Being a railway hub in southern Norrland, Gavle can be reached by a variety of trains from all over Sweden, including Malmo, Goteborg, Linkoping, Stockholm, Orebro, Sundsvall, Ostersund, Boden, Kiruna, and Narvik.
Gavle is also a junction of several inter-country highways e.g. E4, R67, R68, R76 and R80.
Gavle has a commercial port which serves the wood and paper industry as well as the metal industry in central Sweden.
Gavle Taxi service is usually reliable and can show on short notice (15min or less). A typical ride is 60-70:- You can get to about everywhere in town on bicycle. Most of the central shopping areas in Soder and in the Centerum are in walking distance of the downtown hotels. The train station is a short walk from Centerum. Trains frequent northern destinations and south to Uppsala and Stockholm. In summer travel season, book early (5 days in advance) to Arlanda as trains can get quite crowded. As in most places in urban Sweden taxi drivers and railroad booking agents speak good English.
There are lots of possibilities to go '''canoeing''' on the numerous lakes of Gavle's region. Fishing is a popular recreation as most outdoor activities are during the summer months as most Swedes exit the towns for cabins and camping in the countryside.
There are a few enclosed shopping malls downtown, other than that most storefronts are located along the main drags in downtown and south.
Restaurant choices range greatly. There are plenty of street kitchens (sausage, pizza and kebab stands) and fast food joints such as Frasses, Max Burger and McDonald's available in the center of town. There is a themed restaurant called Church Street Saloon which serves American-western style food and flair. There are a few asian restaurants such as Lilla Saigon on S. Kungsgaten. Not too far down Cheers and O'Leary's, a casual dining choice with typical Swedish fair. Grocery stores are limited to Konsum and ICA but is a good idea to self cater. There are plenty of good bakeries available. Wayne's Coffee above Stadium in the Centerum has wifi access and good coffee. Food prices compared to US dollars is quite expensive, so be aware the exchange rates.
'''STF Gavle/Gamla Gefle''' Sodra Radmansgatan 1, a youth hostel in the old town, walking distance from the railway station. 145 SEK/bed.
The easiest way to leave is by taking one of the numerous trains heading south to Stockholm-Arlanda. Prices vary greatly. Be sure to indicate first or second class and be flexible on times. Don't be afraid if you must take a connection in towns such as Tierp, Uppsala, Marsta. The older SJ trains are dirty and uncomfortable, so if you see an option of Upplands Lokaltrafik, take it as they are brand new trains with more spacious seating. There is plenty of time to change trains or board a bus. In the busy season, allow plenty of time for arrival of your train as Arlanda can get very crowded. The bus trip can easily be a 3+ hour journey south as the E4 is currently under construction near Tierp.