Sundsvall named Sweden’s best outdoor municipality for 2026

Sundsvall has been named Sweden’s best outdoor municipality for 2026. The ranking is part of the annual 'Sveriges friluftskommun' survey, conducted by Naturvårdsverket, Svenskt Friluftsliv, and Sveriges Fritids- och Kulturchefsförening.

Gävle shared second place nationally with five other municipalities. Regional winners include Lund in Skåne, Södertälje and Danderyd in Stockholm County, and Karlstad in Värmland. Hagfors was recognized as the most improved municipality in Värmland, while Säter received the 'Year's Improver' award nationally.

The survey, which included 219 of Sweden's 290 municipalities, evaluates local governments on their outdoor planning, information sharing, cooperation, and specific activities. Organizers noted that the awards aim to highlight the importance of preserving and developing outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors alike.