How to get to Ostersund

Ostersund is a charming city in the central part of Sweden, located on the shores of Lake Storsjön and known as a popular hub for winter sports and gastronomy. If you are planning a trip to this region, the question of how to get to Ostersund is quite simple to solve: you can comfortably fly here by plane, travel by train, or use a bus or car.

Travellers preferring air transport arrive at Åre Östersund Airport, located just a few kilometres from the city centre on the picturesque island of Frösön. This aviation hub (IATA code: OSD) is the region's main air gateway and ensures stable connections with major transit hubs.

Daily direct flights connect Ostersund with Stockholm, with the flight taking only about an hour. This makes the plane the fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination. During the high winter season, when the region attracts skiing enthusiasts, the schedule is often supplemented by seasonal and charter flights.

Thanks to the terminal's convenient location, the transfer to the hotel takes minimum time. Tourists can use taxi services or special buses running between the airport and the city centre. For those planning independent trips around the region, car rental desks are available in the arrivals area.

A train journey is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to get to the city. The Östersund Centralstation is located in the very heart of Ostersund, saving travellers from the need to look for complex transfers upon arrival. The station is within walking distance of many hotels and main attractions.

Regular service connects the region with the capital: direct trains from the operator SJ from Stockholm cover the distance in approximately 5–6 hours. This time flies by unnoticed thanks to the high level of comfort and the landscapes changing outside the window. Night trains are also popular, allowing you to save daytime hours for walks or skiing.

For connoisseurs of beautiful views, there are special routes. In summer, the famous tourist line Inlandsbanan passes through Ostersund, offering a leisurely journey through the forests and lakes of inland Sweden. Another picturesque option is a trip along the Mittbanan line, which stretches from the city of Sundsvall on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia towards the Norwegian border, revealing breathtaking panoramas of mountains and valleys.

Bus services reliably connect Ostersund with the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and neighbouring provinces, offering travellers a comfortable and scenic trip. The popular route from Sundsvall takes about three hours, covering a distance of 190 kilometres through dense forests and hills. This is an excellent option for those who want to leisurely enjoy views of Swedish nature on the way to Lake Storsjön.

No less convenient are trips from Sveg, where the road takes approximately 2.5–3 hours and covers about 185 kilometres. The journey from Kramfors will also take about three hours, allowing tourists to easily combine a visit to the High Coast with a trip to the mountain region. Modern intercity buses are usually equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant journey, including Wi-Fi and comfortable seats.

A car journey to Ostersund opens access to the picturesque landscapes of the Jämtland province and gives complete freedom of movement. The drive from coastal Sundsvall along the E14 highway takes about two and a half hours, during which you will cover approximately 190 kilometres along beautiful river valleys. The route from Kramfors is slightly longer — about 200 kilometres, which usually takes almost three hours of calm driving amidst dense Swedish forests.

If you are heading from the south through Sveg, the path will lie along the famous Inlandsvägen road (E45); this section, 185 kilometres long, can be comfortably driven in approximately two and a half hours. Renting a car remains the most rational choice for such distances, as taxis in Sweden are quite expensive: an intercity transfer can cost between 2,500–3,000 Swedish kronor, so tourists more often prefer personal transport.

Preparation for a trip to Ostersund requires attention to detail, as this northern city has its own unique character and climate. To ensure your trip is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, we have prepared a list of important practical recommendations.

1. Dress in layers. The weather in the Jämtland region is changeable. Even in summer, evenings by the lake can be cool, so a windbreaker and sweater are mandatory. In winter, high-quality thermal wear, a windproof jacket, and comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are necessary, as the streets can be covered in ice.
2. Use buses for longer trips. The city centre is compact and ideal for walking, but if you want to visit Frösön island or distant museums, local buses (Länstrafiken) are the best choice. It is more cost-effective to buy tickets in advance via the mobile app, as cash payments to the driver are usually not possible.
3. Be prepared for cashless payments. Sweden is one of the leading countries in moving away from cash. The local currency is the Swedish Krona (SEK), but there is no need to exchange large amounts. Bank cards are accepted everywhere: from large hotels to small coffee kiosks, and in many places, cash is simply not accepted.
4. Drink tap water. You do not need to spend money on bottled water. Tap water in the city undergoes thorough purification; it is very tasty, cold, and absolutely safe for health. This is also eco-friendly and helps reduce plastic usage.
5. Communicate in English. Although the official language is Swedish, practically all locals, including service staff, speak fluent English. Knowing a couple of phrases in Swedish ("Hej" — hello, "Tack" — thank you) will be perceived as a sign of respect, but English is quite sufficient for full communication.
6. Observe the electronic queuing system. In pharmacies, banks, and ticket offices, it is customary to take a paper ticket from a special machine at the entrance. Swedes value order and tranquility, so attempting to approach the counter without a queue number or just to "ask a question" will be seen as a breach of etiquette.
7. Do not walk on ski tracks. In winter, the city and its surroundings are crisscrossed by a network of ski tracks. Never walk on a groomed ski track — this not only damages the track but also causes strong displeasure among local athletes. There are always separate cleared paths for pedestrians.
8. Look for the "Storsjö Monster". While in the city, be sure to pay attention to the local legend about the monster living in the lake. This is not just a fairy tale, but part of the city's cultural code: you will see themed souvenirs and even special observation decks designed for watching the lake in hopes of spotting the mysterious creature.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid awkward situations and save time for the main thing — enjoying the rugged beauty of Swedish nature and the cosiness of hospitable Ostersund.