Discover

Just a couple of hours from Stockholm and slightly north of Gävle, you’ll find adventure in a region rich in history, nature, and cultural experiences. The landscape of Gästrikland’s forests is brimming with attractions, and it’s the forest, soil, and iron that shape Ockelbo’s heritage. 

Things to do at Wij   
Wij Gardens is an ecological garden park that overflows with life, curiosity, and pioneering spirit! Take a guided tour to explore the various themed gardens, where you can find inspiration and experience with all your senses. During the summer, the park offers seasonal themed days like Health days, Landscape days, and Rose days. 

For the children  
The area includes a large playground with a slide, climbing frames, and swings – perfect for adventurous and playful children. There’s also the Children’s Garden, with winding paths, exciting huts, and small rooms and clearings based on flowers and vegetables. On warm days, a dip in the Wijdammen pond is perfect. 

Walks and hikes 
A health trail is right outside the door. It leads through the pine avenue of Wij Gardens, along the shores of Lake Bysjön, and out to the ancient site of Fornwij, where there are wind shelters and a fireplace. For longer hikes, you can explore the Gästrikeleden trail. There are many well-marked exercise paths and hiking trails nearby. 

Rönnåsen is a well-known outdoor area and excursion destination. From the top of Rönnåsen, about 8 kilometers from Ockelbo center and 270 meters above sea level, you have a wonderful view of much of northern Gästrikland. The area is perfect for a great day trip for both young and old. 

The child-friendly Mulle Trail draws attention to animals and nature with its small figures and puzzles. From Mulle Trail, you can hike to the shingle field where an accessible viewing platform has been built. There’s also an adventure trail for children adjacent to the large parking lot. 

Rönnåsen offers excellent training opportunities with exercise paths and hiking trails. You can choose technical trails that lead up along the ski lift or trails with less elevation around the mountain. There are graded trails ranging from a few kilometers up to several miles. Take a break and enjoy the wonderful nature and views at the wind shelter with a fireplace. Rönnåsen is a key point in the trail system. 

Learn about the Iron Kingdom  
Gästrikland, rightfully called the Iron Kingdom, hosts several fascinating destinations shaped by the iron industry’s history. Among these is Wij Rolling Mill, one of the historical sites that highlight the proud heritage of the area. At the County Museum in Gävle, you can learn how iron has shaped life and the landscape in Gästrikland for over 2000 years. 

Near Ockelbo, you will find Jädraås Bruk, Axmar Bruk, and Högbo Bruk, among others. In Sandviken, you can visit the Smedsgården Museum to gain insight into life in the old ironworks. The museum displays homes from different eras, providing a glimpse into how workers and foremen with their families lived around the turn of the century and in the 1940s and 50s. 

Exciting visits to the many ironworks manors are highly recommended. Both Axmar Bruk and Wij had successful female ironworks owners – don’t miss the stories of Iron-Brita in Axmar and Catharina Bröms at Wij Manor in Ockelbo. 

Visit Oklagård with the Ödmården Stave Church and feel the wings of history. This is a newly built early medieval stave church surrounded by a timber farm, where you can join a guided tour. 

Winter activities 
The municipality offers several excellent exercise tracks, many of which are groomed as ski trails in winter. Early in the season, you can find prepared trails nearby Högbo, where you can ski on artificial snow, both in classic style and skate. If you prefer long-distance skating, a track is cleared on Lake Bysjön every year. For downhill skiing, Kungsberget is just a 30-minute drive away. 

Mackmyra Whisky  
A visit to the world-renowned Mackmyra Whisky distillery is thrilling, whether you enjoy whisky or not. The fascinating story of how whisky is produced with typical local notes of juniper and peat, and how it is aged in an old mine a few miles away, provides an interesting insight into Swedish craftsmanship. 

Mountain biking 
Cycle trails and routes are available within a few kilometers, including the beautiful paths around Rönnåsen and routes to Högbo, Jädraås, and Kungsberget. 

Canoeing 
At Lake Bysjön, you can rent a canoe. Ask reception if you need assistance. 

Fishing 
Ockelbo offers excellent fishing waters, with 226 lakes and about fifteen rivers and streams within the municipality. Here, you can enjoy everything from perch fishing by the pier to chasing golden trout in the Åmot forests! 

Outdoor swimming 
There are plenty of swimming spots to choose from. If the weather doesn’t allow for outdoor swimming, there’s also an indoor swimming pool in central Ockelbo. 

Ockelbo Moose Park  
Meet the king of the forest up close! The moose park is a popular tourist attraction where you can observe and learn about moose in a scenic environment. Take a guided tour and get information about the life and behavior of moose. There’s also often an opportunity to help feed the moose. The park is the perfect place for families and nature lovers to experience Swedish wildlife up close. 

Ockelbo market 
Ockelbo Market is an annual event that always takes place the weekend after Midsummer. Here, you’ll find a mix of local crafts, food, and various activities. It’s a popular event that attracts both locals and visitors, with stalls selling everything from food to clothes and art. Besides shopping, there is often entertainment like music and games, making it a festive and social experience for the whole family. 

The Pålsgården Heritage Center 
Pålsgården is a cultural and historical site in Ockelbo that preserves and showcases local history and traditions. The center consists of several buildings representing the old Hälsingland farm. Various activities are organized here, such as markets, exhibitions, and cultural events, providing visitors the chance to learn about local history, crafts, and traditions. During the summer, there is also a café. 

Steam train in Jädraås 
In the summertime, you can ride the historic steam train operated by the Jädraås Medskog Railway. It’s a popular activity for both children and adults, offering a nostalgic train journey through beautiful nature. The trip is a unique experience and is highly recommended.