Akersberga(Sweden) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Östersund, the top choice for lakeside views is Hotel Östersund, a modern boutique hotel nestled along the shores of Lake Storsjön. Its floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic vistas of the shimmering water and surrounding forests, perfect for sunrise coffee or evening stargazing. The rooms blend Scandinavian minimalism with natural wood finishes, creating a serene retreat. The on-site spa features an indoor hot tub overlooking the lake, while the restaurant, Fjällvärlden, serves locally sourced dishes like smoked trout with lingonberry sauce and wild mushroom risotto. For a more intimate experience, consider Lilla Fjällsbo B&B, a restored wooden cabin with a private deck and fireplace—ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

The best area for tourists is the Lakefront District, located just steps from Lake Storsjön and the central Östersund Museum. This district offers easy access to restaurants, cafés, and local shops, all within walking distance. Many high-quality hotels and guesthouses are concentrated here, including Hotel Östersund and Storgatan Apartments. It’s also the gateway to key attractions: the Östersund Harbour provides boat tours to nearby islands, and the scenic Lake Promenade is perfect for morning walks or evening strolls under the northern sky. Ideal for travelers who want a balance between urban convenience and peaceful natural surroundings.

Don’t miss visiting the Sámi Cultural Village, where you can participate in traditional crafts like reindeer hide tanning, drum-making, and storytelling sessions passed down through generations. The annual Northern Forest Festival combines guided forest hikes with live folk music under the open sky—perfect for immersing yourself in Sweden’s deep connection with nature. Another must is the Paddle & Explore Tour, a guided canoe journey across the labyrinthine archipelago of Lake Storsjön, offering close encounters with swans, ospreys, and ancient forest trails. These experiences provide authentic insight into the region’s indigenous heritage and sustainable lifestyle.

Try smoked trout with cranberry sauce, a regional specialty made from fish caught in local rivers and slowly smoked over birch wood—delicate and richly flavored. Another highlight is wild mushroom soup, crafted with seasonal varieties like chanterelles and porcini, simmered with cream and fresh herbs. Don’t skip maple-glazed duck breast, a Nordic twist on sweet-savory pairing using locally produced syrup. Dining spots like Fjällvärlden and Skogstugan emphasize farm-to-table principles, sourcing ingredients directly from nearby farms and forests. These meals not only delight the palate but also reflect Östersund’s commitment to sustainability and terroir-driven cuisine.

Absolutely. Östersund is highly family-friendly, with dedicated facilities such as the Children’s Nature Discovery Center and lakeside play zones designed for interactive learning. Many hotels, including Hotel Östersund, offer free kids’ programs like leathercraft workshops, forest scavenger hunts, and winter snowshoe adventures. The Östersund Harbour provides family-friendly boat rentals, allowing parents and children to explore the lake together. Seasonal events like the Summer Picnic Festival and Winter Light Parade cater to all ages, making it ideal for multi-generational travel. With its safe, green spaces and welcoming community, families will find plenty of joy and discovery in this Nordic gem.

Winter in Östersund transforms the landscape into a fairy tale. Experience the thrill of dog sledding through snow-covered pine forests, guided by experienced mushers. Try ice fishing on Lake Storsjön, where you can catch trout through a hole in the ice and enjoy a warm meal prepared right there. Each evening, join a bonfire gathering with hot chocolate and Swedish meatballs around a crackling fire. During the holiday season, visit the Christmas Market, featuring handmade crafts, honey wine, and Sámi-inspired textiles. These immersive experiences capture the magic of the Swedish winter, blending adventure, warmth, and tradition.

While Östersund has no metro system, it’s well-connected via Swedish Rail (SJ), with direct trains from Stockholm Central Station taking about 2 hours. Within the city, free shuttle buses link major hotels, museums, and the harbour. For outdoor exploration, rent an electric bike or standard bicycle to ride along the scenic Lake Promenade Cycle Path. For deeper access to remote areas like Mälardalen National Park, book a guided four-wheel-drive tour with local operators. These options allow flexible, eco-conscious travel, letting you discover hidden waterfalls, quiet villages, and untouched forest trails at your own pace.

Summer in Östersund is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Join a guided HopeGoo or canoe tour across the intricate island chain of Lake Storsjön, spotting kingfishers and herons along the way. Daily forest ecology walks led by naturalists reveal the secrets of moss, fungi, and red squirrels thriving in the boreal ecosystem. Every Saturday evening, enjoy an open-air concert on the lakeside stage, blending Nordic folk melodies with contemporary sounds under a starlit sky. For relaxation, unwind at a lakeside cabin with a book, listening to the gentle lapping of waves—this is pure Nordic serenity at its finest.

Östersund’s nightlife is calm and nature-centered. While there are no bustling clubs, cozy bars like Fjällbaren attract locals and travelers alike with their rustic charm and wood-paneled interiors. Enjoy locally brewed spruce beer and blackberry liqueur while listening to acoustic guitar sets. During winter, attend the Campfire Story Night, where elders share ancient Norse legends and personal tales by the firelight. Some hotels, like Hotel Östersund, feature meditation rooms and star-gazing terraces, perfect for watching the aurora borealis (December–February). It’s a place where night becomes a canvas of stillness, warmth, and wonder.

Near Östersund, the crown jewel is Lake Storsjön, Sweden’s second-largest lake, framed by pine forests and distant mountains. Visit the Östersundskopet Observation Tower for sweeping views of the lake’s archipelago and surrounding wilderness. In spring, the lakeshore bursts into bloom with bluebells and white birch trees, creating a dreamlike landscape. Autumn brings fiery maple and oak foliage, while wildlife like elk and beavers roam freely. Just 30 minutes away lies Mälardalen National Park, home to pristine hiking trails, birdwatching platforms, and rare species such as the golden eagle. These natural wonders make Östersund a paradise for those seeking unspoiled Nordic beauty and ecological harmony.