O-Ringen Magazine. Nr 2 - 2022

ÖSTERSUNDS MUNICIPALITY
– a unique pulse of city and mountains
with adventures for the whole family
Historic Frösön
A thousand years ago, people where already gathering on Frösön
for markets and things. Frösö Church with its fantastic view is built
on top of a pagan sacrificial place. Next to the Frösö bridge stands
Sweden's northernmost rune stone which tells about the Christianization
of Jämtland, and the composer Wilhelm Peterson-Berger
was so captivated by Frösön's beauty that he had his home
Sommarhagen built here. Today it is a museum, cafe, and popular
destination. There are also plenty of cosy summer cafes on Frösön
and nice paths for walking, cycling, and running.
In Östersund, only an hour's drive from Åre, you are never
far from a magnificent natural or cultural experience, but
here you can also find restaurants, shops, and a nice city
hangout. Here we have collected seven tips for your visit.
Cycling for everyone
It is said that Frösön has Sweden's best trail cycling and the SM in
XC cycling has been held here several times. The Swedish elite in
enduro cycling regularly visit Östberget with their competitions
and the lift-borne downhill cycling on Östberget is open several
days a week. In addition to the advanced trails, there are also simpler
paths and trails that suit both beginners and the whole family.
Just outside the city is the Fugelsta cycling El Dorado, where
enthusiasts build fantastically flowy trails, and Östersund's ski stadium
is the starting point for two of the MTBO stages. Those who
want to take it a little more leisurely can rent a bike and explore
some of Frösön's many summer cafes.
Explore the Great Lakes
Water sports are popular and in the middle of town you can kayak,
rent a SUP board and go wakeboarding. Just outside town, Locknesjön
attracts with its green calcareous water or Andersön with its
mountain view. Those interested in fishing will find their fill in the
rivers just outside town. M/S Thomée makes trips out on Storsjön
every day of the week.
City life & Gastronomy
Östersund is designated Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO.
The area has the highest number of small-scale food artisans in the
whole country and many exciting restaurants, cafes, and courtyards
to discover. Östersund's city centre has received much praise
and here you will find a number of popular small and unique
shops mixed in with the big chains.
Storsjöyran
There are many festivals but none like Storsjöyran. Since 1983,
Storsjöyran has been one of Scandinavia's largest music festivals
with around 40 artists on seven stages, where national and international
big names meet local acts. Yran begins with the 10-day
long Yran week (July 21-30), which consists of art, film, theatre,
exhibitions, and happenings, while Östersund's harbour is being
rebuilt into Krogstråket with restaurants and entertainment before
it's time for the artists to take over the Yran stages July 28-30.
Jamtli Historyland
Jamtli Historyland is a popular destination for all generations. With
a few steps, you move in time from the 18th century to the 1970s.
Among Jamtli's old farms and city blocks, you will meet actors who
tell you about what it was like to live in the old days. Learn about
lean years of famine, take a ride on the bus from 1920 or stop at the
service station from 1956. Don't miss the 1970s counterurbanizers
and the tv-show “Five ants are more than four elephants”. At Jamtli
you will also find National Museum Jamtli with exhibitions.
Östersund for kids
Visit the Moose Garden and meet the tame moose. Teknikland mix
technology, aviation, and military history with play. At Jamtli you
travel back in time. Multi Challenge is Sweden's largest adventure
house with Boda Borg, playland, laser tag, bowling, climbing and
much more. Östersund is located by Sweden's fifth largest lake,
there are plenty of lovely swimming spots here, and the Storsjöbadet
water park has both indoor and outdoor pools.
50 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NR 2 • 2022 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NR 2 • 2022 51