Ljusdal Municipality

Infobox_Kommun2
name=Ljusdal
fullname=Ljusdals kommun
isocode=
capital=Ljusdal
governor=
county=Gävleborg County
province=Hälsingland
arearank=20th
area=5,288
areapercent=x.x
population_as_of=2005
populationrank=121st
population=19,592
populationpercent=x.x
populationdensity=3.7




location=61_50_N_16_05_E

Ljusdal Municipality ("Ljusdals kommun") is one of Sweden's 290 Municipalies within Gävleborg County. Its seat is Ljusdal.

The municipality was formed in 1971 by the amalgamation of the market town ("köping") of Ljusdal (instituted in 1914) with the rural municipalities Järvsö, Färila, Los and Ramsjö.

Geography

Geographically the town is located on the shores of the river Ljusnan, along the shores of which Sweden's northern main line railway ("Norra Stambanan") stretches. The municipality calls itself "Sweden's nearest Norrland", with Norrland being historically how Sweden's north was referred to. Geographically, the municipality is located at the centre of Sweden.

In this large municipality (Sweden's 20th largest) there are several nature activities one can enjoy. Along Ljusnan there are a total of 40 kilometers of water ways, with possibilities for sailing, rafting, fishing or taking a tour with the tour boats.
Hamra National Park is also located partly within the western parts of the municipality.

History

The area had a large immigration from Finland in the 17th and 18th century in the western part of the municipality known as Orsa Finnmark (in Dalarna). Still there are many names which trace this Finnish influence.

The population was boosted when the mainline railway was constructed here in the late 19th century.

Today

In contemporary Sweden Ljusdal is perhaps best known for its very successful bandy team and for the annual Bandy World Cup held in the town.

Localities

Figures as of 2004, from Statistics Sweden

* Ljusdal 7,559
* Järvsö 1,907
* Färila 1,542
* Tallåsen 807
* Los 469
* Hybo 351
* Ramsjö 306
* Hennan 227
* Korskrogen 202
* Kårböle 134

Tourism

Tourism in the municipality is focussed on Järvsö. Popular tourist activities in Järvsö include skiing on Järvsöbacken and visiting Järvzoo.

Gallery

ister cities

* Denmark : Glamsbjerg
* Norway: Tynset
* Finland: Ikaalinen
* Estonia: Vinni
* Germany: Schlieben

ee also

* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Järvsö Järvsö]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bandy_World_Cup Bandy World Cup]

External links

* [http://www.ljusdal.se/ Ljusdal] — official website
* [http://www.sverigesnarmastenorrland.nu/ Sweden's Nearest Norrland] — tourism website in Swedish/English/German