Exploring Östersund, Sweden, Ostersund, Sweden

With fabulous easy-to-reach hikes and expansive, sparkling Lake Storsjön, this travel guide details what you shouldn’t miss.

As the centre of the province in Jämtland County, north Sweden’s Östersund was founded in 1786 by King Gustav III.

Östersund’s woodlands, treks, and trails in the Rannåsen Nature Reserve offer fast interval stretches to hilly terrains, especially for skiing and running. Fitness seems to be everywhere in the surrounding hills, as we later discovered.

Relaxing in Östersund for four days and exploring the city at a leisurely pace is a pleasant change while travelling, especially after visiting hectic Uppsala, during Walpurgis Day of Sweden.

A rich history dating back to the 12th century is attached to the cathedral. Archaeological evidence suggests it was built on a former pagan sacrificial site. A natural transition to Christianity?

A fire in 1898 destroyed the cathedral’s exterior, although the interior was salvaged. The cathedral was rebuilt to maintain its historical character.

Built from 1909 to 1912, Östersund City Hall is a centrepiece in the city, featuring a distinctive onion-shaped dome that rises to 51 metres.

Explore a valuable collection of old objects and photographs displaying the historical development of the town, in a walk-through experience of Östersund’s past. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).