Östersund – Winter experiences in the city with mountain views

Jämtland Härjedalen’s largest city, Östersund, offers many winter activities just 15 minutes from Åre/Östersund Airport for those who want more than just skiing on a winter holiday in Sweden. The city is located right by Sweden’s fifth-largest lake, Storsjö. In winter, the lake freezes over, providing opportunities for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. On the island of Frösön, opposite the city, there are three lifts with several slopes and jumps.

Winter in Adventure Sweden - Jämtland Härjedalen. Film: Darren Hamlin

Vintercykling Medvinden Östersund — Winter bicycling on the frozen lake Storsjön in Östersund. Photo: Visit Östersund

For the family who wants more than just skiing on their ski holiday

Östersund is the capital of the region, and the proximity between the city and the mountains is just one of the things that make it a unique destination. There are 90 km of cross-country ski trails and three ski lifts with slopes right in the city. Since 2010, Östersund has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, thanks to the culinary experiences available in the city’s restaurants, which reflect the regional food culture. The city boasts a rich selection of restaurants, shopping, several hotels, and a vibrant city center characterized by being a university town with many students.

Barn skidåkning Östersund Göran Strand — The kids ski with a view of Östersund. Photo: Göran Strand

A ski holiday in Östersund offers:

Cross-country skiing on 90 km of groomed trails
Alpine skiing
The Moose Park
Long-distance ice skating
Winter cycling
Ice fishing
Winter park for children
Winter bathing
Spa options
Museums
Storsjöbadet water park
Multichallenge Adventure House with indoor activities for children and adults

Cross country skiing on lake Storsjön in Östersund. Photo: Roger Strandberg

Transport

Flight: You can travel to Åre/Östersund Airport, which is only 15 minutes from Östersund city center by bus, taxi or rental car. SAS has direct flights during winter from Copenhagen Denmark to Åre/Östersund Airport.
By train: With SJ, Norrtåg or Snälltåget to Östersund railway station.
Car: Östersund is easily accessible by car. It is 400 km from Umeå (4.5 hours), 560 km from Stockholm (6.5 hours), and 780 km from Gothenburg (10 hours). Rental car firms in Jämtland Härjedalen.