   Photos: Copyright © Gävle & Co Welcome to Gästrikland
"This country is clad in a spruce skirt and a grey stone jacket. But around its waist it wears a girdle which has not its match in value, for it is embroidered with blue lakes and green woods. The great ironworks adorn it like a row of precious stones, and its buckle is a whole city with castles and cathedrals and great clusters of houses." - The Wonderful Adventures of Nils by Selma Lagerlöf Gästrikland is situated north of Uppland and south of Hälsingland. That is right between the southern and northern parts of Sweden. It is commonly known as The Gateway to the North and if you spend some time in the province, you will realise why. It is a Sweden in miniature, with a pleasant combination of the fertile fields of the south and the vast forests of the north. Within a couple of hours you can experience the greatness and beauty of Sweden in just one single province - Gästrikland. Through the many centuries of iron production in the region, Gästrikland has come to be known as "Järnriket" - The Iron Kingdom. All over Gästrikland there are iron mills with small connecting communities, telling the region's industrial history. From the very first refinement places 2 000 years ago, to the modern industrialised iron mills in Sandviken and Hofors. When the Prince of Wales visited Gästrikland and the Korsnäs-Marma pulp mill in the 1930s, he commented the strong and penetrating smell of sulphite. The provincial governor of the time, Sven Lübeck then told the Prince: "Yes, it might smell bad, but it is the scent of export ." And he was right, after the iron and steel, the forest is the largest natural resource of Gästrikland, employing thousands of workers all over the province. Even though the forests and mountains have been used by man for centuries, there are still vast areas with virgin forests left. You do not have to travel far to find your own little lake, perfect for fishing or swimming. Gästrikland is a province of natural wealth and beauty. And when you are overwhelmed by what nature and industry have to offer, you have the "buckle" of Gästrikland left - Gävle. The modern provincial capital is rich in history and amusements. Here you will find the only permanent circus in Sweden, a beautiful theatre, museums and a castle-like fire station. It is a northern metropolis.  Useful information Quiz game Contents About... E-mail |