Sundsvall history

Foundation and First Mentions

The official history of Sundsvall began in 1621, when King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden signed a decree granting the settlement city status. This decision was part of a large-scale campaign by the Crown to organise trade in the north of Sweden. Before this moment, the territory consisted of scattered farms and a meeting place for traders, but it lacked administrative significance.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a combination of geographical advantages and state will:

• Geography: The city was founded in a strategically important location — in a narrow valley at the confluence of the Selånger River into the Gulf of Bothnia. The natural harbour provided convenient access to the sea.
• Political Will: The authorities sought to concentrate all commercial activity of the region in one place, prohibiting rural residents from trading directly with foreign ships (the so-called "trade restriction").
• Trade Hub: Sundsvall became a connecting link between the coast and the inland forest areas, as well as the province of Jämtland.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, the city's economy relied on fishing, small-scale crafts, and the export of raw materials. An important stage in early development was the opening of a weapons manufactory in the mid-17th century, which attracted skilled craftsmen to the city and contributed to population growth.

The architectural appearance of early Sundsvall was typical for Scandinavian cities of that time: narrow streets and exclusively wooden buildings. Unfortunately, this feature made the city vulnerable to fires, which repeatedly changed its appearance but each time stimulated the residents to restore and modernise the urban environment.

Major Milestones in Sundsvall's History

The history of the city is a series of trials and rebirths, leading to the creation of the unique architectural appearance that we see today.

• 1621 — King Gustav II Adolf signs the decree founding the city to strengthen Swedish trade on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia.
• 1624 — The first city plan is approved, defining the structure of streets and blocks of the new settlement.
• Mid-19th Century — The beginning of rapid development in the sawmill industry, turning the region into one of the wealthiest in the country.
• 1874 — Opening of the railway line connecting the port with the inland regions of Sweden and Norway.
• June 25, 1888 — The Great Fire, which destroyed most of the wooden city in just a few hours.
• 1888–1890 — A historic decision is made to rebuild the centre exclusively from stone and brick to prevent future fires.
• 1890s — Active construction of the "Stone City" (Stenstan) involving the leading architects of that time.
• 1891 — Grand opening of the famous Hotel Knaust, which became a symbol of luxury and the city's revival.
• 1977 — Foundation of a higher education institution, which later became part of Mid Sweden University (Mittuniversitetet).
• 2001 — Sweden's first international casino, Casino Cosmopol, opened in the historic building of the former customs warehouse.
• 2014 — Completion of the impressive bridge across the bay (Sundsvallsbron), one of the longest in the country.
• 2017 — The historic centre of Sundsvall is recognised as the most beautiful city in Sweden following a nationwide vote by the organisation Arkitektupproret.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Sundsvall is an example of how natural resources and human resilience can turn a small settlement into a thriving centre. Here are the key milestones that defined the modern look and status of the city:

• The "Timber Rush" Era (Mid-19th Century). The introduction of steam sawmills caused an unprecedented economic boom. Sundsvall became a centre of global timber trade, and the region became wealthy and filled with migrant workers so quickly that it received the nickname "Little America". This laid the financial foundation of the city.
• Social Turning Point (1879). The famous Sundsvall Strike became the first large-scale conflict of workers in Sweden. This event played an important role in the democratisation of the country and the formation of the modern Swedish model of labour relations.
• Urban Planning Revolution (Post-1888). The decision to rebuild the city after the fire exclusively in stone became a turning point. Insurance payouts allowed for the hiring of the best architects, who created Stenstan (The Stone City) — a unique ensemble that is today the main pride of tourism.
• Economic Diversification (20th Century). The gradual depletion of forest resources and crises forced the city to seek new paths. The development of the pulp and paper industry began, followed by mechanical engineering and chemical production, which allowed jobs to be preserved.
• Educational Shift (1977). The founding of a higher education institution (now part of Mid Sweden University) transformed Sundsvall from a purely industrial centre into a city of students and science. This gave impetus to the development of the IT sector and the service industry.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (2014). The opening of the bridge across the fjord became the largest infrastructure project in the region. It not only improved logistics on the E4 route but also relieved the historic centre of transit traffic, improving the environment and urban atmosphere.

The Architectural Phenomenon of the "Stone City"

The architectural appearance of the centre of Sundsvall is unique not only for Sweden but for all of Northern Europe. The urban development of the city was radically interrupted and restarted after the catastrophic fire of 1888. As a result, instead of chaotic buildings from different eras, tourists see a cohesive ensemble from the late 19th century, named Stenstan (The Stone City).

