- The city's name originates from the word 'söder' (south) and 'hamn' (harbor), reflecting its historical status as a southern shipping port in the Hälsingland region.
- Söderhamn was granted city privileges in 1620 by King Gustavus Adolphus, primarily to serve as an export harbor for iron and timber products.
- The town was heavily impacted by the 'Söderhamn fire' in 1876, which resulted in a major architectural shift toward stone and brick buildings to prevent future infernos.
- The F15 Flight Museum is located on the site of the former Hälsinge Air Force Wing, which was an active base from 1945 until 1998.
- Söderhamn remains a gateway to the nearby archipelago, characterized by the unique geological formations and rising coastlines typical of the Bothnian Sea.
About Söderhamn
Söderhamn is a coastal town in Gävleborg County, distinct for its maritime heritage and integration of industrial history with the northern Baltic landscape. Visitors can explore the 14th-century foundations of Faxeholmen or examine military aviation history at the F15 Flight Museum. The town features a blend of civic life centered around the Iron park and religious landmarks like the Ulrika Eleonora Kyrka. Its geography offers a mix of urban cultural sites and accessible natural coastal areas.
Highlights of Söderhamn
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Museums
View a collection of historical Swedish military aircraft at a former active-duty air base.
Historical places
Explore the ruins of a strategic 14th-century fortress once vital for Baltic trade control.
Museums
Discover local history and regional artifacts housed in a traditional cultural museum.
Parks
Stroll through the town center at this park dedicated to the industrial iron history of the region.
Temples
Visit this historic church known for its distinctive architecture and role in the town's landscape.
Natural attractions
Walk along this scenic coastal path to enjoy views of the local maritime terrain.
Top things to do in Söderhamn
The 28 highest-rated places in Söderhamn, ranked by travellers.
1
Museums
The F15 Flight Museum, located on the former Hälsinge Air Force Wing (F 15) base, serves as a comprehensive archive of S...
2
Historical places
3
Beaches and ponds
4
Museums
5
Parks
6
Temples
7
Historical places
8
Historical places
9
Temples
10
Venues
11
Parks
12
Temples
13
Temples
14
Temples
15
Museums
16
Amusement parks
17
Museums
18
Historical places
19
Temples
20
Natural attractions
21
Natural attractions
22
Parks
23
Historical places
24
Historical places
25
Temples
26
Places of interest
27
Museums
28
Temples
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Söderhamn on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Söderhamn
June through August, when the long daylight hours facilitate outdoor exploration of the coastal trails and archipelago.
2 days, which provides enough time to see the museums and coastal sites without rushing.
The town center is compact and walkable, while regional buses are recommended for accessing surrounding coastal areas.
Stay in the town center to be within walking distance of historical sites and local dining options.
Mid-range; standard Swedish pricing for accommodation and dining applies.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 28 curated attractions in and around Söderhamn, ranked by traveller ratings.
Söderhamn / F15 Flight Museum is the highest-rated place to visit in Söderhamn right now.
The largest category is temples, with 8 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Stockholm Municipality, Gothenburg, Malmö.
Explore more of Sweden
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
