J
Jamtli
Jamtli, 1km north of the centre, consists of two parts: the open-air museum, comprising painstakingly reconstructed wooden buildings, complete with…
Getty Images
Östersund
This pleasant town by Storsjön lake, in whose chilly waters is said to lurk a rarely sighted monster, is a relaxed and scenic gateway town for further explorations of Norrland. It's remote enough that if you are approaching by car, you can expect to see almost as many reindeer as cars.
The town dates from 1786 and was a lucrative trading centre. Today, its appeal lies in its air of relaxation: in summer, people flock to the terrace bars and cafes of this Unesco-designated 'city of gastronomy', or wander its pedestrianised shopping streets. One of the best ways to appreciate Östersund is to take the footbridge across to the adjacent island of Frösön and gaze back at the city in profile, ideally around sunset.
Explore Östersund
- JJamtli
Jamtli, 1km north of the centre, consists of two parts: the open-air museum, comprising painstakingly reconstructed wooden buildings, complete with…
- MMus-Olles Museum
If you're into collections of stuff, this is the place to come, about 34km northwest of Östersund and1 km north of the E14. Per-Olov Nilson was a…
- FFrösön
Large and peaceful Frösön island sits just across the bridge from central Östersund, reachable by road and by footbridge from Badhusparken. The island…
- BBadhusparken
The waterfront park is the town’s most popular stop for sunbathing and a brisk swim. In winter the lake turns into Sweden's largest ice-skating rink (rent…
- SStorsjöhyttan
At Sweden's first Économusée (a concept originating in Quebec), you can observe the three masters of glass at work as they transform white-hot melted…
- MMoose Garden
Head to Moose Garden, 16km southwest of Östersund, to get up close and personal with the King of the Forest – or at least, some tame ones. You get to…
- SStone Age Rock Carvings
Glösa, 40km northwest of Östersund and by the Alsensjön lake, has some of Sweden’s finest Stone Age petroglyphs. The carvings, on rock slabs beside a…
- FFrösö Kyrka
Five kilometres west of the centre of Östersund is the restored, late-12th-century Frösö kyrka, with its distinctive separate bell tower, built on a…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Östersund.
See
Jamtli
Jamtli, 1km north of the centre, consists of two parts: the open-air museum, comprising painstakingly reconstructed wooden buildings, complete with…
See
Mus-Olles Museum
If you're into collections of stuff, this is the place to come, about 34km northwest of Östersund and1 km north of the E14. Per-Olov Nilson was a…
See
Frösön
Large and peaceful Frösön island sits just across the bridge from central Östersund, reachable by road and by footbridge from Badhusparken. The island…
See
Badhusparken
The waterfront park is the town’s most popular stop for sunbathing and a brisk swim. In winter the lake turns into Sweden's largest ice-skating rink (rent…
See
Storsjöhyttan
At Sweden's first Économusée (a concept originating in Quebec), you can observe the three masters of glass at work as they transform white-hot melted…
See
Moose Garden
Head to Moose Garden, 16km southwest of Östersund, to get up close and personal with the King of the Forest – or at least, some tame ones. You get to…
See
Stone Age Rock Carvings
Glösa, 40km northwest of Östersund and by the Alsensjön lake, has some of Sweden’s finest Stone Age petroglyphs. The carvings, on rock slabs beside a…
See
Frösö Kyrka
Five kilometres west of the centre of Östersund is the restored, late-12th-century Frösö kyrka, with its distinctive separate bell tower, built on a…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Östersund
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.