Östersund - Discovering Sweden

Travelling to Östersund

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Östersund, a pretty good destination in Sweden (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Östersund and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Östersund, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Sweden, here's everything to know about Östersund for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Östersund

Östersund is a city located in the middle of Sweden, in the province of Jämtland. It is the largest city in the county and has a population of approximately 50,000 people. It is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including the nearby Lake Storsjön, which is the fifth-largest lake in Sweden. Östersund is also famous for its winter sports, with many skiing and snowboarding opportunities in the area. The city is home to several museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, as well as a thriving food and drink scene, with many restaurants and bars offering local delicacies and craft beers.

What to visit in Östersund

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Östersund, Sweden: 1. Jamtli Museum: A living history museum that showcases life as it was in Jämtland during the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also has an open-air section where visitors can experience traditional Swedish life.
2. Östersund Ski Stadium: A popular winter sports facility that hosts various skiing and biathlon events. It features several ski runs and cross country skiing trails that are open to the public.
3. Storsjöbadet: A popular water park that features several pools, water slides, and a relaxation area. It also has a spa and wellness center where visitors can relax and rejuvenate.
4. Frösö Zoo: A big zoo surrounded by Jämtland's beautiful nature. Animals like bears, elks, wolfs and Moose can be found here.
5. Gustav III's Pavilion: A beautiful summer palace built for the King Gustaf III during the 18th century. Visitors can explore the palace and its surrounding gardens.
6. Lake Storsjön: This is the fifth largest lake in Sweden, and it offers a variety of recreational activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking.
7. Moose Garden: A wildlife park located a few miles from Östersund that is home to several moose. Visitors can interact with them and learn more about these magnificent animals.
8. Östersund City Hall: An impressive building located in the center of the city that is used for various government functions and events. It also has a museum showcasing the city's history and culture.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Sweden, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Östersund.

When to go on holiday to Östersund

The best time to visit Östersund depends on what you want to do and see. If you're interested in winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, then it's best to visit from December to March. During these months, the city is covered in a blanket of snow and many winter sports events take place.
If you're more interested in summer activities such as hiking, camping, and visiting festivals, then it's best to visit from June to August. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of daylight hours with the sun setting as late as midnight.
However, it's worth noting that Östersund does experience cold temperatures throughout the year, so be sure to pack warm clothing.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Östersund

There are several options to get to Östersund, Sweden: 1. By Plane: Östersund has its own airport, Östersund Airport, with international connections to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen. From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi to get to the city center.
2. By Train: Trains run daily to Östersund from major cities in Sweden, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The train station is located in the city center, so it is very convenient to access.
3. By Bus: Several bus companies operate daily services to Östersund from major cities in Sweden, such as Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. The bus station is also located in the city center, so it is easy to access.
4. By Car: You can rent a car and drive to Östersund from different parts of Sweden. The E14 highway connects the city to other major cities in the country.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Östersund, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Östersund

In Östersund, Sweden, here are some typical foods that you should definitely try: 1. Raggmunk - It is a type of potato pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, and milk. It is served with fried pork, lingonberries, and cream.
2. Arctic char - It is a freshwater fish that is found in the lakes surrounding Östersund. It is served grilled or smoked with potatoes, butter, and dill.
3. Jämtlandic cheese - This is a cheese that is made from cow's milk. It is a hard cheese with a mild flavor and a slightly nutty taste.
4. Smoked reindeer meat - This is a smoked meat that is made from reindeer. It is usually served with potatoes, lingonberries, and cream.
5. Klipptopp - It is a traditional dish made with fried potatoes, pork, onions, and cream. It is usually served with lingonberries.
6. Arctic raspberries - These are wild raspberries that grow in the forests around Östersund. They are smaller than regular raspberries, but they are sweeter and have a more intense flavor.
7. Örtagården herbal salt - It is a unique seasoning made from a mix of herbs and sea salt. It is a popular condiment in Östersund and is often used on fish and potatoes.
You can find general info about typical foods in Sweden here.

Is Östersund an expensive destination for tourists?

Östersund is generally considered as a relatively expensive destination for tourists in Sweden. Prices for accommodations, food, and activities can be higher than in other parts of Sweden, and can vary depending on the season. However, there are ways to keep costs down, such as staying in budget accommodations, cooking your own meals, and taking advantage of free outdoor activities and festivals. Overall, it is recommended to plan and budget accordingly when traveling to Östersund.

Where to find accomodation in Östersund

There are several areas in Östersund, Sweden that offer good options for accommodation. 1. City center: This is the most convenient location to stay as it offers easy access to all the major attractions, shopping areas, restaurants, and transportation hubs.
2. Gamla stan: This historic area is filled with charming narrow streets, old buildings, and beautiful views of the waterfront. It's an excellent place to stay if you want to experience the local culture and history.
3. Frösön: A small island located just outside the city center that offers more peaceful and scenic surroundings. This area is perfect for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and skiing.
4. Östersundsvallen: This area is located near the Östersund Arena, the city's main sports stadium. It's a great place to stay if you plan on attending any events or games at the arena.
5. Staden: This is a bustling area located just south of the city center. It's popular for its shopping, restaurants, and bars and offers a good range of accommodation options.
You can check hotel prices at Östersund here:
Booking.com

Is Östersund a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Östersund is considered a safe place for tourists. Sweden, in general, has a low crime rate and Östersund is no exception. However, as with any tourist destination, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding dark and isolated areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings. Overall, Östersund is a friendly city with welcoming locals and a fantastic destination for outdoor activities and winter sports.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Sweden here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Östersund.

What type of travelers will enjoy Östersund the most?

Östersund, Sweden is a place that can be enjoyed by different types of travelers. Here’s a breakdown of who might enjoy the city the most: - Couples: Östersund is a romantic place where couples can enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed pace of life. The city is relatively small, so it’s easy to spend quality time together exploring its museums, parks, and cafes.
- Young people looking for fun: If you’re looking for nightlife, Östersund might not be the best option. But if you’re interested in outdoor activities, such as skiing, hiking, and fishing, between other, then this town might be the perfect choice for you.
- Families: Östersund is a very family-friendly town with plenty of activities that children of all ages will enjoy, such as the Jamtli History Land, an open-air museum that recreates Swedish rural life, and the Frösö Zoo, where you can see moose, reindeer, and other Scandinavian animals.
Overall, Östersund is a destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities, stunning scenery, and want a relaxed pace of life.

How to get around Östersund

In Östersund, you can use buses, taxis, bicycles, and your own car or rental car to move around. The local bus system in Östersund is called "Stadsbussarna" and covers most of the city. Taxis are also available, but they tend to be more expensive than other options. If you prefer biking, there are several bike rental companies in the city. Finally, driving your own car or a rental car is also an option, but parking can be limited in some areas.

What to see around Östersund

Sure, here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Östersund: 1. Jamtli Museum - A family-friendly open-air museum showcasing the local history of Jamtland.
2. Frösö National Park - This national park offers hiking trails and beautiful views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
3. Åre Ski Resort - A popular ski resort in the winter which also offers scenic hiking trails during the summer months.
4. Storsjöbadet - A water park that features pools, waterslides, and saunas.
5. Undersåker - A charming village with a church from the 1200s and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Jämtkraft Arena - A football stadium that also hosts concerts and other events throughout the year.
7. Oviksfjällen - A mountain range with hiking trails and ski slopes, located about an hour's drive from Östersund.
8. Lillhärdal - A small village known for its traditional Swedish houses and unique architecture.
I hope this will help you plan a wonderful day out in Östersund!
For every travel information about Sweden you can click here.

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