Ostersund Tourist Attractions
|
|
Östersund, the only town of some size in Jämtland, is the economic and cultural center of the province. The town, rising in terraces above the eastern shore of the Storsjö, was founded by Gustavus III in 1786, and still preserves its original rectangular street plan. In the lake, opposite the town, lies the hilly island of Frösö.Östersund has hosted numerous World Championships in the biathalon and speed skating, and Swedish National Championships for cross country skiing and snocross. The town attracts many visitors who want to enjoy the many winter sports available.
Town
In Rådhusgatan, Östersund's main street, stands the Town Hall (by F. B. Wallberg, 1912). Diagonally opposite it are the Municipal Museum and the Old Church (1846). The New Church (by L. I. Wahlman, 1940) has fine frescoes by H. Linnqvist in the choir. Parallel with Rådhusgatan to the west is Storgatan, lined by 19th century houses.
Museums
In the north of Östersund is the Jämtland County Museum (by F. B. Wallberg, 1928-30), with a collection of material on the history and culture of the province (tapestry from äverhogdal). To the northwest is an open-air museum, Fornbyn Jämtli, with old wooden houses from Jämtland and Härjedalen.
Jamtli Historyland
Impressive exhibitions present the history of this part of Sweden in an entertaining and interactive way. Explore the world of the Sami and discover life as a trader- farmer.
Expo Norr
Östersund Expo Norr food fair is in June.
Storsjö Festival
Östersund Storsjö Festival is in July.
Surroundings
Storsjö Frösö
In the Storsjö (area 448sq.km/175sq.mi; greatest depth 74m/240ft) is the fertile island of Frösö. At the old Frösö bridge can be seen an 11th century runic stone. From the Östberg (468m/1,536ft) there are fine views of the lake and the extensive forests on the island. 7km/4.5mi west of the bridge is a church, rebuilt in 1898, the earliest parts of which date from the 12th century, with a separate belfry. In the churchyard is the grave of the composer W. Petersen- Berger, whose country house, Sommarhagen, is nearby. 1km/0.75mi west of the church is the farm of Stocke, with the Stocketitt, a lookout tower with a view reaching to the mountains on the Norwegian frontier. An old steamer, the "Thomée", plies on the Storsjö. Legend has it that a monster, the Storsjöodjur, lives in the lake.
Andersö
There is a car ferry from Frösö to the island of Andersö, which - like Skansholmen and Isö - is a nature reserve. There are remains of 17th century fortifications on the island. On the shores of the lake opposite the island can be seen the church of Sunne, with remains of a fortress built by King Sverre in 1178 after defeating the men of Jämtland in a battle on the frozen Storsjö.
Brunflo Church
To the south of Östersund is the 18th century church of Brunflo, with a belfry which was originally a defensive tower.
Hackås Church
The church of Hackås, 40km/25mi southeast of Östersund, has 13th century paintings.
