10 Best Things To Do In Östersund, Sweden

1. Embrace nature in Andersön naturreservat

Andersön is one of Sweden’s nature reserves. This island is covered with lush pine trees that have withstood harsh climates over the years, a resilience that further added to the beauty and grandeur of the whole island. It is a popular leisure destination among Swedes and tourists all year round. The beaches around the island are a must-visit during summer. Visitors camp around the clear waters and grill their fresh catch at areas where fishing is approved in designated camping and grilling areas. There are also hiking trails in the woods, if you want to explore the island on foot. During winter, skiing on the icy beach is recommended. To make your visit comfortable, there are toilets, rest areas, parking areas, and transient shelters on the island.

Andersön naturreservat

Address: 832 93 Östersund, Sweden

Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

2. Enjoy a fun day at Badhusparken

The residents of Östersund are fond of congregating in Badhusparken. Depending on what season it is during the year, families and friends do not run out of activities in this waterfront park and events arena. Bask in the sun’s warmth and enjoy the sparkling water and fresh air as you bike or walk around the park during summer. In the cold months, the lake transforms into a skating rink. Skates can be rented here on a per-day rate. If you are one of the brave souls who want to take a short dip in the freezing waters, you may do so because they cut a hole in the ice for that purpose. When the cold gets too overwhelming, make your way to the spa and sauna nearby to warm yourself up.

Badhusparken

Address: 831 30 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Badhusparken

Opening hours: Visit website

3. Go hiking in Bynäsets leisure area

This island is a haven for cyclists, hikers, and even just for sightseers. What makes this place more interesting than the others is its history. This island was once a practice target for combat pilots and was used as a site for artillery exercises many years ago. The rules set around the island should be followed to ensure the safety of visitors because there may still be unexploded remnants lying around from all those military exercises. For the adventurous, safe areas and paths are provided in the parts that are open to the public. The views of the sea, rocks, and trees as you hike through the trails are breathtaking, which makes the whole experience worth it.

Bynäsets leisure area

Address: V, 832 96 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Bynäsets leisure area

Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)

4. Learn about local history at Jamtli

Jamtli makes learning history extra entertaining by allowing you to participate in various interesting activities and not just be an observer. The open-air museum showcases remakes of cottages and farms from the 17th-18th century where they allow you to try farming methods such as milking, animal feeding, and more. The indoor museum is filled with temporary and permanent true-to-life historical exhibitions, including well-preserved creative tapestries from the Viking era. Aside from the museums, there are other establishments nearby. Take a rest from strolling around the museums and sip refreshing beverages, eat a sumptuous lunch, or have a tasty snack at Jamtli Café. The gift shop, Jamtli Butik, sells both traditional and modern beautifully crafted souvenirs, and Jamtli Hostel offers a comfortable place to spend the night.

Jamtli

Address: Museiplan 2, 831 31 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Jamtli

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

5. Explore Torvalla Virgin Forest Nature Reserve

Torvalla Virgin Forest Nature Reserve is one of the many protected forests in Sweden. It is the habitat of numerous animal and plant species. The pine and spruce trees have been thriving there for hundreds of years. Many other trees such as birch and rowan can also be found inside the forest. Marshes on the northern part of the forest are home to different kinds of orchids and other flowering and non-flowering plants. This primeval forest is also a good place for bird watchers. Old forests like this exude such mystery and charm that will draw you in and make you feel like you are in another world. Walking trails are made to ensure the safety of the tourists.

Torvalla Forest Reserve

Address: 831 72 Östersund, Sweden

Opening hours: Open 24 hours (daily)

6. Satisfy your cravings at H E I M Food Studio

Overwhelm your senses with the exquisite cuisines that this restaurant serves: take delight in the creative food plating, inhale the mouth-watering aroma that surrounds the restaurant, make your taste buds dance in the flavor, and hear the buzz of the other diners as they gasp in awe as they bite into the food. This place is heaven for foodies. The restaurant’s renowned chefs use Sweden’s finest organic ingredients for their dishes. Every recipe they serve is cooked to perfection for your satisfaction. The decor improves the classy yet welcoming ambiance of the restaurant. Different kinds of events are held here, too. All these and more ensure that you will have world-class dining at H E I M Food Studio.

