Östersund: Culture, Nature and Experiences by Lake Storsjön

Östersund combines impressive landscapes with an unusually diverse range of cultural and outdoor activities. Lake Storsjön and the mountain landscape shape the views all year round, while museums, historic cityscapes, hiking trails and water-based activities make many different types of holiday days possible. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, it is therefore worth first considering the kind of travel rhythm you want: Should culture be the main focus, would you like to spend a lot of time in nature, or do you want to combine different activities?

Culture and History in Östersund

An important cultural attraction is Jamtli. The museum complex comprises three museums in one location. Its exhibitions present the history of Jämtland and Härjedalen from prehistoric times to the present day. Particularly notable are the 1,000-year-old Överhogdal tapestries, which are considered Europe's oldest complete pictorial tapestries. The Nationalmuseum Jamtli also displays art and design from the extensive collections of the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.

Ahlbergshallen also offers several perspectives on the city. The building was formerly Östersund's library. Today, the upper floor houses an exhibition hall, while the Östersund City Museum is located on the ground floor. The sculpture hall and the two additional exhibition rooms at Ahlbergshallen offer further opportunities to discover art. Storgatan is considered one of the best-preserved urban environments from the 1880s in Sweden. Those who enjoy moving between museums, urban history and independent discoveries can take these interests into account when choosing their accommodation.

Hiking, Landscapes and Different Day Lengths

The S:t Olavsleden can be explored from Östersund starting at Badhusparken. Red trail markers lead across to Frösön. Overall, the pilgrimage route runs for around 580 kilometres from Selånger in the east to Trondheim in the west, but it can also be explored in shorter stages. Norrtåg serves a large part of the route with several stops, including Östersund. This makes it possible to combine shorter hiking stages with train journeys.

For a shorter break in nature, the Tysjöarna nature reserve lies just outside the centre. A signposted path of around 7 kilometres connects the two lakes there. In nearby Bynäset, a path just under 7 kilometres long leads through varied woodland along the shore of Lake Storsjön; it is suitable for walking, running or cycling. These different routes give you the opportunity to choose between a longer hiking plan and manageable trails when planning your trip.

Winter and Water Experiences

In Vinterparken, Medvinden is a prepared ice-skating track of up to 15 kilometres that crosses the ice of Lake Storsjön. The facilities there also include winter swimming in an ice hole, a warming sauna and a dip in a steaming hot tub. At Östersund's ski stadium, there are almost 90 kilometres of cross-country ski trails to choose from. At Mediacentret, a heated waxing cabin is available to the public.

Lake Storsjön also remains an important setting for activities during the warmer season. In Vinterparken, you can go wakeboarding in summer and rent SUP boards or kayaks. A paddling route follows the shore from Frösön through Vallsundet to the bay between Frösön and Bynäset. Storsjöbadet has a leisure pool with a trampoline, cave and current channel. This means you can view accommodation in Östersund as a base for very different daily plans without committing yourself to just one type of holiday.

Flavours and Further Destinations

A self-guided culinary tour through Östersund begins at the Tourist Center at Storgatan 27. Visitors can get tips and a map there. This is a practical way to discover the city through its culinary stops and plan the day independently.

If you would like to explore destinations other than Östersund, here is a compact selection: Tand, Solberg, Lit, Orrviken, Frösön, Marieby, Brunflo.

To the higher-level travel overview: Östersund.