Östersund is an excellent base for exploring central Jämtland. Within a few hours, you can reach roaring waterfalls, alpine valleys, historic villages, lake views and some of Sweden’s most attractive mountain landscapes. Whether you are travelling by car, looking for a gentle family outing or planning an active day in nature, these day trips from Östersund make it easy to see more of the region without changing accommodation.
Why Östersund is a great base for day trips
Located beside Lake Storsjön, Östersund combines the convenience of a lively town with easy access to the countryside. The city has restaurants, cafés, museums and shops, while the surrounding area offers forests, rivers and mountains in every direction. Many of the best excursions from Östersund can be completed in a single day, although a few longer drives are better suited to visitors who want an early start.
Distances in Jämtland can be deceptive. Roads are generally well maintained, but journey times vary with weather, road conditions and seasonal traffic. In summer, daylight lasts for many hours, making it possible to combine two nearby attractions. In winter, snow and ice can make even a short drive take longer, so check the forecast and allow extra time.
A car gives you the most freedom, particularly for waterfalls and mountain areas. Some destinations can also be reached by regional bus, but services may be limited outside the main routes. Before leaving Östersund, check opening hours, parking arrangements and local transport timetables.
1. Frösön and the Peterson-Bergerska garden
For one of the easiest trips nearby Östersund, cross the bridge to Frösön. The island is closely connected to the city, yet it quickly feels more rural and peaceful. Frösön has some of the best views across Lake Storsjön towards the surrounding mountains, making it a rewarding choice when you want a short outing rather than a full day on the road.
One of the highlights is the Peterson-Bergerska garden, the former home of composer Wilhelm Peterson-Berger. The house and garden sit in an attractive position above the lake, and the setting gives visitors a sense of the landscape that influenced his music. The garden is particularly pleasant in summer, when the paths and planting are at their most inviting.
Frösön is also home to Frösö church, one of the oldest stone churches in Sweden. The churchyard offers beautiful views, and the nearby areas are ideal for a relaxed walk. Families may also enjoy the island’s activity centres and outdoor attractions, depending on the season.
Good to know
- Travel time: around 10 to 20 minutes from central Östersund, depending on your destination.
- Best for: lake views, gardens, history and a gentle half day.
- Allow: two to five hours, or longer if you add a meal and a walk.
2. Rödön and the Storsjön countryside
Rödön is a scenic peninsula and island area north west of Östersund, surrounded by farmland, forest and open views over Storsjön. The drive is short, but the landscape changes quickly from urban streets to quiet country roads. It is a good option for travellers who want to experience rural Jämtland without committing to a long mountain drive.
The area is well suited to a flexible day out. You can stop at small farms and cafés when they are open, walk along country lanes or simply enjoy the views from the roadside. In summer, look for local produce, handmade goods and seasonal events. The pace is unhurried, and the destination works particularly well for families or anyone travelling with a picnic.
Rödön can be combined with Frösön or other attractions on the western side of the lake. Take time to plan a route rather than relying on one single attraction, since opening hours in rural areas can change according to the season.
Good to know
- Travel time: approximately 25 to 35 minutes from Östersund.
- Best for: countryside scenery, local food and relaxed driving.
- Allow: half a day, or a full day when combined with Frösön.
3. Tännforsen, one of Sweden’s most powerful waterfalls
Tännforsen is one of the most impressive excursions from Östersund, especially for visitors who want a dramatic natural landmark. The waterfall is located near the Norwegian border and drops in a broad rush over the rocks. The sound and force of the water are striking, while the surrounding forest gives the site a wild and peaceful atmosphere.
The waterfall changes character throughout the year. During spring and early summer, melting snow can create a powerful flow. In autumn, the forest adds colour to the landscape. Winter brings ice formations and a very different atmosphere, although paths can be slippery and some facilities may operate on reduced schedules.
