"Hudiksval - Happy Hudik!" Hudiksvall by MikeAtSea

This delightful seaside village nearly 200 miles northwest of Stockholm is a treasure trove of 18th and 19th century architecture. Colourfully painted doorways highlight the charming old red fishermen’s cottages in Fiskarstan and Möljen, while the view of the bay from the terraced Hantverksgården is lovely. Known as Glada Hudik, or “Lively Hudiksvall”, during its heyday in the mid 1800’s, Hudiksvall is still quite high spirited when summer visitors fill the cafés and restaurants.

Hudiksval - Happy Hudig

The town was granted civic rights by King Johan III in 1582. Fishing and trade were major source of income, leading to a rapid expansion of Hudiksvall. But in 1636 the town lost the right to engage in foreign trade, its development being stifled for some 200 years.
The fact that fishing was an important industry for several hundred years can be seen today in the architecture and legacy of the town.
Most of the buildings of Hudiksvall are post 1721, the year in which the Russians ravaged the North East of Sweden. The whole town - with the exception of the church - was burnt down. Rebuilding took place on land below the church.