Harnosand is a lively seaside town perched on a picturesque archipelago. The town buzzes with energy in the summer when locals flock to bask on sandy beaches, swim in the Baltic Sea and enjoy the sunshine. Harnosand is a gateway to the glacier-carved High Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape famous for its unique geology.
Things to do in Härnösand
Harnosand has been settled for more than 400 years and is filled with beautiful heritage buildings. You’ll find some of the best-preserved wooden buildings in the atmospheric Östanbäcken district. The Town Hall is another famous landmark and features an elegant façade designed by famous Swedish architect, Olof Tempelman.
Swim, sunbathe and enjoy a game of beach volleyball on Smitingens Havsbad. Grass-covered dunes and coastal forests fringe the beach, which is one of the most popular in Harnosand. Nearby is the Smitingen Nature Reserve, where you can explore a unique landscape of limestone caves and rock formations.
Visit Hemsö Fort and explore a former Cold War stronghold. The top-secret coastal fort was built in the 1950s and commands spectacular views over the Baltic Sea. Guided tours take you behind the scenes of the fort and offer more information on the critical role it played in the Swedish coastal defence system.
Admire masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse and Chagall at the Harnosand Art Hall. In addition to high-profile pieces, the museum showcases works by up-and-coming Swedish artists. Other highlights include pieces from the country’s famous Qvist Collection, which features antiques, porcelain, textiles and jewellery from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Getting around Härnösand
Harnosand is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. The town is in Västernorrland County, a 40-minute drive from Sundsvall and 4.5 hours from Stockholm. Sundsvall-Timrå Airport is a 30-minute drive away or you can travel four hours to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.