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Jämtland
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Explore Jämtland for Östersund’s culture, Åre’s mountains, lake landscapes, Sámi heritage and outdoor adventures in every season.

Jämtland occupies a broad, sparsely settled territory in central-western Sweden, stretching from the forested interior around Östersund to the Norwegian border and the high Scandinavian mountains. Its geographical centre is Storsjön, Sweden’s fifth-largest lake, whose shores link the regional capital Östersund with Frösön, historic villages and productive agricultural districts. Beyond the lake, the terrain rises through birch woodland, broad valleys and upland plateaux towards the mountain resorts and wilderness of Åre and the neighbouring western fells.
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Östersund is Jämtland’s principal urban base and a useful starting point for understanding the province. It combines a compact town centre, lakeside promenades, cafés and cultural institutions with the open-air museum and regional history collections of Jamtli. Across the water, Frösön offers rural scenery, views towards the mountains and the medieval Frösö Church, while the island’s links with the Norse-era Frösö Runestone reveal how long the Storsjön district has been a meeting place between inland communities and western trade routes.
Western Jämtland has a different rhythm. Åre is Sweden’s best-known mountain resort, with downhill skiing, hiking, cycling and a year-round visitor economy centred on Åreskutan. Nearby valleys lead to waterfalls, lakes and hiking country, including the powerful Tännforsen and the Ristafallet waterfall on the Indalsälven. The settlements are separated by substantial distances, and the landscape changes quickly from developed resort areas to quiet forests, reindeer-grazing country and high mountain paths.
Jämtland’s culture reflects both Swedish and Sámi histories, as well as farming, forestry, fishing and mountain travel. Traditional food remains important: local specialities include Jämtland flatbread, game, freshwater fish, dairy products and berries, with small producers and farm shops contributing to a strong regional food identity. In summer, hiking, cycling, canoeing and fishing are central activities; in winter, skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and northern-light excursions draw visitors to the darker western valleys.
The province is rewarding precisely because its experiences are spread across a large landscape. Östersund suits museum visits, food and lake-based excursions, while Åre offers concentrated mountain facilities and lively seasonal activity. Smaller communities provide access to nature, local produce and historic churches, but services can be limited outside the main centres. A thoughtful itinerary should allow time for changing weather, long road journeys and the possibility that the most memorable moments will come between the headline attractions.

When is the best time to visit Jämtland?

Best: June–August · 18–20°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-340
February-335
March135
April640
May1345
June (best)1855
July (best)2065
August (best)1865
September1355
October650
November145
December-340

Getting to and around Jämtland

How to get there

Åre Östersund Airport is located on Frösön, within Jämtland, and provides the region’s principal air gateway, with onward connections usually requiring seasonal or connecting arrangements. Östersund is also served by long-distance trains from Stockholm and other Swedish cities, and the railway continues west towards Åre and the Norwegian border. By road, European route E14 is the main east-west approach through Östersund and Åre, while national roads connect the province with Sundsvall and inland Sweden. Visitors arriving internationally may find Stockholm, Trondheim or other larger airports useful as wider gateways, but these are outside Jämtland and require a substantial onward journey.

Transportation

Trains and regional buses link Östersund with Åre and several larger settlements, but services become less frequent in remote mountain and forest districts. A car is useful for reaching waterfalls, trailheads, village churches, farm shops and dispersed accommodation, especially outside the E14 corridor. In Åre, local buses, walking and cycling can cover many central journeys, while ski lifts and mountain transport are seasonal. Winter driving requires preparation for snow, ice, darkness and wildlife on the road. Cycling and hiking are excellent ways to explore locally, but routes between settlements are often too long to treat as casual day rides.

