Discover Frösön

Frösön is the largest island in Lake Storsjön. Its cultural history, lakeside trails and views of the mountain landscape give the destination a variety of attractions. When planning your stay, you can choose between historic sights, short walking trails and longer cycling routes.

Cultural history on Frösön

Frösö Church stands at Hov, a pre-Christian site of worship and assembly. Construction of the church probably began in the late 12th century. A 13th-century reliquary shrine is set in a niche in the chancel. Its location, building history and furnishings therefore tell of different periods, although the individual dates do not refer to the same part of the church.

The Frösö Runestone is Sweden’s northernmost erected runestone and Jämtland’s only known runestone. Its inscription says that Östman, son of Gudfast, had a bridge built over the strait and Christianised Jämtland. This wording reflects what the stone says. The S:t Olavsleden pilgrimage trail runs from Östersund to the island of Frösön, providing another link between the town and the island.

The Stengårdsstigen and Kyrkstigen trails also explore historical themes, but with different points of focus. Stengårdsstigen leads to one of the surviving village streets on Frösön and provides information about the island and archaeological remains from the Iron Age. Kyrkstigen focuses on the history of Frösö Church and the Hov estate, which dates back to the Iron Age more than 1,000 years ago.

Sommarhagen is one of Sweden’s best-preserved artists’ homes from around the turn of the century and opened as a museum in 1947. Sommarhagen can be reached from central Östersund on regional bus route 4. Bus routes may change, so check the current timetable before travelling.

Views and trails in nature

Frösötornet is 19 metres high and stands at Frösön’s highest point, at an elevation of 468 metres. From there, the view stretches across the Storsjöbygden and the mountain landscape. There are nature trails with viewpoints and barbecue facilities around the tower. A road leads to the tower; it is about 350 metres from a bus stop. If you plan to travel by public transport, check the connection in advance.

The walking trails described vary in both length and character. Mjällestigen is about 2.5 kilometres long and runs mostly along roads and easy-to-walk paths. Kyrkstigen is three kilometres long and easy to walk; Stengårdsstigen is just over three kilometres long and mostly easy to walk. In terms of length, Mjällestigen is the shortest of these three routes, while Stengårdsstigen and Kyrkstigen each also have their own historical focus.

A trail just under seven kilometres long runs through varied forest along the shores of Lake Storsjön at Bynäset. There are also trails in the area for walking, running and cycling. A shallow swimming cove with a stone beach offers a different way to enjoy the lake from the longer trail. This means you can include both forest activities and time by the water at Bynäset in your travel plans, depending on your interests.

For longer cycling trips, the Frösön runt mountain-bike loop is about 30 kilometres long and combines technical trails with gravel roads. There is also downhill mountain biking at Östberget; arrangements may vary by season. Check the conditions for your travel dates in advance.

Artists’ home Sommarhagen and Frösökyssar to try at Tages Konditori & Kök

The Stocke Titt café is located in an old captain’s house at Frösö hembygdsgård and offers views of the mountains and lake. You can try Frösökyssar at Tages Konditori & Kök. The selection may change; check before your visit whether Frösökyssar are currently available. These places add a culinary option to your day’s plans alongside the trails and cultural sites.

Discover more destinations: Brunflo, Orrviken, Tand, Lit, Solberg, Marieby, Östersund.

Go to the main travel overview: Östersund.