Östersund: The Winter Wonderland of Sweden

• HelloHej
  [hey]
• GoodbyeHej då
  [hey doh]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNej
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeSnälla/Tack
  [snell-lah/tahck]
• Thank youTack
  [tahck]
• Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta
  [ur-shek-tah]
• How are you?Hur mår du?
  [hoor mohr doo]
• Fine. And you?Bra. Och du?
  [bra. oh-sh doo]
• Do you speak English?Talar du engelska?
  [tah-lahr doo eng-els-kah]
• I don't understandJag förstår inte
  [yahg fur-stohr eent-eh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJag skulle vilja se menyn, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah seh meh-nin, tahck]
• I don't eat meatJag äter inte kött
  [yahg eh-tahr eent-eh shuht]
• Cheers!Skål!
  [skohl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJag skulle vilja betala, tack
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah beh-tah-lah, tahck]

• Help!Hjälp!
  [hyelp]
• Go away!Gå bort!
  [goh bohrt]
• Call the Police!Ring polisen!
  [ring poh-lee-sehn]
• Call a doctor!Ring en läkare!
  [ring ehn leh-kah-reh]
• I'm lostJag är vilse
  [yahg air veels-eh]
• I'm illJag är sjuk
  [yahg air shoo-k]

• I'd like to buy...Jag skulle vilja köpa...
  [yahg skool-leh vil-yah shoop-ah]
• I'm just lookingJag tittar bara
  [yahg tee-tahr bah-rah]
• How much is it?Hur mycket kostar det?
  [hoor my-ket koh-star deht]
• That's too expensiveDet är för dyrt
  [deht air fur deert]
• Can you lower the price?Kan du sänka priset?
  [kahn doo sahn-kah prees-et]

• What time is it?Vad är klockan?
  [vahd air klohk-ahn]
• It's one o'clockKlockan är ett
  [klohk-ahn air aht]
• Half past (10)Halv tio
  [hahlv tee-oh]
• MorningMorgon
  [mohr-gohn]
• AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mee-dahg]
• EveningKväll
  [kvehl]
• YesterdayIgår
  [ee-yohr]
• TodayIdag
  [ee-dahg]
• TomorrowImorgon
  [ee-mohr-gohn]
• 1Ett
  [aht]
• 2Två
  [tvoh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Fyra
  [fy-rah]
• 5Fem
  [fehm]
• 6Sex
  [sehx]
• 7Sju
  [syu]
• 8Åtta
  [awt-tah]
• 9Nio
  [nee-oh]
• 10Tio
  [tee-oh]

• Where's a/the...?Var är en/den...?
  [vahr air ehn/dehn]
• What's the address?Vad är adressen?
  [vahd air ah-dress-ehn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du visa mig (på kartan)?
  [kahn doo vee-sah meh (poh kahr-tahn)]
• When's the next (bus)?När går nästa (buss)?
  [nair gor neh-stah (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)En biljett (till ....)
  [ehn beel-yet (teel ....)]

Östersund was founded in 1786 by King Gustav III of Sweden. The location was strategically chosen to centralize trade within the region of Jämtland, which had been annexed by Sweden from Denmark-Norway in 1645. The city's establishment aimed to curb the influence of Trondheim traders and bolster Swedish control over local commerce.

Before the establishment of Östersund, the region of Jämtland where the city is located had a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was originally part of Norway and functioned autonomously for several centuries. The area was known for its agricultural prowess and as a significant trading hub in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The Swedish-Norwegian Union (1814-1905) was a significant period for Östersund. The city's strategic importance grew due to its location near the Norwegian border. This period saw increased military activity and the construction of various fortifications to secure the area.

The arrival of the railway in 1879 marked a transformative period for Östersund. The Inlandsbanan railway connected the city to the southern parts of Sweden, stimulating economic growth and facilitating the movement of goods and people. This era saw Östersund develop into a bustling trade center.

During World War II, Östersund played a crucial role as a logistical hub for the Swedish army. Its proximity to Norway made it a strategic location for the deployment of troops and supplies. The city's infrastructure was significantly developed to support these military operations.

The 20th century witnessed a cultural renaissance in Östersund. The establishment of institutions like the Jamtli Museum and the Storsjöteatern theater bolstered the city's cultural landscape. Annual events such as the Storsjöyran festival, which began in the 1960s, attracted visitors and celebrated local traditions.

In 2010, Östersund was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This recognition highlighted the city's rich culinary traditions and its commitment to sustainable food practices. The local food movement, characterized by its emphasis on regional ingredients and traditional recipes, gained international acclaim.

Östersund is located in Jämtland County in central Sweden. The nearest airport is Åre Östersund Airport (OSD), which is approximately 11 kilometers from the city center. The airport is served by several domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus to the city center. Alternatively, you can travel to Östersund by train or bus from major Swedish cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. The train journey from Stockholm to Östersund takes about 5 hours and offers scenic views of the Swedish countryside.

Östersund has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses that connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. The local buses are operated by Länstrafiken Jämtland. Tickets can be purchased via a mobile app, at ticket machines, or directly from the bus driver. Taxis are also available and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. For those who prefer cycling, Östersund is a bike-friendly city with many cycling paths. Car rentals are available for those who wish to explore the region at their own pace.

The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Östersund, including in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of emergencies. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Mobile payment systems like Swish are also commonly used in Sweden.

Östersund is generally a very safe city for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific neighborhoods in Östersund known for high crime rates targeting tourists. As with any travel destination, staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can be used for police, fire, and medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities, including Östersund Hospital, are well-equipped to handle emergencies. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress warmly, especially in winter, as temperatures can drop significantly. Layering is key. Avoid overly casual attire when dining at upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Sweden is generally secular, it's polite to be respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do be punctual as Swedish public transport runs on time. Don't be loud or disruptive on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Avoid overly familiar gestures unless you know the person well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as surströmming (fermented herring) and jämtländsk ostkaka (cheesecake). Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite. Always wait for the host to start the meal.

To experience Östersund like a local, visit the Storsjöodjuret (Great Lake Monster) statue and learn about the local legend. Explore the local markets, especially the Jamtli Christmas Market, for traditional crafts and foods. Engage with locals at coffee houses or during 'fika' (a coffee and cake break) to learn about Swedish culture. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Frösö Zoo and the National Historical Museum Jamtli for a deeper understanding of the region's history and heritage. In winter, try out ice skating or cross-country skiing for a true local experience.