Top city travel guides in Jämtland

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

Destinations in Jämtland

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

Best attractions in Jämtland

Jämtland’s attractions range from urban culture around Östersund to mountain landscapes and outdoor activities in the west. Jamtli in Östersund combines open-air historic environments with collections that explain regional life, while nearby Frösön brings together lake views, the Frösö Runestone and a medieval church. Åre provides the province’s most developed mountain experience, with skiing, hiking, cycling and lifts focused on Åreskutan. Outside the resort, visitors can explore the Vålådalen area, forest and mountain trails, canoeing waters and fishing country, subject to local access rules and conditions. Waterfalls are among the region’s most accessible natural attractions: Tännforsen is a major fall near the Norwegian frontier, while Ristafallet lies beside the Indalsälven east of Åre. Smaller communities offer historic churches, farm landscapes, local food producers and craft traditions. In winter, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dog-sledding extend the possibilities beyond downhill sports; in summer, long-distance walking and cycling reveal a quieter side of the province. The attraction landscape is defined less by a dense chain of ticketed sites than by the relationship between heritage, working landscapes and open mountain country.

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Best landmarks in Jämtland

The Frösö Runestone on Frösön is Jämtland’s most important early medieval landmark, linking the province’s Christianisation with the political significance of the Storsjön district. Nearby Frösö Church, with its long history and prominent position above the lake, forms part of a historic landscape rather than standing as an isolated monument. In Östersund, the old town streets, civic buildings and lakeside setting express the role of the nineteenth-century town as Jämtland’s administrative and commercial centre. Åre Old Church, a medieval stone church in the mountain settlement, provides a striking contrast with the resort’s modern ski infrastructure and reflects the older farming community that preceded tourism. Åreskutan is the region’s most recognisable natural landmark, rising above Åre with broad views across valleys and lakes when weather permits. Tännforsen, one of Sweden’s best-known waterfalls, is another defining feature of western Jämtland, where the force of the water and surrounding forest make the landscape itself the landmark. Historic farm landscapes around Storsjön and the province’s traditional timber buildings complete this visual record of settlement, religion and mountain economy.

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Explore Jämtland on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Jämtland

Jämtland’s food culture is closely tied to its farms, forests, lakes and mountain pastures. In Östersund and Åre, restaurants range from informal cafés and traditional pubs to contemporary kitchens that place local ingredients at the centre of their menus. Game, freshwater fish, potatoes, dairy products, root vegetables, mushrooms and wild berries are common regional reference points, while Jämtland flatbread and locally made cheeses are useful introductions to the province’s baking and dairy traditions. Cloudberries and other foraged ingredients appear seasonally in desserts, preserves and drinks. Farm shops and producers’ markets are especially valuable for travellers seeking bread, cheeses, cured products and small-batch specialities, although opening arrangements vary outside the main towns. Mountain and rural inns often provide hearty meals suited to walkers and skiers, while Östersund offers the broadest choice for visitors who want to sample several aspects of the regional larder. Menus change with the seasons, so asking about local produce is often more rewarding than looking for a single definitive dish.

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Best bars in Jämtland

Evening life in Jämtland is concentrated in Östersund and Åre, with a quieter pattern elsewhere. Östersund has the province’s widest selection of pubs, cafés, restaurants, live music and seasonal cultural events, ranging from relaxed lakeside or town-centre evenings to busier weekends. Åre’s nightlife is more closely connected with the ski season and attracts visitors to bars, restaurants and music venues after a day on the mountain, particularly during peak winter and holiday periods. Outside these centres, historic inns, village pubs, breweries and small hotel bars provide the main evening options, often with early closing or limited weekly schedules. Local beer and other Swedish drinks may feature, but alcohol is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture: concerts, food events, saunas and winter gatherings are also part of the social scene. Check current arrangements before travelling, as rural venues and seasonal businesses can change their hours.

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Best nightclubs in Jämtland

Evening life in Jämtland is concentrated in Östersund and Åre, with a quieter pattern elsewhere. Östersund has the province’s widest selection of pubs, cafés, restaurants, live music and seasonal cultural events, ranging from relaxed lakeside or town-centre evenings to busier weekends. Åre’s nightlife is more closely connected with the ski season and attracts visitors to bars, restaurants and music venues after a day on the mountain, particularly during peak winter and holiday periods. Outside these centres, historic inns, village pubs, breweries and small hotel bars provide the main evening options, often with early closing or limited weekly schedules. Local beer and other Swedish drinks may feature, but alcohol is not necessary to engage with the region’s evening culture: concerts, food events, saunas and winter gatherings are also part of the social scene. Check current arrangements before travelling, as rural venues and seasonal businesses can change their hours.

