Some facts about Hälsingland:

Hälsingland is abundant in rivers, lakes, valleys, mountains, forests and last but not least, the most beautiful archipelago along the whole coastline. The nature is also characterised by many peninsulas, necks of land, so called "halsar". "Halsar" translated into English means necks and most people think that Hälsingland is named after this word.

The first population settled down 6 000 years ago, as Hälsingland was an area rich in fish.  The value of the forests was discovered during the middle of the 19th century. The epoch of the timber industry began and in Ljusnan timber became more and more important. The tradition of wood, especially in the Voxna Valley, became strong and several companies are still producing products of wood. Textile also used to be one of the most important industries in Hälsingland but today the province is dominated by the timber industry.

Hälsingland has always been well known  for it's handicraft and there are few provinces that have been able to retain their culture like Hälsingland. Here you will find the most beautiful wall paintings as well as painted porches. Textile - mostly linen (which also explains why flax has been chosen as the provincial flower) and pottery are also two specialities of Hälsingland.

Area: 14,264 sq.km

Population: 143.730

Inhabitants/sq.km: 10

Main Industry: Wood

Provincial Animal: Lynx

Provincial Flower: Flax

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History