsbacka Wärdshus, which has been welcoming guests since the 1700s. Perhaps you'll start or end your visit with a walk in the industrial park, where buildings bear witness to the old ironworks. Forsbacka Ironworks, with origins dating back to the 1500s, is situated beautifully where the waters of Lake Storsjön flow into the Gavle River.
Stay - and just be in the midst of nature
Check in here at Ön mitt i älven (Island in the Middle of the River) where wild nature meets the park-like setting, Hedesunda Camping. An ideal place for swimming and fishing or simply peaceful relaxation. Enjoy the restaurant's large terrace overlooking the Dalälven River. Bring out the map of the vast river landscape and plan a trip on the water. Perhaps by boat, canoe, or paddleboard (SUP).
Isn't it tempting?! Fish for pike, perch, and zander in the lower Dalälven
As a perfect evening activity, it's great to bring out the fishing gear and explore a 20-mile expansive, exciting, and diverse fishing area. The river consists of large, island-rich lakes/bays separated by rapids and currents. The diversity of species is unusually large, with around 30 different fish species. There's always a chance to catch some really big fish here!
Scenic activities as a weekend conclusion
After a good night's sleep, you're ready for new adventures. We've prepared a selection of extraordinary nature experiences to conclude the weekend. Pack your backpack and head out—national parks and nature reserves await.
Paddle in magnificent nature
The national park is perhaps best experienced from the water. Bring your own kayak or canoe, or rent one from a local provider. Glide silently forward and enjoy the magnificent scenery. From the water, you have great opportunities to spot sea eagles, ospreys, and great northern divers (loons). In the evening, beavers emerge, and especially in August, there's a good chance to see them.
Hike & Experience
You can choose how much of the Gästrikeleden trail you want to experience. It's a long circular trail of about 280 kilometers (about 100 miles), including approximately 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of connecting trails, cross trails, and shorter loops. Along the entire trail, you'll find visible traces of the significance of ironworking in this part of the country, making it clear why our region is called the Iron Kingdom of Gästrikland.
Hike amongst sea buckthorn bushes
Rising slowly from the sea like a dragon's back, Billudden offers stunning coastal views. Thanks to ongoing land uplift, new land is emerging, and Europe's largest population of sea buckthorn grows along the "fresh" shores. If you're not afraid of the thorns, you can gather these nutritious orange berries to make your own sea buckthorn jam – perfect for cheese platters and pastries.