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Best shops in Jämtland

Shopping in Jämtland is strongest in Östersund and Åre, with smaller market towns and villages offering more specialised, local-scale choices. Östersund combines ordinary high-street retail with independent food shops, cafés, galleries, craft outlets and seasonal markets, making it the best place to seek a broad introduction to regional products. Åre has outdoor equipment, ski-related retail, design-led shops and food businesses aimed at visitors, alongside practical services for mountain activities. In rural districts, farm shops and producer outlets are more significant than conventional retail centres, with Jämtland flatbread, cheeses, berries, preserves, smoked foods and other local specialities among the most useful purchases. Look also for handcrafts, wool, woodwork, ceramics and Sámi-inspired or Sámi-made products, checking provenance and buying respectfully. Markets and independent businesses may operate seasonally or on limited days, so travellers should confirm arrangements before making a separate journey. The most distinctive souvenirs are generally edible products and locally made crafts rather than mass-produced regional memorabilia.

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Jämtland essentials

Currency and Payment
Jämtland uses Sweden’s national currency, the Swedish krona (SEK). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Östersund, Åre, hotels, supermarkets and established visitor businesses, and Sweden is generally highly digital in its payment habits. Small rural producers, informal stalls, some parking facilities and isolated cafés may still make cash useful, although it is sensible to check payment arrangements before setting out. Travellers should not assume that all places accept euros, and exchange rates for foreign cards depend on the card provider.
Safety
Jämtland is generally a calm destination, but outdoor conditions require more attention than urban security. Mountain weather can change quickly, with cold, wind, fog and poor visibility possible even in summer; use a map, carry suitable clothing and tell someone your plans on longer walks. In winter, respect avalanche advice and marked closures. Take care near waterfalls, fast rivers, thin lake ice and snowmobile routes, and watch for moose and reindeer when driving. Ordinary precautions against theft remain appropriate in busy travel areas and at parked vehicles.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 throughout Sweden for urgent police, fire, ambulance and rescue assistance. Give your exact location, particularly when in the mountains, and use a trail name, map reference, hut, road number or visible landmark if available. Mountain rescue and other emergency services are coordinated through the national system, while non-urgent police matters can be directed to 114 14. Mobile coverage can be limited in valleys and remote areas, so do not rely solely on a phone for longer excursions; carry navigation equipment and check in with accommodation staff or a visitor centre before departure.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect Sweden’s right of public access by leaving no litter, avoiding damage to vegetation and checking local restrictions around private land, protected areas and reindeer herding. Keep dogs under control, particularly near livestock and wildlife, and never approach reindeer or feed wild animals. Follow marked routes and instructions near waterfalls, ski areas and avalanche terrain. In churches, museums and Sámi cultural settings, behave quietly and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or private property. Queueing, punctuality and relatively informal but considerate behaviour are valued, while tipping in Sweden is discretionary rather than obligatory.
Local Tips
Base yourself according to the landscape you want rather than attempting to cover all of Jämtland from one town. Östersund works well for Storsjön, Jamtli and regional food, while Åre is better placed for mountain activities and western excursions. Look for local produce in farm shops and seasonal markets, and ask about road and trail conditions before travelling into the mountains. Public transport is most practical along the main rail and bus corridors; for remote waterfalls, nature areas and rural churches, advance planning or a hire car is often necessary.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Early Settlement and Iron Age Traditions

Jämtland has been inhabited since the retreat of the ice sheet, with archaeological evidence of hunting, fishing and later farming communities. The province’s lakes, river valleys and mountain passes connected settlements across central Scandinavia. Iron Age burial sites, house remains and rock art testify to changing patterns of trade and land use, while the continued presence of reindeer-herding traditions reflects the long history of Sámi life in the wider mountain region. The landscape was never an empty wilderness: seasonal movement, resource use and local exchange shaped it long before modern tourism.

The Frösö Runestone and Norse Jämtland

The Frösö Runestone, raised in the eleventh century on Frösön, is one of Jämtland’s most important historical objects. Its inscription refers to the Christianisation of the province and to a bridge-building project, offering evidence of organised local society during the Viking Age and early medieval period. Frösön became a political and religious centre around Storsjön, and the runestone’s location near the later church illustrates the transition from pre-Christian traditions to Christianity. It remains a powerful marker of Jämtland’s distinct history within the Swedish and Norwegian borderlands.

