Jämtland, Sweden Travel Guide

Explore Jämtland: A Swedish gem where natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and rich cultural heritage blend seamlessly.

Jämtland, located in the heart of Sweden, is an unspoiled wilderness that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. This region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, characterized by vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and towering mountain ranges. Whether you are an adventure seeker or someone looking to relax, Jämtland has something to offer for every traveler. One of the highlights of Jämtland is the stunning Åre ski resort, which attracts skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world. In the summer, Åre transforms into a haven for mountain biking and hiking. The scenic views from the mountain tops are nothing short of spectacular, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities. Jämtland is also rich in history and culture. The region is home to the Jamtli Open Air Museum in Östersund, where you can step back in time and experience traditional Swedish life. The museum hosts various exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a great destination for families and history buffs alike. For food lovers, Jämtland is a paradise. The region is famous for its culinary delights, including locally-sourced game, fish, and dairy products. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like reindeer meat, Jämtland cheese, and cloudberry jam. The combination of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes creates a dining experience that is truly unforgettable.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Jämtland.

Visit in winter for skiing and snowboarding, but don't miss the summer activities like hiking and mountain biking.
Take a guided tour at the Jamtli Open Air Museum to fully appreciate the local history and culture.
Try to sample local dishes at traditional restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
Consider renting a car to explore the region at your own pace, as public transport can be limited in rural areas.

Top City Travel Guides in Jämtland

The cities of Jämtland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Östersund

Destinations in Jämtland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Åre

Idre Fjäll

Vemdalen

Explore Jämtland: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Jämtland

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Åre ski resort

Scandinavia's ski powerhouse: 91 runs, epic drops and year-round thrills on Åreskutan amid Jämtland's raw peaks.

4.2

Jamtli

Discover Jämtland's living history, Viking treasures, and world-class art at Jamtli's immersive museum trio in Östersund.

4.4

Korallgrottan

Venture into Sweden's longest cave, where coral-like stalactites glow in marble depths amid Jämtland's wild karst wilderness—a true subterranean thrill.

4.4

SkiStar Vemdalen

Discover Vemdalen's family-friendly fjäll magic: world-class skiing, summer adventures, and breathtaking Swedish mountain scenery year-round.

4.2

Best landmarks in Jämtland

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Best Landmarks

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Åre ski resort

Discover the beauty of Åre Ski Resort, Sweden's premier destination for skiing, snowboarding, and breathtaking mountain vistas.

4.2

Åreskutan

Scale Sweden's iconic 1,420m ski mountain for epic hikes, ski thrills, and 360° views from Toppstugan, the nation's highest café.

4.7

Frösötornet

Ascend to panoramic heights over Storsjön and Jämtland's fjells, savor organic fika at a cozy café atop Frösön's summit—a quintessential Swedish scenic escape.

4.1

Gamla Åre Kyrka

Sweden's sole medieval stone church in the mountains, echoing 12th-century pilgrims along Saint Olaf's route with quirky saintly statues and star-vaulted serenity.

4.6

Best restaurants in Jämtland

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Buustamons Fjällgård, Hotell & Restaurang

Cozy ski-in/ski-out mountain lodge in Åre's Ullådalen, blending rustic charm, local cuisine, and alpine relaxation for unforgettable fjäll escapes.

4.5

Hamngatan 12 Interiör & design | Café & Bistro

Cozy Östersund gem fusing sustainable design shopping with homemade café fare in a rustic courtyard house—perfect for fika, lunch, and inspired finds.

4.6

Imilla

Intimate Åre gem where seasonal Jämtland flavors shine in a six-course tasting menu, blending passion, local produce, and cozy hospitality without culinary constraints.

5.0

Brunkullan Brasserie

Cozy Östersund brasserie serving classic dishes with premium ingredients in a lively neighborhood vibe—perfect for relaxed evenings and weekend gatherings.

4.2

Best bars in Jämtland

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Dalwhinnie

Discover Dalwhinnie in Östersund - where exceptional culinary experiences meet local charm and flavor.

4.6

Åre Ölkafé

Historic station gastropub brewing its own beers and serving Swedish mountain classics in cozy Åre.

4.3

Bastard Burgers

Casual, Swedish-sourced smash burgers and vegan alternatives in the heart of Östersund — bold flavours served with Shack Fries.

4.2

Boqueria Åre

Intimate tapas and cocktails in Åre — Spanish flavours, local touches and a convivial evening atmosphere.

4.1

Best nightclubs in Jämtland

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Bygget

Åre's colossal nightclub with epic live acts, après-ski frenzy, and slope-side revelry—up to 1200 partygoers on multiple dance floors.

2.2

Bartender Event

Ignite your night in Östersund at Bartender Event, where thumping beats, masterful cocktails, and electric vibes create unforgettable evenings on Brogränd.

5.0

Club Nostalgia

Rev up for vintage thrills at Hammarstrand's hillclimb haven, where classic cars conquer rugged terrain amid Jämtland's wild beauty.

4.6

Best shops in Jämtland

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Mittpunkten

Experience shopping and dining at Mittpunkten, Östersund's lively mall, featuring local shops, delicious cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere.

3.9

Bonus Möbler

Explore Bonus Möbler in Östersund for stylish furniture and home improvement solutions, blending functionality and aesthetics for your perfect space.