There are walking paths and viewpoints near the waterfall, and the visit does not require a demanding hike. Wear sturdy shoes and stay on marked routes, particularly after rain or during icy conditions. Tännforsen is also close to Åre, so confident drivers may combine the waterfall with a visit to the mountain resort, although this makes for a longer and busier day.
Good to know
- Travel time: roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by car, depending on the route and conditions.
- Best for: waterfalls, photography and dramatic scenery.
- Allow: two to three hours at the waterfall, plus driving time.
4. Åre for mountain views and outdoor activities
Åre is one of Sweden’s best known mountain destinations and a popular choice for day trips from Östersund. In winter, the resort attracts skiers and snowboarders. During the warmer months, visitors come for hiking, cycling, sightseeing and the view from the mountain. The journey follows the E14 west through forests and valleys, with increasingly dramatic scenery as you approach the mountains.
A day in Åre can be as active or relaxed as you like. Ride a lift when services are running, walk through the village, browse outdoor shops or stop at a café with views of Lake Åresjön. Hiking options range from short walks around the resort to longer routes on Åreskutan. Check lift opening times before travelling, since schedules vary throughout the year.
Åre is a practical destination for visitors who prefer not to drive, because trains connect the village with Östersund. However, a day trip by train requires careful planning, especially outside the main tourist seasons. If you are driving in winter, allow more time and check the road forecast before setting out.
Good to know
- Travel time: about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by car or train.
- Best for: mountain scenery, skiing, hiking, shopping and restaurants.
- Allow: a full day, particularly if you want to take a lift or hike.
5. Ristafallet and the Indalsälven valley
Ristafallet is a beautiful waterfall on the Indalsälven river, east of Åre. It is well known in Sweden and was used as a filming location for the movie adaptation of Astrid Lindgren’s Ronia, the Robber’s Daughter. The waterfall is surrounded by forest, rocks and walking paths, creating a memorable stop for nature lovers and families.
The river divides around a small island before rushing over the falls, giving the viewpoint a distinctive character. Depending on the season and recent rainfall, the water can look very different. Summer is convenient for walking and picnics, while autumn brings colourful woodland. In winter, snow and ice can make the surroundings enchanting but potentially slippery.
Ristafallet works well as a standalone destination or as part of a route that includes Åre. If you visit both, start early and check the time needed for parking, walking and meals. A quieter alternative is to spend more time in the valley, where the road offers several attractive views of the river and nearby villages.
Good to know
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Östersund.
- Best for: waterfalls, short walks and family-friendly sightseeing.
- Allow: one to two hours at the falls, or a full day when combined with Åre.
6. Bydalen and the mountain landscape
Bydalen is a rewarding choice for travellers seeking a quieter mountain experience. The valley lies east of the main Åre route and is known for its ski area, hiking terrain and views of the Oviksfjällen mountains. It is less urban than Åre, so the visit feels more focused on nature and outdoor activities.
In summer, you can choose from walks ranging from easy valley strolls to more demanding mountain hikes. Look for marked trails and ask locally about conditions before setting out. Mountain weather can change quickly, even on a sunny morning. In winter, Bydalen is popular for downhill skiing and cross-country skiing, with a more low-key atmosphere than Sweden’s largest resorts.
The drive itself is part of the appeal. You pass through forest and open agricultural landscapes before reaching the mountains. Pack food and drinks if you are visiting outside the main season, as cafés and services may have limited opening hours.
Good to know
- Travel time: around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours by car.
- Best for: hiking, skiing and peaceful mountain scenery.
- Allow: a full day, especially if you plan an outdoor activity.
7. Hoverberg and views over southern Storsjön
Hoverberg is a distinctive mountain on the southern shore of Lake Storsjön. The area is known for its cave, viewpoints and attractive lake scenery. It makes a manageable trip from Östersund and offers a different perspective on the large lake that shapes the region.
Hoverbergsgrottan, or Hoverberg Cave, is a natural formation inside the mountain. Access and opening times can vary, so check current information before visiting. The mountain also has walking routes and viewpoints where you can look across the water towards the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the views stretch far across southern Jämtland.
