Östersund, the largest city in the Jämtland Härjedalen region, is one of Sweden’s most popular summer destinations, offering a wide range of activities and experiences. The city is beautifully located on the shores of Storsjön, Sweden’s fifth-largest lake, with the mountains as a backdrop.
By the shore of swedish lake storsjön
Östersund is a compact, walkable city. During summer, visitors enjoy water-based activities, Jamtli Historyland & National Museum, and a rich calendar of major events. Just across from the city lies the island of Frösön, known for nature-based and cultural heritage experiences. Outdoor activities and beautiful scenery are always within reach and day trips to some of the country´s most popular mountain destinations are just an hour’s drive away.
Since 2010, Östersund has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, thanks to its strong regional food culture and many small-scale local food producers. The city offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, shopping, hotels, and a lively city center with events taking place year-round.
A summer holiday in Östersund offers, among other things:
- Jamtli History Land and the National Museum
- Children’s Östersund (family-friendly activities throughout the city)
- Moose Garden – elk park
- Biking
- Boating on Lake Storsjön
- Kayaking in and around Östersund
- Spa experiences
- Hiking
- Museums
- Storsjöbadet Water Park and popular bathing spots
- Multichallenge Adventure House
- Hiking in and around the city.
Day trips around östersund city:
Storsjöbygden North Tour: From Östersund to the Old General Store in Krokom, locally produced ice cream at Renates Konditori, Mus-Olle’s remarkable museum in Ytterån, Glösa rock carvings and Backgården in Alsen, lunch/dinner at Wångens Wärdshus, the Trangia museum in Trångsviken, the heritage center Vaetabacken in Mattmar, the Arve Museum and SS Östersund, the fish ladder at Dammån, hiking to Dromskåran in the Bydalsfjällen mountains, Marby old church, and evening coffee at the nearby heritage center. Take the ferry to Norderön and then to Andersön for an evening walk in the nature reserve before returning to Östersund.
Storsjöbygden South Tour: From Östersund to Moose Garden, morning coffee at Hara steamboat pier, Hackås old church, cave visits, hiking and views at Hoverberget, ice cream at Kossan i Berg, wooden handicrafts and dinner at Wikners in Persåsen. Take the Sannsund Bridge and greet the moose at Moose Garden before returning to Östersund. Tips for cycling tours around the southern part of Lake Storsjön can be found at Sweden by bike.
Ragundadalen with Geopark Indalsälven: for example, Döda fallet (The Dead Waterfall), which was created by a mistake made by the man known as “Vildhussen.” The Thai Pavilion in its golden glory. The haunted vicarage in Borgvattnet, fishing in the Ammerån river, and wilderness tours.
Bräcke: with award-winning ice cream from Glassbaren in Bräcke, Revsunds Brewery with its restaurant, the steamboat Alma af Stafre, Brattbytorpet, fine cheeses from local producers such as Osterian, hiking trails, and caves.
Åre: with the waterfalls Ristafallet and Tännforsen, Åre Candle Factory, Åre Chocolate Factory, and Åre Glassworks, delicacies from Fäviken General Store, hiking, cycling, shopping, and award-winning restaurants.
Vemdalen: is another cozy mountain village just an hour away with beautiful waterfalls, hiking, cycling, fishing, and excellent restaurants. Vemdalen still boasts an authentic village feel with an old church, restaurants, shops, and a ski museum showcasing vintage ski gear.
how to get to Östersund
By air: You can travel with SAS to Åre Östersund Airport, located just 15 minutes from Östersund city centre by bus, rental car, or taxi. SAS operates daily flights from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Jonair flies from Umeå twice daily on weekdays.
By train: Snälltåget, SJ, and Norrtåg all operate train services to Östersund.
By car: Östersund is easily accessible by car.
- 400 km from Umeå (approx. 4.5 hours):
- 560 km from Stockholm (approx. 6.5 hours).
- 780 km from Gothenburg (approx. 10 hours).
- 1 049 km from Malmö (approx. 13,5 hours).