4.0

Åre Chokladfabrik

Handcrafted chocolates and fika bliss at Åre's iconic factory—watch pralines take shape, sample bold flavors, and unwind by the water in Jämtland's sweet escape.

4.5

Hanson Concept Store

A central Åre concept shop where technical ski kit meets curated mountain style — practical, seasonal and service-focused on Åre Torg.

4.3

Explore Jämtland on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Jämtland, mapped for you.

Jämtland Essentials

Jämtland is located in central Sweden. The nearest airports are Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) and Trondheim Airport (TRD) in Norway. From Åre Östersund Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to central Östersund, the main city in Jämtland. If flying into Trondheim, you can take a train or rent a car for the scenic drive to Jämtland. Alternatively, you can travel by train from major Swedish cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg directly to Östersund.
Within Jämtland, transportation options include buses, taxis, and car rentals. The regional bus network, Länstrafiken, connects most towns and villages. For exploring rural areas and natural attractions, renting a car is highly recommended. Biking is also popular during the summer months. In winter, snowmobiles and skis are common for navigating snowy landscapes.
The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in smaller towns and rural areas. Mobile payment options like Swish are also commonly used. ATMs are available in most towns, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in remote areas.
Jämtland is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Jämtland.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. Östersund has a hospital, and smaller towns have medical clinics. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many offer English-speaking staff. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress in layers and carry weather-appropriate clothing, especially if hiking or engaging in outdoor activities. Don't wear overly casual clothing when dining in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be punctual and considerate of others on public transport. Don't speak loudly or play loud music. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Don't address people by their first names unless invited to do so. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like surströmming and reindeer meat. Don't refuse an invitation to fika (coffee break), as it is an important social ritual.
To experience Jämtland like a local, visit the local markets and farm shops where you can buy fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to attend a traditional Swedish Midsummer celebration if you are visiting in June. For a unique experience, explore the natural beauty of Jämtland by hiking in the mountains or canoeing in the lakes.

When is the best time to visit Jämtland?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Jämtland

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Jämtland. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHej
  [hay]
- GoodbyeAdjö
  [ah-yuh]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeSnälla/Tack
  [snel-lah/tahk]
- Thank youTack
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta/Mi ledsen
  [oor-sehk-tah/mee led-sen]
- How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hoor moor doo]
- Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [bra. ohk doo]
- Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lar doo eng-el-skah]
- I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yahg fur-stor in-tay]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, snälla
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah say men-yun, snel-lah]
- I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yahg eh-ter in-tay shurt]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, snälla
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah beh-tah-lah, snel-lah]
- Help!Hjälp!
  [yelp]
- Go away!Gå bort!
  [gaw bort]
- Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring po-lee-sen]
- Call a doctor!Ring en läkare!
  [ring en leh-kah-reh]
- I'm lostJag är vilse
  [yahg air vil-seh]
- I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yahg air shoo-k]
- I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah shur-pah]
- I'm just lookingJag tittar bara
  [yahg tit-tar bah-rah]
- How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hoor myu-ket kos-tar deh]
- That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [deht air fur deer-t]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kan doo sen-kah pree-set]
- What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vahd air kloh-kahn]
- It's one o'clockDet är ett på klockan
  [deht air eht paw kloh-kahn]
- Half past (10)Halv över (10)
  [halv uhr-ver (10)]
- MorningMorgon
  [mor-gon]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mid-dahg]
- EveningKväll
  [kvel]
- YesterdayI går
  [ee gohr]
- TodayI dag
  [ee dahg]
- TomorrowI morgon
  [ee mor-gon]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Var är en/den...?
  [var air en/den...?]
- What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vahd air ah-dress-en]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kan doo vee-sah may (paw kar-tan)?]
- When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nair gohr nais-tah (boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [en bil-yett (til ....)]

History of Jämtland

Jämtland, located in central Sweden, was originally a self-governing peasant republic established around the 10th century. It was founded by settlers from Norway and was not under the control of either the Swedish or Norwegian crowns. This unique status allowed Jämtland to develop its own identity and customs.
In the 12th century, Jämtland came under Norwegian rule. This period saw the introduction of Christianity and the establishment of the Diocese of Hólar in the region. Despite the change in rulers, Jämtland retained much of its autonomy and continued to function as a distinct entity with its own laws and customs.
The Battle of Storsjön, which took place in 1178, is one of the most significant historical events in Jämtland. The battle was fought between the forces of King Sverre of Norway and the local Jämtlandic chieftains, resulting in a victory for King Sverre. This battle marked the beginning of Jämtland's closer integration into the Norwegian kingdom.
Jämtland was ceded to Sweden from Norway as a result of the Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645, following the Torstenson War. The region's transition from Norwegian to Swedish rule was gradual, with the local population initially resistant to the change. Over time, Jämtland became an integral part of the Swedish kingdom, although it retained some of its unique cultural characteristics.
Jämtland is known for its distinctive dialect, Jamska, which is a Scandinavian language variety. The region has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and crafts. Jämtlandic culture is celebrated through various festivals and events, such as the annual Storsjöyran festival, which showcases local music and traditions.
In contemporary times, Jämtland is a vibrant region known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Storsjön lake and the majestic mountains of Åre. The region has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. Jämtland's history and culture continue to be a source of pride for its inhabitants, and efforts are made to preserve its unique heritage.