Sundsvall: Unveiling the Phoenix City of Northern Sweden
Sundsvall, Sweden
This gallery photographs Sundsvall city centre — a remarkable neoclassical stone city rebuilt after the fire of 1888, framed by its North and South Mountains — capturing architecture, street life, and the resilient spirit of Norrland's capital.
Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Sweden's east coast, Sundsvall emerges as a captivating blend of historical charm and modern energy. This vibrant city, aptly dubbed the capital of Norrland (Northern Sweden), boasts a rich tapestry woven with stunning landscapes, architectural marvels, and a resilient spirit.
A City Reborn
Sundsvall's story is one of remarkable resilience. Located at the strategic confluence of the Selångerån River and the Baltic Sea, the city has served as a vital centre for trade and industry for centuries. However, devastating fires have repeatedly tested its fortitude. The most recent blaze in 1888 razed much of the city to the ground.
From the ashes, however, rose a phoenix city. Rebuilt with meticulous planning and architectural innovation, Sundsvall emerged with a unique character. Today, its streetscapes showcase a captivating blend of neoclassical, Jugend, and Art Nouveau styles — a testament to the city's unwavering spirit and artistic vision.
Exploring Sundsvall
Norra Berget and Södra Berget, the North and South Mountains respectively, form the natural cradle of Sundsvall. These scenic elevations offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Norra Berget, Sundsvall
Norra Berget houses the Friluftsmuseet, an open-air museum that transports visitors back in time. Here, a collection of historical buildings, including a remarkable 13th-century church barn, paints a vivid picture of Sundsvall's rich heritage. During the summer months, this open-air space comes alive with cultural events and festivals, while the winter transforms it into a wonderland of snow-covered landscapes.
Sundsvall's charming town centre is a delight to explore on foot. The beautiful architecture, adorned with intricate details and the occasional dragon motif — a symbol of the city's resilience — tells stories of the past.
A Gateway to Adventure
Beyond the city limits, Sundsvall serves as an ideal base for further exploration. The magnificent High Coast (Höga Kusten), with its dramatic cliffs and captivating natural beauty, lies just north of the city. For those seeking mountain adventures, Östersund and the Jämtland region, including the Åre ski resort, are easily accessible from Sundsvall.
Through my photography, I aim to capture the essence of Sundsvall — its historical charm, architectural grandeur, and the vibrant spirit of its people. Join me on a visual journey as we explore this captivating city and discover its hidden gems.
Sundsvall Centrum Gallery
The view of Sundsvall Centrum in winter from Norra Berrget, Sundsvall, västernorrland, Sweden
Panorama of Sundsvall taken from Norra Berget during winter
Beautiful autumn light illuminates the extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Summer time in Sundsvall, Sweden Sundsvall, Sweden
Passing time at the Selånger River (Main Square on a wonderful sunny day
Cycling through the town square (Storgaten) Sundsvall, Sweden
A young boy skipping through the Stora Torget (Main Square) on a wonderful sunny day
Sunny afternoon reading the paper in the the town square (Stora Torget)
Tourist walking through Stora Torget (Main Square)
Tourist walking through Stora Torget (Main Square)
A couple enjoying a sunny afternoon chatting in the the town square (Stora Torget)
Holmströmska and Granska huset occupies one of the four sides of the Stortorget (Town Square). Sundsvall, Sweden
Relaxing beside the Selånger River on a sunny day
Relaxing beside the Selånger River on a sunny day
Relaxing beside the Selånger River on a sunny day
Cycling through the town square (Storgaten) Sundsvall, Sweden
Building the Sundsvall Bridge (Sundsvallsbron) which spans the Sundsvall Fjard Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful Autumn (Höst) colors of late Februrary make a wonderful vista around the centrum Sundsvall, Vasternorrland, Sweden. (© Simon Bayliss)
The magn1ficent Kyrkans hus (Church House) - Gustav Adolfs kyrka (Church) Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Beautiful autumn light illuminates the Kyrkans Hus, just behind the very elegant, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. (© Simon Bayliss)
Night shot of Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church), Sundsvall, Sweden.
Night shot of Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) with reflection in the Selånger River Sundsvall, Sweden
Night shot of Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) with reflection in the Selånger River Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful architecture of Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful architecture of Sundsvall, Sweden
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings in the autumn light reflect on the Selånger River Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along Kyrkagaten looking towards the Gustav Adolf Kyrka (Church) Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Beautiful autumn light illuminates the extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Buildings along the Selånger River illuminated with the wonderful early-winter sun. Sundsvall, Sweden (© Simon Bayliss)
Boating along the Selånger River which flows through Sundvall
Boating along the Selånger River which flows through Sundvall
People enjoying Stora Torget
People at a korvkiosk (Hot Dog Kiosk) in the town square - Stora Torget
The first signs of the winter thaw as the rising sun starts to melt the ice covered Selånger River Sundsvall, Vasternorrland, Sweden. (© Simon Bayliss)
The first signs of the winter thaw as the rising sun starts to melt the ice covered Selånger River Sundsvall, Vasternorrland, Sweden. (© Simon Bayliss)
Autumn (Höst) colors around the town (Centrum) Sundsvall, Vasternorrland, Sweden. (© Simon Bayliss)
Flower pots contrast beautifully with the colorful archtiecture of the Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful and colorful archtiecture of the Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
The beautiful and colorful architecture of Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
Town mascots of dragons and the colorful archtiecture of the Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
Town mascots of dragons and the colorful archtiecture of the Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
Colorful archtiecture of the Stone City. Sundsvall, Sweden
An iconic Rikstelefon (National Telephone) booth located in the Stora Torget – Sundsvall, Medelpad, Northern Sweden, Sverige
An iconic Rikstelefon (National Telephone) booth located in the Stora Torget. Sundsvall, Sweden
Gustaf II Adolf statue in the Stortorget (town square) Sundsvall, Sweden
People enjoying Stora Torget
Beautiful summer light illuminates the extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful summer light illuminates the extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden
The extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894.
Beautiful summer light illuminates the extremely pretty, neo-gothic style, Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful summer light on the buttresses of the neo-gothic style Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden
Beautiful summer light on the buttresses of the neo-gothic style Gustav Adolfs Kyrka (Church) built in 1894. Sundsvall, Sweden
StadsBibliotek (library) occupies restored old buildings with the street/lanes covered. Sundsvall, Sweden
StadsBibliotek (library) occupies restored old buildings with the street/lanes covered. Sundsvall, Sweden
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sundsvall called the Stone City?
After the catastrophic fire of 1888, Sundsvall was rebuilt entirely in stone — a deliberate decision to prevent future destruction. The resulting streetscapes of neoclassical and Jugend stone buildings are unique in Sweden, earning the city its nickname Stenstan (Stone City).
What will I see in the Sundsvall Centrum photography gallery?
The gallery features the stone architecture of Sundsvall's city centre, including churches, facades, street scenes, night photography, and the interplay of light and shadow across the city's distinctive buildings.
Where is Sundsvall located in Sweden?
Sundsvall is located on Sweden's east coast in the county of Västernorrland (Norrland), where the Selångerån River meets the Baltic Sea. It is considered the capital of Norrland and is well connected by rail and road to Stockholm in the south and Östersund to the west.
Can I buy prints of these Sundsvall photographs?
Yes — fine art prints and wall art from this Sweden photography series are available at the Red Dust Snow wall art store.
Explore More Sweden Photography
Sundsvall is the base for much of my Swedish photography. Explore the hilltop open-air museum at Norra Berget or the Midsommar celebrations also held there.