Östersund is one of the best bases in central Sweden for exploring Jämtland without a car. From Östersund Central Station, you can reach mountain resorts, lakeside villages, historic railway towns and outdoor destinations on short, scenic journeys. These day trips from Östersund by train are easy to plan, with options for skiing, hiking, local food, culture and peaceful views. Timetables change by season, so always check the current departure times with Norrtåg or SJ before travelling.
Why take day trips from Östersund by train?
Östersund sits on the railway route linking central Sweden with the mountain region around Åre and Duved. This makes the city a convenient starting point for train excursions across Jämtland. You can leave the centre in the morning, enjoy several hours in another town and return in the evening without dealing with winter driving, parking or changing road conditions.
The railway also offers some of the most attractive scenery in the region. As the train travels west, the landscape changes from forests and farmland to larger lakes, river valleys and mountain views. In the opposite direction, routes lead towards smaller communities and connections to Sundsvall and the coast.
Some destinations work well for a relaxed café visit, while others are better suited to a full day outdoors. Before booking, check whether your chosen activity is open, particularly during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. It is also worth confirming the last return train, since services can be less frequent outside the busiest travel periods.
1. Åre: the most popular train excursion from Östersund
Åre is the obvious choice for one of the best day trips from Östersund by train. The journey west takes roughly one hour and offers beautiful views as the railway follows Lake Storsjön and continues towards the mountains. Åre station is in the centre of the resort, so you can begin exploring as soon as you step off the train.
In winter, Åre is known for alpine skiing, snowboarding and a lively après-ski scene. Local buses and lifts connect the station area with the ski slopes, although you should check lift operations and transport arrangements before travelling. A day trip is practical for experienced skiers who are comfortable with a limited time on the mountain, especially if you choose an early departure.
During summer, Åre becomes a hiking and cycling destination. You can walk around the village, take a lift towards Åreskutan when operating, or follow trails with views across the valley. The town also has outdoor shops, bakeries, restaurants and cafés, making it easy to create a less active itinerary.
What to do in Åre
- Take a short walk through the central village and browse local shops.
- Hike on the lower mountain trails or plan a longer route towards Åreskutan.
- Try a restaurant, bakery or café featuring local ingredients.
- Visit during winter for skiing, snowshoeing or a snowy village atmosphere.
- Check lift, bus and trail conditions before setting out.
2. Duved: a quieter mountain day out
Duved lies farther west than Åre and is a good choice if you want mountain scenery with a calmer atmosphere. The train journey usually takes around an hour and a quarter, depending on the service. From Duved station, you can explore the village and surrounding landscape, with options for walking, skiing and enjoying views of the Åre mountain area.
Duved is especially appealing to travellers who prefer a quieter base to the busier resort centre. In winter, the area provides access to downhill skiing and cross-country routes. In summer, local trails lead through forests and open mountain terrain. The village itself has useful services, but it is less focused on shopping and nightlife than Åre.
Because services and activities can be seasonal, plan your day in advance. Pack food if you are heading onto a trail, and make sure you have enough time to return to the station. Duved is one of the most rewarding train excursions for visitors who want easy access to nature rather than a packed sightseeing programme.
3. Järpen: local food, lake views and a relaxed pace
Järpen is located between Östersund and Åre and makes a pleasant stop for travellers interested in local life and regional food. The train journey takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the departure. It is a useful destination for a slower day away from the main tourist centres.
The town is close to waterways, forests and the dramatic landscapes of western Jämtland. Järpen is also associated with local food producers and restaurants, although opening days and hours vary. A little research before you travel will help you find farm shops, cafés or food experiences that are actually available on your chosen date.
Järpen works well as part of a flexible itinerary. You can have lunch, walk through the town and nearby natural areas, then return to Östersund in the afternoon. If you want a longer outdoor day, use the town as a starting point for a pre-planned hike and arrange any necessary local transport in advance.
Ideas for a Järpen day trip
- Look for local food shops, cafés and seasonal producers.
- Enjoy a short walk near the water or through the surrounding woodland.
- Use Järpen as a base for a pre-planned hike in the Åre region.
- Combine the visit with Åre if the train timetable allows enough time.
4. Krokom: one of the easiest nearby towns
Krokom is one of the most convenient nearby towns to visit from Östersund by train. The journey is short, making it suitable for a half day or a simple excursion when you do not want to spend hours travelling. Krokom has a more local and residential feel than the mountain resorts, offering a useful glimpse of everyday life in Jämtland.
The surrounding area includes forests, rivers and open countryside. It is a good destination for a quiet walk, a café stop or a short break from the city. The exact attractions available near the station can change, so check a local map and visitor information before departing. If you want to explore areas beyond the centre, local buses or a bicycle may be useful.
Krokom can also suit families looking for a straightforward outing. The short travel time leaves more room for a relaxed lunch or an outdoor stop, and the journey is generally easier to fit around a child’s routine than a full mountain excursion.
5. Brunflo and the southern shore of Lake Storsjön
Brunflo is a small community south of Östersund and one of the simplest train trips in the area. The journey is short, making Brunflo suitable for a few hours rather than a full day of sightseeing. It can be a practical choice when you want to see more of the Lake Storsjön region without committing to a long route.
