From Forest to Sea by the Virgin Coast

Along the coast in Gästrikland there are many beautiful places to visit in an environment characterized by forest, sea and a varied cultural landscape. The starting point for this cycling package is Hedenstugan B&B Hotel, which is located in a forest area with fresh air and soothing silence. The cycling takes you out towards the outer coastline archipelago. You cycle mostly on gravel roads (some with quite rough gravel), passing old fishing villages and species-rich nature reserves where the pine forest has reached a respectable age. There are many places where you can stop and enjoy nature and beautiful views.

In the scenic north-eastern corner of Gästrikland, Hamrånge offers an interesting historical environment to get to know in depth. Hedenstugan B&B Hotel is surrounded by forest and nature reserve and close to the sea. The hotel is personally designed and has its own restaurant and bar. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, toilet and wifi. In the summer months, the area around Hedenstugan is a summer paradise with a sandy beach at Totrabadet and sea bathing at Norrsundet. At other times of the year, the untouched rocky coast invites quiet reflection. All the color changes in the forest are a work of art in themselves. Along the Virgin Coast you can visit genuine fishing environments with a unique history.

From Margareta and Yngve Terenius' ethnology essay at Uppsala University in 1976: “We drove along the winding forest road to Gåsholma. We found a small fishing village with cottages, boathouses and drying sheds on both the mainland and islands, which were connected by bridges like a miniature Venice. Outside, the vast open sea spread out. We saw, were captivated and stayed”.

Tip! If you have your own bike, you can arrive early and park for free in the hotel parking lot to embark on a full-day tour. Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you want to rent a bike, you can pick it up at check-in. Have dinner at the hotel, bookable as an option. Local and locally produced with a taste of Gästrikland.

This part of the Baltic Sea coast is made up of a magnificent archipelago, divided into a multitude of islands, islets, skerries and bays. In Swedish it is called the ”Virgin Coast”. Many of today's fishing villages were established here in the 16th and 17th centuries as so-called Gävlebohamnar. Fishermen from Gävle had exclusive rights to all herring fishing along the Norrland coast at that time. The fishing villages formed their own small communities and often had a chapel for religious services.

Day 1 - Evening walk in the forest and a taste of Gästrikland

Hedenstugan B&B Hotel, Bergby

Walk 6 km

When you arrive at Hedenstugan B&B Hotel in the afternoon and have checked in, you can go for a lovely forest walk in the beautiful surroundings.

Back at the hotel, you can choose to have dinner at the hotel restaurant. Here you will be served food prepared from local ingredients with a taste of Gästrikland. Please note! Must be booked in advance.

In the evening, enjoy a locally produced beer from nearby breweries, or perhaps a whisky from Mackmyra. Spend the night in a cozy room with a personal touch. Enjoy the silence and fresh air.

Day 2 - Forest Expedition Towards the Sea

Hedenstugan B&B Hotel, Bergby

Breakfast

33 km

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at the hotel. A day of cycling awaits, with varied scenery and historic environments. Begin by cycling to the Hådells Gammelskog nature reserve, where you can visit the unique Lössenkojan, a replica of an old forest cabin used by foresters of yesteryear. Continue in a northeasterly direction towards the sea coast and the small fishing village of Gåsholma. Here, you'll find a charming summer café and plenty of beautiful views. Just south of Gåsholma, you'll find the Skämningsön nature reserve on a peninsula, with large fields of cobblestones stretching northward and a grill area with shelter. On the way back, a visit to the ancient fishing village of Axmarby is recommended. It is believed that the site has been inhabited since the Viking Age.

After cycling back to Hedenstugan, you can relax in your room for a while, take a shower, and change before the evening. If you wish, you can enjoy a delicious two-course dinner, followed by a glass of wine or beer in the bar as the perfect end to your day, with many memorable impressions to dream about during the night.

Day 3 - A Final Bike Ride in the Beautiful Area and Departure

Breakfast

Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the peace and quiet of the hotel.

After a good night's sleep and with a pleasant feeling of cycling in your body, it's time for one last breakfast at Hedenstugan. If you'd like, you can take a short ride in the surroundings to enjoy the beautiful nature one last time. Otherwise, it's time to check out and head home with many great cycling memories from the forests and sea of northeast Gästrikland.