Jämtland County Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Jämtland County, including information on places to visit, hiking and biking routes, accommodations, local customs and more.


Introduction to Jämtland County

Jämtland County is located in Norrland, Sweden, in the Nordic countries in Europe. The region is known for its stunning natural landscapes, which include mountain ranges, forests, and lakes. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Jämtland County is home to rich cultural history that can be explored through its many museums and historic sites. Visitors to this region will also find plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing.

List of Places to Visit in Jämtland County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Jamtli Museum: This open-air museum presents 5000 years of Jamtland history.
  • Östersund City Museum: The museum offers an insight into the local history and culture of Östersund.
  • Frösö Runestone: An ancient Viking stone with curious carvings.
  • The Great Church: The church is one of the oldest buildings in Östersund, which dates back to the 13th century.
  • The Pilgrim Trail: A historic route that dates back to the Middle Ages where pilgrims traveled through the region on their way to the holy site of Nidaros Cathedral.

Natural Attractions of Jämtland County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Åre Mountain: Visitors can take the cable car to the mountain top and enjoy hiking routes and scenic views of the region.
  • Storsjön (The Great Lake): The fifth biggest lake in Sweden offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating.
  • Gammelgården: This Iron Age Village open-air museum gives visitors a glimpse into life back in the day.
  • Stora Blåsjön: The lake is located in a nature reserve and includes hiking trails, camping, and fishing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jämtland County

Jämtland County has plenty of hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore. Some of the most popular routes are:

  • Jämtland Triangle: A famous three-day hiking route that runs from Storulvån via Blåhammaren and ending at the quaint village of Sylarna.
  • Kungsleden: The King’s Trail is a long-distance hiking route which passes through Jämtland county and is 440 km long which takes about 5-6 weeks to complete the entire trail.
  • Åreskutan Hiking Trail: A popular hiking route in Åre which takes you to the peak of the mountain.

Best Things to Do in Jämtland County: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities in Jämtland County that visitors can enjoy. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Skiing: Jämtland County is home to several popular ski resorts, including Åre Ski Resort, which is one of the largest ski resorts in Europe.
  • Kayaking: Visitors can enjoy kayaking along the region’s many lakes and rivers.
  • Fishing: The region is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with several lakes and rivers offering great chances for salmon and trout.
  • Moose Safari: You can enjoy seeing special wildlife like moose and reindeer in one of the Moose safaris.
  • Northern Lights: Seeing the Northern Lights is an unforgettable experience in this region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jämtland County

A week-long itinerary in Jämtland County could include the following activities:

  • Day 1: Visit Östersund and its museums and local attractions.
  • Day 2: Enjoy skiing/ snowboarding at Åre Ski Resort or snowmobiling.
  • Day 3: Visit Storsjön by boat or kayak and enjoy fishing along the way.
  • Day 4: Explore the Jamtli Museum and the Pilgrim Trail.
  • Day 5: Visit the Iron Age Village Gammelgården and do some moose Safari.
  • Day 6: Hike Kungsleden or Jämtland triangle.
  • Day 7: Take a day trip to the tranquil island of Frösön.

Food and Drink Scene of Jämtland County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Renskav: Sautéed reindeer meat with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce.
  • Jämtland Pancakes: Thin pancakes, served with jam or ice cream and cream.
  • Flatbread: Finnish-style bread served with butter and local cheese.

Local Beverages

  • Östersund Beer: Popular local beer brewed in Östersund brewery.
  • Whiskey: The region is home to several distilleries, such as Box Whiskey which worth trying.

Where to Stay in Jämtland County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Jämtland County offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of your options include:

  • Åre Hotel: A luxurious hotel located in Åre offering all possible amenities.
  • Ottsjö Fjällhotell: A charming hotel in a mountain setting with sauna and restaurant.
  • STF Youth Hostel Jämtlandstriangeln: Hostel accommodation near Jämtland triangle route with all necessary amenities.

What to Buy in Jämtland County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Moose Horns: A traditional souvenir from Jämtland.
  • Jamtland T-shirts and Hoodies: A great way to show your love for the region!
  • Local Cheese: Cheese produced in Jämtland like Skärvångens Gårdsmejeri.

Local Culture and Customs of Jämtland County

Jamtland culture and customs still go back to ancient times and are still followed today. The region is famous for its music and dance traditions that are celebrated at many local events. The Sami people who call the area home have their language and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Jämtland County

The best time to visit Jämtland County is during the summer months from June to August when the sunshine hours are the highest, and hiking and outdoor activities can be enjoyed. Winter months are also great for winter sports and experiencing Northern Lights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jämtland County

Do:

  • Respect the region’s natural environment.
  • Hike on marked trails to avoid disturbing animal habitats.
  • Visit one of the local museums to learn more about the history and culture of Jämtland County.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the countryside.
  • Enter private properties without permission.
  • Disturb the wildlife or leave any kind of rubbish behind.

Safety and Health

Safety in Jämtland County

Jämtland County is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors must be aware of the following:

  • When hiking, it is essential to be well-prepared as weather conditions can change quickly.
  • Snow and ice can be hazardous during the winter months, so care must be taken while traveling.

Health in Jämtland County

Hospitals and medical facilities are available throughout the region. Visitors should make sure they have health insurance before traveling.

Getting to Jämtland County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Jämtland County

The nearest airport to Jämtland County is Östersund airport, which is around 11 kilometers from Östersund. Direct flights are available from Stockholm and other major cities to Östersund airport.

Bus Stations Near Jämtland County

Buses connect Jämtland to all major cities in Sweden and Norway. The central bus station in Östersund is the region’s main hub for bus services and is accessible throughout the region.

Other Options

Train and car rentals are also available for visitors who want to explore the region at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Jämtland County

Getting around Jämtland County is relatively easy, with several transportation options available to visitors. Buses, trains, and taxis are all available throughout the region. If you want to explore the region further, renting a car is a great option.

Where to Go Next from Jämtland County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Jämtland County is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders. Some nearby destinations and excursions you can explore include:

  • Trips to Norway which is about three hours away.
  • Visit the picturesque towns of Sundsvall or Gävle at less than five hours away.
  • Dalarna, north of Jämtland is an area with rich cultural history.

Conclusion

Jämtland County is a beautiful destination offering a range of activities for visitors to experience. From scenic hiking routes and skiing to cultural sites and urban centers, this region has something to offer everyone. By following the tips and guidelines shared in this guide, visitors can make the most of their trip to Jämtland County.

Building in Ljungris, Ljungdalen, Berg Municipality, Jämtland County. Ljungris is owned by the Sami culture community and used especially for Reindeer calf marking in the summer. Building in Ljungris, Ljungdalen, Berg Municipality, Jämtland County. Ljungris is owned by the Sami culture community and used especially for Reindeer calf marking in the summer. Municipalities of Jämtland County. Municipalities of Jämtland County.


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