If you are looking for the best things to do around Östersund, you will quickly find that the city’s real charm lies in the vast wilderness surrounding it. While the city center offers cozy cafes, the true Jämtland experience begins where the pavement ends.
This guide is designed for those who want to go beyond the typical tourist paths. We have curated a list of the most rewarding things to do in the Östersund area. Focusing on adventure, fun, and mastering real wilderness skills.
1. Hiking Stuguberget: One of the Best Things to Do Near Östersund
For those who want a breathtaking view without a multi-day expedition, Stuguberget is the place to go. Located about 50 kilometers east of Östersund, this massive granite formation is a landmark that defines the local landscape.
Hiking and Climbing
Stuguberget is a favorite among the Scandinavian climbing community. But it features a well-marked hiking trail that is accessible to most. The ascent takes about 30 minutes. It is a steep climb, but the reward at the top is unparalleled. A 180-degree view of the Indalsälven river as it winds through the dense forest valley.
Why it’s worth the trip
Unlike many popular viewpoints, Stuguberget rarely feels crowded. It’s an ideal spot for a “Sit-Spot”. A simple practice of sitting in silence for 30 minutes to observe the landscape. It is one of the best day trips from Östersund if you are looking for perspective and a moment of quiet.
2. Moose Garden in Orrviken: A Close Encounter with Giants
When people search for things to do in Östersund, meeting a moose is usually at the top of the list. Moose Garden in Orrviken is just a 20-minute drive from the city.
A Haptic Experience
This is not a traditional zoo. The focus at Moose Garden is on the connection between humans and these majestic animals. You have the opportunity to touch and feed the moose, feeling the coarse texture of their fur and witnessing their calm, grounding presence.
Travel Tip: Combine this visit with a drive around the island of Frösön for some of the best views of Lake Storsjön.
3. Kayaking & Canoeing Things to Do in Östersund
Water is the lifeblood of Jämtland. Depending on your energy level, there are two distinct ways to experience the region’s lakes and rivers.
Spontaneous Thing to do in and Around östersund: Kajakomat
If you are staying in the city and have a few hours to spare, head to the harbor. The Kajakomat is a self-service kayak rental station. It’s an easy, low-threshold way to get on Lake Storsjön. Paddling away from the city noise and looking back at the skyline from the water level is an instant way to find a sense of freedom.
The Wilderness Option: Canoe Rental in Lit
For a deeper immersion in nature, drive 20 minutes north to Camping Lit. Here, you can rent a canoe and explore the Hårkan or Litselva rivers. Unlike the open lake, the river current dictates your pace. It’s a classic “Slow Travel” experience. Watch the banks for beavers and enjoy the rhythmic silence of the water.
4. Döda Fallet: Walking Through a Vanished Waterfall
If you have a car, one of the most unique things to do outside Östersund is visiting Döda Fallet (The Dead Fall).
Highlight to do around Östersund
In 1796, a catastrophic engineering accident caused a massive lake to drain in a single night, and the powerful Storforsen waterfall went dry. Today, you can walk on the smooth, water-worn rocks of the empty riverbed.
The Experience: Walking through the “giant’s kettles”—deep holes ground into the rock by ancient whirlpools—is a humbling experience. It is a place of profound silence and a stark reminder of the power of natural forces.
5. The Jämtland Triangle
While the full “Jämtlandstriangeln” is a famous multi-day trek, you can easily experience the magic of the high mountains on a day trip from Östersund.
Storulvån Mountain Station
Drive toward the Norwegian border to Storulvån. Within less than an hour of walking from the mountain station, you will find yourself above the treeline. The birch forest gives way to the open tundra (the Fjäll).
The Atmosphere: The air here is crisp, and the landscape is vast and ancient. It is the perfect environment to practice natural navigation or to simply enjoy the feeling of the wind on the open plains. Even a short walk here provides a massive mental “reset.”
