Discover Åre and Östersund – twin towns of outdoor adventure, culture and flavours

Åre and the charming town of Östersund are two gems in Jämtland county offering a rich mix of experiences year-round. Åre is Sweden’s largest ski resort, drawing visitors for both alpine and cross-country skiing, as well as the chance to spot the Northern Lights. It has welcomed travellers since medieval times, when it served as a stop for pilgrims en route to Trondheim and began attracting leisure visitors in the 19th century for its clean mountain air and breathtaking views.

Östersund, once a military town, is now the vibrant regional capital with a strong cultural identity. Especially renowned for its food scene, Östersund champions local produce and time-honoured methods, earning it a place on the UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy list – a recognition it continues to uphold with pride.

Discover the cultural heritage of Åre and Östersund

Exploring Jämtland county’s rich cultural heritage is a journey through time. One of the region’s highlights is Jamtli in central Östersund – a combined museum and open-air attraction. Don’t miss the Överhogdal tapestries, dated between 700 and 1,200 years old. In summer, the museum’s Historyland brings the past to life with historical settings from different eras, complete with role-playing actors.

Right next door is Nationalmuseum Jamtli, a branch of Stockholm’s Nationalmuseum. This modern gallery space showcases rotating exhibitions and permanent collections featuring Swedish art and design – providing a contemporary complement to Jamtli’s historical focus.

East of Åreskutan mountain, you’ll find Fröå Gruva – a former mining village turned historical site open year-round. Surrounded by scenic trails ideal for hiking or cross-country skiing, this atmospheric area can be explored independently or as part of a guided tour.

Taste the region – local food and drink

Jämtland’s lakes, forests and farms provide an abundance of local ingredients. In both Östersund and Åre, locally sourced and seasonal produce are central to the culinary experience. Östersund has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2010.

Top restaurant picks in Östersund:

• Bua serves playful Nordic cuisine, and house-made non-alcoholic drinks.
• Jazzköket Saluhall is a lunch spot and market hall with local meat, cheese and seafood.
• Hemma hos offers Swedish comfort food, Japanese street food and flatbread pizza.
• Astrid presents shareable dishes with Asian flair and over 25 local beers.

Top restaurant picks in Åre:

• Buustamons Fjällgård crafts rustic dishes using ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
• Bergstugan at Fröå Gruva highlights local produce in a cosy historical setting.
• Husk pairs seasonal meals with beers from Svartberget craft brewery.

Åre is home to numerous waffle huts, many of which are open year-round. A must-visit in winter is Toppstugan, Sweden’s highest café at 1,420 metres – perfect for a crispy waffle break with a view.

Åre is also home to several renowned producers. Drop by Åre Chokladfabrik to sample handmade pralines and relax in their chocolate bar, visit Åre Kafferosteri for ethically sourced, small-batch coffee roasted on-site, and keep an eye out for Åre Soda – refreshing non-alcoholic drinks available at cafés throughout the region.

Jämtland also boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, with brews from Jämtlands Bryggeri, Åre Bryggcompagni and Östersunds Nya Ångbryggeri available at many local venues.

For more foodie tips across the region, visit our Jämtland Härjedalen destination page.