Overlooking a natural harbour on Sweden’s Gulf of Bothnia, Örnsköldsvik is an industrial hub that hosted the first Winter Paralympics in 1976. It was founded as a market town in 1842 and is named after a former Västernorrland County governor, Per Abraham Örnsköld, whose surname translates as “Eagle Shield”.
Things to do in Örnsköldsvik
In the heart of town is the Örnsköldsviks Museum and Art Gallery, which houses historical and archaeological artefacts that bring the region’s history to life. You can browse paintings and sculptures by local artists, watch films about Örnsköldsvik’s past or shop for handicrafts in the museum store. Cultural events are regularly held at the museum and there’s a cafe serving hot drinks and meals.
A short drive south of Örnsköldsvik is Gene Fornby, a reconstructed Iron Age site that has been inhabited since the Nordic Bronze Age. In the 1960s, the site’s burial mounds were excavated by archaeologist Evert Baudou and graves belonging to centuries-old chieftains were uncovered. Admire the traditional longhouse and learn about its construction, as well as life on the land in times gone by.
Keen golfers can enjoy a round on the 18-hole course of the Veckefjärdens Golf Club or practice their short game on the club’s 9-hole course. You can pick up golfing apparel and accessories at the on-site pro shop, hit the padel courts or dine on the sun-drenched terrace of the club restaurant. Adjoining the club is the deciduous forest of the Veckefjärdens Nature Reserve.
Getting around Örnsköldsvik
Örnsköldsvik is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Umeå and Umeå Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Örnsköldsvik Airport is 20 minutes away and has regular flights to Stockholm. Trains connect to the Örnsköldsvik Norra and Örnsköldsvik ReseC railway stations while buses travel throughout the city.