This district represents a rare example of coordinated urban planning, where wide boulevards and esplanades were designed not only for beauty but also as firebreaks.

Main Styles and Eras

The architecture of Sundsvall is clearly divided into "before" (practically nothing survived) and "after" the fire, as well as modern stages of development.

• Eclecticism and Neo-Renaissance (1890s). The dominant style of the historic centre. Wealthy timber industrialists ("timber barons") hired the best Stockholm architects to create luxurious facades reminiscent of the palaces of continental Europe (Berlin or Vienna). The buildings are characterised by an abundance of decor, turrets, spires, and the use of brick and natural stone.
• Neo-Gothic (Late 19th Century). A bright representative of this style is the church architecture of that period, striving for vertical aspiration and grandeur.
• Jugendstil (Early 20th Century). Some buildings constructed slightly later than the main boom bear features of Northern Modernism (Jugendstil) with smoother lines and floral ornaments, although they are fewer in number than the eclectic ones.
• Functionalism and Modernism (Mid-20th Century). As the city expanded beyond the historic centre, in the Norrmalm districts and suburbs, practical architecture began to prevail: simple geometric forms, smooth facades, and an emphasis on utility.
• Postmodernism and Adaptive Architecture (Late 20th — 21st Century). Modern Sundsvall treats its heritage with care, integrating new functions into old industrial facilities.

Landmark Buildings that Shaped the City's Look

Walking through Sundsvall, it is worth paying attention to the following architectural landmarks, which serve as living illustrations of the city's history:

• Hirschska huset (Hirsch House). A masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance on the main square, Stora Torget. The building is crowned with a spire featuring a dragon, which became a symbol of the city's protection from fire. This is the quintessence of the luxury of the "Timber Rush" era.
• Hotel Knaust. A famous hotel built in the late 19th century. Its interiors are renowned for their marble staircase, which became a legend of Swedish architecture and high society life.
• Gustav Adolfs kyrka (Gustav Adolf Church). A majestic Neo-Gothic structure made of red brick, towering over the city. Its high spire is an important landmark in the city panorama.
• Kulturmagasinet (The Culture Warehouse). An example of brilliant renovation in the 1980s. Architects combined four old port warehouses from the 1890s, covering the space between them with a glass roof. Today, it houses a museum and library — an example of how industrial architecture gains a second life.
• Sundsvallsbron (Sundsvall Bridge). A modern engineering attraction (opened in 2014). This high bridge across the bay demonstrates the aesthetics of the 21st century, harmoniously fitting into the rugged northern landscape.

Outstanding Figures of Sundsvall

Sundsvall has given Sweden and the world many talented people whose names are forever inscribed in the history of culture, sports, and industry. Here are some of the most significant figures whose fate is inextricably linked with this city.

• Adolf Fredrik Knaust (1831–1917)
  Entrepreneur and Patron
  One of the central figures of the "Timber Rush" era. It was he who built the legendary Hotel Knaust after the Great Fire of 1888. His name became synonymous with optimism and the rebirth of the city, as well as a symbol of the luxurious life of the "timber barons" of the late 19th century.
• Sigrid Hjertén (1885–1948)
  Modernist Artist
  A native of Sundsvall who became one of the key figures of Swedish Expressionism. She studied under Henri Matisse in Paris and made a huge contribution to the development of modern art in Scandinavia. Her bold use of colour and avant-garde style were ahead of their time.
• Lars Ahlin (1915–1997)
  Writer and Novelist
  One of the most respected Swedish authors of the 20th century. Growing up in Sundsvall in a poor family, he often used the city as a setting for his works. His writing gave a voice to the working class and made the city an important point on the literary map of the country.
• Kai Gullmar (1905–1982)
  Composer and Singer
  Real name — Gurli Bergström. Born and raised in the centre of Sundsvall. She went down in history as one of the first female composers of popular music in Sweden, writing hundreds of hits and melodies for films in the 1930s–40s. Her legacy is still honoured in the Swedish music industry.
• Helen Sjöholm (born 1970)
  Singer and Actress
  One of the most beloved artists of modern Sweden. Possessing a unique voice, she became famous for roles in musicals (including "Kristina från Duvemåla" by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson) and films. She began her creative journey in the choirs of Sundsvall.
• Emil Forsberg (born 1991)
  Professional Footballer
  A star of Swedish football and a key player for the national team. Emil started his career at the local club GIF Sundsvall, becoming an example for thousands of young athletes in the region and proving that one can reach top European leagues from a northern city.