Page 253 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

SWEDEN AREA B Y AREA  251

SOUTHERN NORRLAND

The six provinces of Southern Norrland cover almost a
quarter of the country. The character shifts noticeably from
the coast with its industry and fishing to the farming
communities up along the river valleys, then westwards
through forests to the mountains of Härjedalen and
Jämtland. Natural resources such as timber and waterpower
have had a visible impact on the region.

In the Middle Ages, the southeasterly Exploitation of the forests had an even
province of Gästrikland belonged to bigger impact on the provinces of Medelpad
Svealand and its gently rolling landscape and Ånger manland. At the end of the 19th
is more akin to that of neighbouring century, the timber barons of Sundsvall
Uppland than Norrland. An offshoot of and Ådalen had made themselves a
the Bergslagen mining district extends fortune. Today, processing wood into pulp
into this area and ironworking formed and paper is still a key industry. The smell
the basis of today’s manufacturing of sulphur can be quite striking – as is the
industry. The trading port of Gävle has herring dish surströmming (fermented
long been a gateway to Norrland. Baltic herrings), best sampled by those
The pass between Kölberget and who dare at one of the fishing villages
Digerberget in the province of Hälsingland along the High Coast, a UNESCO World
is another gateway to the north, beyond Heritage Site (see p260).
which the mountainous Norrland landscape The provinces of Jämtland and Härjedalen
becomes more evident. Huge wooden only became part of Sweden in 1645. There
mansions stand proud with their ornate is often talk of the “Republic of Jämtland”
porches and exquisitely decorated among diehard locals who seek self-rule. The
interiors. These houses are evidence of the mountains stretch out to the west, attracting
successful trade in the green gold of the visitors both to the ski resorts and to the
local forests in a landscape of which 80 per upland areas where the wildlife and country-
cent is covered with productive woodland. side can still be enjoyed undisturbed.

A reindeer herd round-up for division according to owner, by use of lassos and ear tags
Spectacular winter landscape, Härjedalen

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