Combine Hoverberg with a drive through Svenstavik and the villages around the southern end of Storsjön. The area is a good choice for a slower day, with time for photographs, a picnic and stops at local businesses when open.
Good to know
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes from Östersund.
- Best for: lake views, geology, short walks and a scenic road trip.
- Allow: four to six hours, depending on stops.
8. Vålådalen for hiking and fresh mountain air
Vålådalen is one of the strongest options for active day trips from Östersund. The nature reserve lies in the mountain region west of the city and offers forests, wetlands, rivers and highland scenery. It is associated with some of Jämtland’s classic hiking routes, but you do not need to plan a multi day trek to enjoy the area.
Shorter marked trails allow visitors to experience the landscape at a comfortable pace. Choose a route according to the season, daylight and your experience. In summer, boardwalks may cross wet ground, while autumn can bring chilly mornings and changing conditions. Winter visitors can explore on skis or snowshoes, depending on local conditions and available services.
Vålådalen is best for travellers who want to spend most of the day outdoors. Bring suitable clothing, food, water and a charged phone, but do not rely on mobile coverage in every part of the area. Tell someone your route if you are hiking alone.
Good to know
- Travel time: around 2 hours or more by car, depending on the exact destination.
- Best for: hiking, cross-country skiing and mountain nature.
- Allow: a full day with an early start.
9. Jamtli and nearby cultural attractions
Not every day trip needs to involve a long drive. Jamtli, Östersund’s open-air museum and cultural history centre, is an easy local outing and a useful choice when the weather is uncertain. Historic buildings, exhibitions and seasonal activities show how people have lived in Jämtland over the centuries.
The museum is especially enjoyable in summer, when historical environments are brought to life through demonstrations and activities. During winter and other quieter periods, indoor exhibitions provide a good alternative to outdoor sightseeing. Check the programme before visiting, since special events and opening hours change during the year.
After Jamtli, walk into central Östersund for lunch, visit a café or continue towards the lakefront. This combination gives you a relaxed cultural day without the need for extensive planning or a car.
Good to know
- Travel time: within Östersund, usually 5 to 15 minutes from the centre.
- Best for: Swedish history, families and rainy days.
- Allow: half a day to a full day.
How to plan your day trips from Östersund
Choose the right season
Summer offers the widest choice of open attractions, hiking routes and cafés. Autumn is quieter and brings rich colours to the forests, but daylight becomes shorter. Winter is ideal for skiing, snowshoeing and frozen waterfalls, although road conditions require additional care. Spring can be beautiful, but some mountain trails and rural businesses may still be closed or difficult to access.
Pack for changeable weather
Even a warm day in Östersund can feel cool beside a waterfall or on a mountain. Bring layers, waterproof outerwear and sturdy footwear. A thermos, snacks and a paper or offline map are useful for longer drives, where services may be spread far apart.
Plan realistic routes
It is tempting to combine several destinations, but long driving distances can leave little time for enjoying them. Frösön and Rödön are easy to combine. Åre and Ristafallet also work well together. Tännforsen, Vålådalen and Bydalen are generally better treated as the main focus of a full day.
Start with the attraction that has the most limited opening hours, then fit in scenic stops along the way. If you are travelling by public transport, build your itinerary around the timetable rather than assuming that buses and trains run frequently throughout the day.
Which excursion from Östersund should you choose?
For the easiest outing, choose Frösön or Jamtli. For a classic Swedish waterfall, visit Tännforsen or Ristafallet. Åre is the most versatile choice for mountain activities, restaurants and transport connections. Bydalen and Vålådalen suit visitors who want more time in nature, while Hoverberg and Rödön are excellent for scenic driving and peaceful lake views.
With its mix of accessible countryside and serious mountain landscapes, Östersund makes it possible to design a different kind of day out every day of your stay. Pick one destination, leave enough time to enjoy the journey and let the scenery around Jämtland become part of the experience.