Things to see and do Gävle

Located south of the Gavleån River, a group of traditional wooden houses painted in bright colors and narrow cobblestone streets take you back to the Gävle of two centuries ago. The strange double mirrors you will see in front of the windows are spy-glass. A curious detail, the inhabitants used them (and probably still do) to see what was going on in the street without moving from their armchair! A superb corner to take pictures.

In the ^18th and ^19th centuries, the prisoners in Gävle prison had a painful experience of isolation. At that time, the inmates were confined to their cells 24 hours a day, with only twenty minutes of escape time in the open air gaols. Since 2004, a museum has been bringing prison life to life. The museum's exhibition leads into the cells where mannequins, objects found on inmates over the years and interactivity bring these places back to life.

The museum exhibits one of the finest collections of locomotives and wagons illustrating the entire history of the Swedish railroads. The collection includes more than 300 vehicles from the early ^19th century, including the famous Prince Augustus locomotive, which is still the oldest locomotive in service. But what will delight the children (and no doubt some others) is the possibility to climb into the driver's cab of a steam locomotive!

The Regional Museum Gävleborg houses a splendid collection of Swedish art from the ^17th century to the present day, including works by Alexander Roslin, Marcus Larsson and Carl Larsson. Recently, a room has been dedicated to Gunnar Cyrén (an artist famous for his glass pieces). It is notable and pleasing to note the discrepancy that has been created by the presentation, in the same rooms, of works from diametrically opposed styles and periods. A mini circus tent.

Located in the north-east of the city, the Murberget Open Air Museum is a sort of mini Skansen (its Stockholm big brother), with old summer farms, animal pens and activities reminiscent of rural life in the Ångermanland region. The museum and its surroundings are open to the public all year round and there is the charming Lindas Mat & Café restaurant. The perfect place for a day of rest and discovery in the heart of Murberget!