Looking for enjoyable day trips from Hudiksvall by train? The town is well placed on Sweden’s east coast, with frequent rail connections toward Sundsvall, Söderhamn and Gävle, plus routes inland to Ljusdal. That makes it easy to explore museums, historic town centres, coastal scenery and nearby towns without hiring a car. Here are some of the best train excursions to plan from Hudiksvall, along with practical advice for making the most of each visit.
Why take day trips from Hudiksvall by train?
Hudiksvall sits on the East Coast Line, known in Swedish as Ostkustbanan. Regional trains connect the town with destinations in both directions, while local and regional services also reach parts of Hälsingland inland. Journeys are usually straightforward, and the main stations are generally close enough to town centres to make walking practical.
Train travel is particularly useful in this part of Sweden because the landscape changes quickly. A short journey can take you from the Gulf of Bothnia to a historic inland community surrounded by forests and lakes. You can enjoy the views, avoid parking concerns and build a relaxed itinerary around cafés, galleries, walking paths and local attractions.
Travel times and stopping patterns can vary by day, season and operator. Before leaving, check the current timetable with SJ or X-trafik, especially if you are travelling on a weekend or during a public holiday. Some smaller stations have fewer services, so confirm the return train before setting off.
1. Sundsvall: culture, shopping and coastal views
Sundsvall is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Hudiksvall by train. The journey north usually takes around one hour, depending on the service. Sundsvall Central Station is close to the city centre, so you can begin exploring as soon as you arrive.
The city’s most distinctive area is Stenstan, the stone town. Much of central Sundsvall was rebuilt in stone after a major fire in 1888, creating grand streets lined with ornate buildings. Today, the neighbourhood contains restaurants, cafés, boutiques and cultural venues. It is an excellent place for a morning walk before choosing somewhere for lunch.
Things to do in Sundsvall
- Walk around Stenstan and admire its late nineteenth-century architecture.
- Visit Sundsvalls museum for exhibitions about local history, art and culture.
- Explore Kulturmagasinet, a lively cultural centre in a converted warehouse complex.
- Take a walk along the Selångerån river and through nearby parks.
- Continue to Norra Berget for open-air museum buildings and views over the city, if you are happy to walk uphill or use local transport.
Sundsvall works well in every season. Summer brings outdoor dining and longer evenings, while winter visitors can combine a city walk with museums and cafés. Allow a full day if you want to include Norra Berget, or plan a shorter visit focused on Stenstan and the city centre.
2. Söderhamn: a relaxed small-town escape
Söderhamn is south of Hudiksvall and is one of the most convenient nearby towns for a calm day away. The train journey often takes less than an hour, making this a good option when you want an excursion without spending most of the day travelling.
The centre of Söderhamn has a friendly, compact feel. You can browse independent shops, stop at a café and explore streets shaped by the town’s long history as a coastal trading and industrial centre. The town is also close to attractive natural areas, although some sights outside the centre require a local bus, taxi or a longer walk.
What to see in Söderhamn
- Take a self-guided walk through the central streets and look for historic wooden buildings.
- Visit Söderhamns museum for an introduction to the area’s cultural and maritime history.
- Walk through parks and green spaces around the centre.
- Travel onward to the coast if you have checked local bus connections in advance.
- Enjoy lunch or fika before returning to Hudiksvall.
For a longer coastal outing, consider travelling onward to Skärså, a traditional fishing village outside Söderhamn. It is best suited to summer plans because public transport connections can be limited. The village is known for its small harbour, red fishermen’s cottages and seafood restaurants, but check opening times before making the trip.
3. Gävle: museums, old streets and a bigger city atmosphere
Gävle is a longer journey south, but it remains possible as a day trip by train from Hudiksvall. Depending on the train, the journey commonly takes between one and a half and two hours. An early departure gives you enough time to explore the centre, visit a museum and enjoy dinner before travelling back.
One of Gävle’s best-known attractions is the Gävle goat, a giant traditional Christmas figure displayed during the festive season. Its appearance and location can vary, so check current information if seeing it is part of your plans. The city has plenty to offer beyond this famous symbol, including historic neighbourhoods, galleries and family attractions.
Highlights of a Gävle day trip
- Walk through Gamla Gefle, a picturesque district with preserved wooden houses and narrow streets.
- Visit the Swedish Railway Museum, which is especially interesting for travellers who enjoy train excursions and transport history.
- Explore Gävle Konstcentrum or another local gallery for contemporary and regional art.
- Stroll along the Gavleån river and cross the bridges near the centre.
- Visit Boulognerskogen, a large park that is pleasant for a walk in warmer weather.
Gävle is a strong choice when you want more shopping, restaurant variety and urban culture than Hudiksvall can provide. Because it is farther away, check the return timetable carefully and allow extra time for delays or changes.
4. Ljusdal: inland scenery and Hälsingland heritage
For a change of direction, take a train inland to Ljusdal. The journey usually takes around one hour, although exact times depend on the service and any connection. Ljusdal offers a different experience from the coastal towns, with forests, lakes and a distinctly inland atmosphere.
The area is closely associated with Hälsingland’s decorated farmhouses, several of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous examples are not all within easy walking distance of Ljusdal station, so this is a day trip that benefits from planning. You may need a local bus, taxi or pre-arranged tour to reach individual farmhouses.
Ideas for a day in Ljusdal
- Walk around the town centre and visit local shops and cafés.
- Learn about Hälsingland’s cultural traditions at a local museum or visitor centre.
- Plan onward transport to a decorated farmhouse or rural heritage site.
- Enjoy a walk near the water or in the surrounding countryside.
- Check local event listings for markets, exhibitions and seasonal activities.
