Stöde: Lakeside Nature, Swimming Spot and Local History

Stöde combines nature by the water with swimming opportunities and local history. These themes offer different points of reference when choosing where to stay: Skjulsta strandäng, a grazed freshwater riverside meadow, lies on the Ljungan in the western part of Lake Stödesjön. Other attractions include the Vången swimming spot, a story trail, Stöde kyrka and rail connections on the Mittbanan line. Depending on your interests, nature watching, time by the water, cultural history or getting there may shape your stay.

Riverside Nature on the Ljungan and Stödesjön

Skjulsta strandäng is a grazed freshwater riverside meadow on the Ljungan, in the western part of Lake Stödesjön. The meadow is also a valuable habitat for Ävjepilört. This makes the site a place where a specific plant interest meets a riverside landscape shaped by grazing. Those interested in river and lakeshores as well as plants will find a different focus here than at the Vången swimming spot. Stöde’s natural environment can thus be experienced through a particular habitat and a named plant species.

Swimming Spot, Outdoor Pool and Water Activities

Vången is a centrally located swimming spot in Stöde, right next to Stöde kyrka. Stödehuset is also right next to the swimming spot and has a heated outdoor pool, a kiosk, tennis courts and the Stöde camping site. The outdoor pool area includes a heated 25 × 12.5-metre swimming pool and a children’s paddling pool. The information gives the dimensions of the larger pool and distinguishes it from the additional paddling pool, without treating the two facilities as the same.

Rowing boats and canoes can also be rented in the area of the heated outdoor pool. When planning water activities, there are several options to consider: the Vången swimming spot, the outdoor pool and boat rentals at Stödehuset. The kiosk and tennis courts are among the other facilities listed there. Stöde camping is also right next to Stödehuset; this information describes the campsite, not the facilities or services of individual accommodations.

The Sagostig Story Trail and the History of Stöde kyrka

The Stöde Sagostig consists of eight stations with signs depicting fairy tales and legends from Stöde socken. Its theme is therefore local storytelling traditions. For travellers interested in stories about the area as well as nature and swimming, it offers a distinct cultural focus.

Today’s Stöde kyrka was built between 1757 and 1759 on the site of the old medieval church. Inside the church is a 12th-century limestone baptismal font attributed to Calcarius. The construction date of the church and the age of the font point to different historical periods: the church building dates from the 18th century, while the font is from the Middle Ages. The attribution to Calcarius is part of the description of the baptismal font.

Getting There and Spending Time Outdoors

Stöde is a station on the Mittbanan line and is served by Norrtåg connections to Sundsvall, Östersund, Åre and Storlien. If you are planning to travel by train, you can factor these connections into your journey; check the timetable for your travel date when planning your specific trip.

There are several rest areas along the Mittnordenleden, with benches and tables as well as wind shelters. There is also an open overnight shelter at Skiftestjärn with a few simple sleeping platforms. As facilities may change, check them before your trip. The rest areas and shelter offer practical points of reference for planning your time on the trail; they are separate from the train connections and swimming facilities in town.

Discover more destinations: Sundsvall, Njurunda, Svartvik, Indal, Kvissleby, Liden.

Go to the main travel overview: Sundsvall.