Medieval Links with Norway

For much of the Middle Ages, Jämtland was closely tied to Norway through geography, trade and political allegiance. Mountain passes connected the province with Trøndelag and Trondheim, while Storsjön and the Indalsälven valley supported movement towards the coast. Churches and farms expanded as Christianity became established, and the region’s position between kingdoms gave it a distinctive borderland character. The Treaty of Brömsebro in 1645 transferred Jämtland from Denmark-Norway to Sweden, a political change that gradually redirected administration, taxation and commercial relationships eastwards.

Farming, Timber and Local Trade

After becoming part of Sweden, Jämtland developed through a mixture of small-scale farming, livestock keeping, forestry and trade. The fertile shores around Storsjön supported settlement, while upland communities relied on seasonal movement, haymaking and carefully managed pasture. Timber became increasingly important as roads, rivers and later railways connected the interior with national markets. Market towns and villages grew as centres for agricultural exchange, and many traditional farm buildings, churches and cultivated landscapes still reflect this economy. These industries laid the foundations for the region’s modern settlements before tourism became a major source of income.

The Railway and the Growth of Tourism

The arrival of the railway in the late nineteenth century transformed access to Jämtland. Östersund gained stronger connections with central Sweden, while rail travel made the western mountains more accessible to visitors seeking fresh air, scenery and organised outdoor recreation. Åre developed from a farming and transport settlement into a prominent mountain resort, first attracting summer visitors and later becoming known for winter sports. Hotels, mountain stations, ski facilities and improved roads changed the local economy, while the rail corridor remains one of the most practical ways to reach the province without a car.

Sámi Life and Contemporary Recognition

Sámi communities have long used Jämtland’s forests and mountains for reindeer herding, seasonal movement and cultural practice. Modern boundaries, forestry, hydroelectric development, tourism and competing land uses have created pressures, but Sámi culture remains an essential part of the province’s identity rather than a historical footnote. Visitors encounter this heritage through language, crafts, food, reindeer-herding landscapes and cultural initiatives, although experiences vary and should be approached respectfully. Contemporary Jämtland continues to negotiate how traditional land use and modern recreation can coexist.

Jämtland’s Food Culture and Regional Identity

In recent decades, Jämtland has strengthened its reputation for small-scale food production and regional cuisine. The tradition draws on dairy farming, mountain pasture, freshwater fishing, foraging, baking and the use of game and berries. Jämtland flatbread, local cheeses and products made from cloudberries and other wild ingredients express the relationship between food and landscape. Farm shops, producers’ markets and restaurants have helped turn these traditions into a contemporary cultural asset. The movement also reinforces a broader regional identity centred on self-reliance, local agriculture and the distinctive resources of the northern interior.

Jämtland in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Jämtland, Sweden

Discover Jämtland with Evendo - your 100% free, app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more. Plan, book, and explore effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Evendo is your comprehensive, app-based travel guide to Jämtland, Sweden. Discover top attractions, plan your itinerary, and book experiences all in one place. Free to use!

  • History of Jämtland and travel essentials
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience Jämtland like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Welcome to Jämtland, Sweden! Whether you're a nature enthusiast, history buff, or foodie, Evendo is your ultimate companion to explore this stunning region. Download Evendo and unlock detailed information on Jämtland's best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Discover the rich history of Jämtland by visiting landmarks like the Frösö Church and the historical Jamtli Museum. For outdoor adventurers, the beautiful Åreskutan Mountain and the serene Storsjön Lake offer breathtaking views and activities like hiking and boating. Food lovers can indulge in local culinary delights at renowned restaurants like Jazzköket and Hov, where traditional Swedish flavors meet modern cuisine.

Evendo makes it easy to plan and book your trip. Each location features a comprehensive set of information, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. The app’s user-friendly interface allows you to navigate through Jämtland effortlessly and find hidden gems with the “Near me” feature.

No more hassle of searching for what to see, do, or where to eat. Evendo lets you book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app. Plus, it’s 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs. Download Evendo today and make the most of your Jämtland adventure!

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