Ljusdal is best for travellers who prefer a slower pace and want to see more of inland Sweden. It is less about collecting many attractions in a few hours and more about experiencing a smaller community and the landscape around it.
5. Iggesund: a short trip close to Hudiksvall
Iggesund is one of the simplest short train excursions from Hudiksvall. The town lies south of Hudiksvall and can be reached in a relatively short time on services that stop there. It is a useful option for a half-day outing, particularly if you would like to explore a quieter place rather than a larger city.
Iggesund has a strong industrial history and is surrounded by woodland and coastal scenery. Its compact centre can be combined with a walk, a café stop or a visit to a local cultural attraction. Since service frequency may be lower than on the main route between larger cities, check the timetable before travelling.
How to spend a few hours in Iggesund
- Take a gentle walk through the town and its surrounding green areas.
- Learn about the community’s industrial and maritime background.
- Look for local swimming spots or nature paths during the warmer months.
- Bring a packed lunch if you are unsure which cafés will be open.
Iggesund is not a destination for a packed sightseeing schedule. Its appeal is convenience, fresh air and the chance to see another part of the Hudiksvall area without committing to a full day on the train.
6. Gnarp and the Nordanstig area: nature near the rail line
Gnarp is another possible stop on the route north from Hudiksvall. It is a small community in Nordanstig Municipality, surrounded by forests, farmland and waterways. The station area is not a major tourist centre, so this excursion is most suitable for independent travellers who enjoy walking and quiet surroundings.
Before choosing Gnarp, investigate the exact walking routes and return options. Attractions may be spread out, and a train station does not always sit beside the place you most want to visit. A local bus, bicycle or taxi can make the outing much more practical.
Why choose Gnarp?
- It offers a peaceful alternative to busier coastal cities.
- The surrounding countryside is attractive for walks and photography.
- It is suitable for a simple picnic-based day out in good weather.
- The journey is short enough to combine with another stop if the timetable allows.
Because connections and facilities are limited, Gnarp is best treated as a flexible nature outing rather than a conventional sightseeing destination. Pack water, food and suitable shoes, and avoid relying on the next train without checking its departure time first.
7. Härnösand: a longer museum and architecture trip
Härnösand is farther north and usually requires more travel planning, but it can work as a full-day excursion from Hudiksvall when train connections are convenient. The city is located on the High Coast route and has a strong cultural identity, historic architecture and access to coastal landscapes.
The Västernorrland County Museum is one of the main reasons to visit. It presents regional history, art and cultural exhibitions, making it a useful introduction to the wider area. Härnösand also has an attractive central setting with older buildings, waterfront views and cafés.
Planning a Härnösand visit
- Check the complete return journey before booking or beginning your trip.
- Allow time for the museum and a walk through the historic centre.
- Visit the cathedral if it is open to visitors.
- Use local buses or taxis if you want to reach sights outside the centre.
- Pack a snack in case your chosen train schedule leaves little time for lunch.
Härnösand is better for travellers who do not mind a longer rail journey in exchange for a new region and a fuller day of sightseeing. If you prefer a more relaxed schedule, Sundsvall is usually the easier northern choice.
How to plan your train excursions from Hudiksvall
Check the operator and timetable
Several services may be relevant when planning day trips from Hudiksvall by train. SJ operates long-distance and some regional services, while X-trafik is important for local and regional travel in Gävleborg County. Use the official journey planner to check departures, changes, travel times and ticket conditions. Do not assume that a route available on a weekday will operate in the same way on a Sunday.
Book at the right time
For a simple regional journey, you may be able to buy a ticket shortly before departure. Longer trips, especially those involving SJ services, can be cheaper when booked in advance. If you are travelling during summer, Christmas, Easter or a major local event, reserve earlier and check whether seat reservations are included.
Start with the return journey
Smaller towns may have only a handful of departures each day. Look at the return options before deciding how long to stay. This is especially important for Iggesund, Gnarp and Ljusdal, where a missed connection can have a greater effect on your plans than it would in Sundsvall or Gävle.
Pack for changing weather
Swedish weather can shift quickly, even during summer. Comfortable walking shoes, a light waterproof layer and a reusable water bottle are useful for almost every excursion. If you plan to explore nature or visit a rural heritage site, bring food and check whether there are shops or cafés along the route.
Choosing the best day trip for your interests
- For architecture and cafés: choose Sundsvall or Gävle.
- For a short and peaceful outing: choose Söderhamn or Iggesund.
- For inland culture and countryside: choose Ljusdal.
- For nature and a quiet picnic: consider Gnarp, with careful planning.
- For museums and a longer regional journey: choose Härnösand.
Hudiksvall’s rail connections make it possible to build a varied itinerary without changing accommodation. You can spend one day exploring a grand stone city, another visiting a small coastal town and a third heading inland toward Hälsingland’s cultural landscapes. The best choice depends on the timetable, the season and how much time you want to spend walking once you arrive.
Useful tips for exploring nearby towns by train
Most station-to-centre walks are manageable, but distances vary. Use a map to check the route before you leave, particularly if you are travelling with children, luggage or limited mobility. Local buses can extend your reach, although tickets and payment methods differ between regions.
Many Swedish cafés and museums have seasonal opening hours. Summer generally offers the widest choice, while winter visits may require more advance research. Sundays and Mondays can be quieter, with some independent businesses closed. Always verify opening times for the specific date of your trip.
Finally, leave room for spontaneity. A short walk beside a river, an unexpected gallery or a small bakery can become the highlight of the day. With a checked timetable and a realistic plan, train travel from Hudiksvall provides an easy way to see more of the coast and countryside around the town.