H E I M Food Studio

Address: Thoméegränd 9, 831 33 Östersund, Sweden

Website: H E I M food studio

Opening hours: Temporarily closed

7. Make your own glass at Storsjöhyttan

Founded in 1995, Storsjöhyttan is run by three women glassblowers who willingly demonstrate and teach the tourists different techniques in blowing hot glass mass and meticulously form it into a definite object. They take pride in their energy-saving and environmentally safe methods of blowing glass. Even the raw materials they use are recycled glass leftovers. You can book group tours to observe their glassblowing lessons during the day or in the evenings. After the lessons, you can try making glass objects by yourself or you can just buy ready-made ones from their shop.

Storsjöhyttan

Address: Sjötorget, 831 30 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Storsjöhyttan

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

8. Travel to the past at Teknikland Military Museum

Who would have thought learning about military history can be this fun? This place is unlike any other museum because it is a play-museum where you can use the objects in the museum for guaranteed extra fun. The Garage displays well-preserved antique vehicles in vibrant colors. The Flyg and Lotta display the actual aircraft that were deployed in wars many years ago. The bonus is you get to experience how it feels when sitting in the cockpit of a military airplane! The Garrison shows the uniforms used by the military personnel over the years, their weapons, and other artifacts. A knowledgeable tour guide will lead your way all throughout the museum.

Teknikland Military Museum

Address: OPTANDS FLYGFÄLT 106, 831 92 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Teknikland Military Museum

Price: Adult SEK 150 (~17 USD), Pensioner SEK 130 (~14.5 USD), Children up to 18 years free

9. Have drinks at Jane Doe Rock Bar

This is the place where good music, good food, and good locals converge. A savory plate of Baconater (bacon burger) or Smokin’ Hot Jane burger with fries and onion rings on the side and a pint of refreshing beer (or two) are the best way to relax after a long day of sightseeing all over Östersund. The whole place is decorated with rock n’ roll colors of red and black. The dim lights and artistic band posters heighten the “pub” atmosphere of the bar. Live bands or DJs come to perform on some nights. Visitors note that their staff is great too, so that is a plus. Make sure to leave them a generous tip!

Jane Doe Rock Bar

Address: 831 33, Prästgatan 44, 831 33 Östersund, Sweden

Website: Jane Doe Rock Bar

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 5pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 3pm - 2am; Sun: 9pm - 2am

10. Bring the kids to Storsjobadet Waterpark

Adults and kids will never have a dull time in this waterpark. Filled with splashing adventures, it features a climbing wall with a safe height (you will fall straight into the pool if you lose your grip), kiddie pools, adult pools, outdoor pools, and exciting water slides. If you are not into pools, you can pamper yourself in the park’s spa. Their services include different kinds of saunas with varying temperatures that suit your liking, a German method of bathing, which uses essential oils with relaxing scents, and an outdoor hot tub. This park also has a canteen that serves quick snacks, but you may opt to bring your own food.

Storsjobadet Waterpark

Address: 95A Krondikesvaegen, Ostersund 831 46, Sweden

Website: Storsjobadet Waterpark

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 6am - 8:30am, 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sat & Sun: 10am - 6pm

Price: SEK 120 (~14 USD)

Visit Östersund for the adventure of a lifetime

Whatever season it is, Östersund is the best place to visit because you will never run out of indoor or outdoor activities. Swim in the clear and warm ocean waters during summer or ski on nature’s own skating rinks during winter. Mingle with the locals by participating in their various events and going to the hangout spots where they dine and relax.