Östersund

The largest city in central Sweden, located on Lake Storsjön with cultural attractions and winter sports heritage from hosting the 1912 Winter Olympics. Worth visiting for its museums, lakeside setting, and access to both skiing and cultural experiences.

Things to do

• Jamtli Museum — Explore Sweden's largest open-air museum with historic buildings, exhibitions on local history, and cultural heritage spanning centuries.
• Lake Storsjön — Visit the famous lake for swimming in summer, ice skating in winter, or simply enjoying scenic lakeside walks and boat tours.
• Östersund Winter Sports Centre — Experience cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snow activities at this modern facility with trails suitable for all levels.
• Torvalla District — Wander through the charming old residential quarter with traditional wooden houses, local shops, cafes, and galleries.
• Rådhuset (City Hall) — Admire the impressive Art Nouveau architecture from 1913 and learn about the city's administrative heritage.
• Storkyrkan Cathedral — Visit this beautiful church from the 1880s featuring elegant interior design and serving as a spiritual centre of the city.

Food to try

• Jämtland Meatballs — Savory traditional Swedish meatballs made with local meat, often served with lingonberry jam and sour cream sauce.
• Char from Lake Storsjön — Fresh fish caught from the local lake, typically grilled or pan-fried and served with seasonal vegetables and potatoes.
• Fladbrød — A thin flatbread traditional to the Jämtland region, often filled with cheese or meat and eaten as a snack or light meal.
• Reindeer Stew — A hearty dish featuring local reindeer meat slow-cooked with mushrooms and juniper berries, reflecting northern Swedish cuisine.
• Blueberry Pie — A beloved regional dessert made with wild blueberries foraged from local forests, served with whipped cream and coffee.

Local customs & good to know

• Winter Olympic Heritage — Östersund hosted the 1912 Winter Olympics and maintains strong winter sports traditions; locals take great pride in this sporting legacy.
• Fika Culture — Embrace the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with pastries mid-morning or afternoon; cafes are social gathering spaces.
• Respect for Nature — Swedes practice 'allemansrätten' (right to roam), allowing respectful public access to nature; locals expect visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Summer Festival Season — Östersund hosts numerous cultural events and festivals from May through August; check local calendars and embrace the vibrant summer atmosphere.