The wider Brunflo area combines farmland, woodland and views towards the lake and surrounding hills. It is best approached as a local exploration rather than a destination with a long list of major attractions. Check maps, local opening times and walking routes before you go, since points of interest may be spread out from the station.
For visitors staying in Östersund for several days, Brunflo can be paired with another nearby stop if the timetable works. Keep the plan flexible and allow time for the return journey, particularly on weekends when services may be less frequent.
6. Sveg: a longer Inlandsbanan adventure
Sveg is a larger inland town south of Östersund and can be reached on the Inlandsbanan during the operating season. This is a longer journey than the trips to Åre, Krokom or Brunflo, so it requires careful planning and a suitable timetable. It is most realistic for travellers who enjoy the journey itself and want to experience a classic Swedish inland railway route.
The Inlandsbanan is known for its slower pace and access to remote landscapes. On the way south, you may see extensive forests, lakes, rivers and small communities that are not easy to reach by public transport. Services often operate differently in summer than during the rest of the year, and some trains may include special arrangements or require advance booking.
Sveg has shops, cafés and local services, but the main attraction for many visitors is the opportunity to travel through the interior of Sweden. Before choosing Sveg as a day trip, compare the arrival and departure times carefully. If the schedule leaves only a short time in town, consider treating the journey as a railway experience rather than trying to see several attractions.
Planning an Inlandsbanan day trip
- Check seasonal operating dates and reservations before travelling.
- Confirm how long you will have in Sveg between trains.
- Bring snacks and water, particularly if services are limited.
- Expect a slower, more scenic journey than a standard regional train.
- Consider staying overnight if the timetable makes a same-day return difficult.
7. Sundsvall: a long but possible city excursion
Sundsvall is farther from Östersund than the other destinations on this list, but it can be considered for a long day trip when the timetable is convenient. The journey takes several hours, so it is best for travellers who want to visit a larger city, shop, see museums or explore historic architecture.
Sundsvall is known for Stenstan, the stone city centre built after the major fire of 1888. Its streets contain ornate buildings, cafés, restaurants and shops. The city also has museums and cultural venues, along with access to parks and viewpoints. A central arrival makes it possible to explore on foot without needing a car.
Because the travel time is significant, check both directions before booking. A same-day visit may provide only a few hours in Sundsvall, while an overnight stay creates a more comfortable schedule. This option is most attractive for repeat visitors to Östersund who have already explored the closer towns and mountain destinations.
8. Trondheim: an international rail journey for experienced planners
Trondheim in Norway is not a typical quick excursion, but it is connected to Östersund by rail and can be an interesting option for travellers with a very early start and a carefully checked timetable. The journey crosses the Scandinavian mountain region and provides a memorable long-distance train experience.
Trondheim offers historic streets, waterfront views, museums, restaurants and the famous Nidaros Cathedral. However, the distance means that a same-day visit may be tiring or impractical, especially when connections are limited. An overnight stay is usually the better choice if you want enough time to explore the city.
Remember to bring valid travel documents and check current border, ticket and timetable information. Train services across the border can be affected by seasonal changes, engineering work and connection times. For most visitors searching for day trips from Östersund by train, Åre, Duved, Järpen and Krokom are more convenient choices.
How to plan day trips from Östersund by train
Start at Östersund Central Station
Östersund Central Station is the main departure point for regional and long-distance services. It is within walking distance of the city centre, making it easy to buy supplies before leaving. Check your platform, train number and return connection in advance, particularly if you are travelling on a weekend or public holiday.
Use official timetable information
Search for your route with Norrtåg and SJ, and compare the timetable for the exact date of travel. Travel times and service frequency can vary during summer, winter, weekends and periods of railway maintenance. A route that is convenient on a weekday may have fewer options on a Sunday.
Pack for changing weather
Jämtland weather can change quickly, especially near the mountains. Bring an extra layer, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear if you plan to walk outside the town centre. In winter, daylight hours are short and paths may be icy. In summer, carry water, sun protection and insect repellent for longer outdoor excursions.
Allow time for the return journey
Do not plan to arrive at the station just before departure if you have been hiking or travelling on a local bus. Give yourself a comfortable buffer, since rural services may not run frequently. Save the station location and the last return departure on your phone before setting out.
Choosing the right train excursion
- For mountain scenery: choose Åre or Duved.
- For local food and a quieter atmosphere: choose Järpen.
- For a short, easy outing: choose Krokom or Brunflo.
- For a classic inland railway experience: consider Sveg and the Inlandsbanan.
- For museums, shopping and architecture: plan a longer visit to Sundsvall.
- For an international adventure: consider Trondheim, preferably with an overnight stay.
Whether you want a mountain walk, a relaxed café visit or a scenic ride through the forest, the railway makes it possible to explore beyond Östersund with relatively little planning. The best destination depends on the season, your available time and how much of the journey you want to spend outdoors. With a checked timetable and sensible clothing, these nearby towns and mountain communities offer rewarding train excursions throughout the year.