6. Animal Connection around östersund
To understand the cultural soul of Northern Sweden, spend time with the animals that have defined life here for centuries.
Ullis & Rudolf (Kluk)
In the village of Kluk, you can meet reindeer in a calm, authentic setting. Unlike the high-speed tourism often found further north, Ullis & Rudolf offers a quiet glimpse into the life of these gentle creatures.
Nordic Husky Farm (Strömsund)
For those willing to drive a bit further, the Nordic Husky Farm offers kennel visits and autumn hiking. It’s a lesson in community and the incredible bond between humans and working dogs. It is an energizing experience that highlights the resilience required to live in the North.
7. Into the Wild: Adventure & Wilderness Skills
If you want to do more than just look at the trees, it’s time to get your hands dirty. Located just an hour from Östersund, our Woods & Wild basecamp is the ultimate place to trade your daily routine for a fire steel and a carving knife.
We believe the wilderness is the ultimate playground for everyone. Whether you are looking for a unique day trip from Östersund, a private booking for your group, or a deep dive into Swedish bushcraft, our camp offers a hands-on experience in the heart of Jämtland. You don’t need to be a seasoned survivalist—just bring your curiosity.
Discover the Skills of the North
Experience the profound satisfaction of working with natural materials and discovering what you can achieve with basic tools and the right knowledge.
- Wilderness Day – The Art of the first Spark: Spend a full day mastering campfire mechanics and essential bushcraft skills. This workshop focuses on woodcraft, lighting fires without a lighter, and the satisfaction of cooking a local meal over a fire you ignited yourself.
- Analog Time-Out – Digital Detox & Nature Escape: Trade digital noise for a two-day immersion into wilderness living. This experience includes a night in a tent under the stars, building a professional forest camp, and practicing natural navigation while remaining completely off-grid.
- Women Wilderness Days – Wilderness Skills & Empowerment: We provide a dedicated safe space for women and FLINTA to build real sovereignty in the wild. By deconstructing outdated outdoor narratives, we offer high-level wilderness proficiency and hands-on training in a supportive, non-judgmental community.
- Arctic Wilderness Day – Mastery of the Cold: When the snow arrives, we focus on the fascination and challenges of the real winter. Learn heat management, the technique of building roaring fires on deep snow, and tracking in the winter landscape to experience the insulating power of the northern nature.
- Bespoke Private Bookings – Exclusive Team & Group Events: All programs are available as exclusive bookings for corporate teams, private groups, or milestone celebrations. We design custom experiences ranging from management offsites to private snowshoe tours, tailored exactly to your goals and pace.
Ready to find your own path? Whether as a scheduled workshop or a tailor-made private adventure, join us at the campfire!
Practical Information for Your Visit
Getting Around
While the city of Östersund is walkable, the best things to do in the region require some form of transport.
- Car Rental: Essential for reaching spots like Döda Fallet, Storulvån, or Stuguberget.
- Public Transport: Buses run to many villages, but for the deeper wilderness, a car is highly recommended.
- Workshop Transfer: For all our programs at Woods & Wild, we offer an optional pick-up from Östersund to make the forest accessible to everyone.
What to Bring
You don’t need a “material slaughter” of expensive gear to enjoy Jämtland.
- Good & Waterproof Boots: Essential for the rocky paths and damp moss.
- Layers of Clothing: The weather can change quickly; being able to add or remove a layer is key to comfort.
- Curiosity: The North is a place to learn, not just to see.
Conclusion: Find Your Own Path
Whether you are paddling a kayak on Storsjön, standing on the cliffs of Stuguberget, or sitting by a quiet fire, the goal is to find your own rhythm. Jämtland is not a place to be conquered—it is a place to be understood.
If you are looking for more than just a sightseeing tour, we invite you to explore the skills and the silence that make this region so special.
Ready to start your adventure? Check out our Wilderness Days, Analog Time-Outs, and FLINTA Workshops to find your place at the campfire.
