Explore Söderhamn’s rich history with a cultural walk

Discover Söderhamn’s fascinating history at your own pace with a self-guided tour. Visit the historic Town Hall, the charming Öster district, the Oscarsborg lookout tower, the beautiful Ulrika Eleonora Church, and many more significant landmarks that tell the story of Söderhamn.

A Glimpse into Söderhamn’s Past

The roots of Söderhamn trace back to the Iron Age. During the early Middle Ages, a harbor and marketplace developed where the river meets Söderhamnsfjärden, forming the foundation of Söderhamn. On the water-surrounded Faxeholmen hill, the Faxehus castle once stood, protecting this growing trade hub. The castle was overtaken by the Danes but stormed and reclaimed in 1434 during Engelbrekt’s rebellion.

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Weapons and Trade

In 1620, Söderhamn became a hub for weapon production, earning city rights the same year. Skilled gunsmiths relocated to the town under royal decree, and the musket factory brought economic growth. Söderhamn also became renowned for its silversmiths, especially during the 18th century, creating silver pieces celebrated across Sweden. The city’s coat of arms—a pinnace with crossed muskets—honors its history of weaponry and seafaring.

The power of the sea and industry

From the beginning, Söderhamn thrived on fishing, agriculture, and trade. By the 18th century, shipbuilding and textiles had flourished. Linen from Hälsingland was exported worldwide, including damask fabrics to the Swedish royal court. In the mid-19th century, sawmills heralded a new era of prosperity, with 11 steam-powered sawmills operating along the Ljusne-Söderhamn stretch by 1880.

Devastating fires and rebirth

Söderhamn’s history has been shaped by devastating fires, the most significant occurring in 1876, leaving much of the city in ruins. Following the disaster, the town was rebuilt with a grid street plan and green spaces that define its character today. The current Town Hall was completed in 1878, a symbol of resilience and renewal.

Top historical highlights

1. Town hall square and park

The heart of Söderhamn, Town Hall Square, and its surrounding park are recognized as a cultural heritage site. The square features cobblestone streets, a neoclassical-style Town Hall, and a monument to Gustav II Adolf, known locally as “the toothpick.”

Town hall square

2. Kvarnen and City Museum

On Oxtorgsgatan, you’ll find Kvarnen, a former mill dating back to 1751. Today, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Nearby, the Söderhamn City Museum is housed in a historic gun factory building designed by Christoffer Polhem in 1748. The museum preserves artifacts from Söderhamn’s industrial past, including its days as a weapon manufacturing hub.

3. Ulrika Eleonora church

Designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, this stunning cross-shaped church was completed in 1693. Named after Queen Ulrika Eleonora, the church is one of the finest 17th-century structures in northern Sweden. Each Christmas, the church is adorned with a traditional crown-shaped light display.

Ulrika Eleonora kyrkan med drottningkronan tänd

4. The Viaduct and Uhr’s well

The unique railway viaduct, nicknamed the “lying Eiffel Tower,” was constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Beneath it lies Uhr’s Well, a historic water source dating back to 1759, once vital for Söderhamn’s residents.

5. Oscarsborg

Climb to Oscarsborg on Östra Berget for panoramic views of the city, sea, and surrounding landscapes. The lookout tower, built in 1898, is a testament to Söderhamn’s rich cultural heritage.

Öster med vackra Oscarsborg i bakgrunden

6. Öster – The Fishermen’s district

The Öster district, spared from the great fires of the 19th century, is a well-preserved glimpse into Söderhamn’s past. Visit the Fishermen’s Cottage Museum, where you can see the best-preserved example of 19th-century fisherman's homes, maintained by the Söderhamn Coastal and Archipelago Association.

Step into Söderhamn’s history and explore the stories that shaped this charming town!