Östberget

Östersund's obvious landmark Östberget on Frösön rises 178 meters above Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön, and 468 meters above sea level. Since the end of the 19th century, tourism and recreation have been of great importance, with viewing towers and ski slopes. In winter, Östberget with its illuminated ski slope is a well-known and appreciated feature of Östersund's cityscape. Östberget continues to be an important place for winter sports and recreation, offering something for everyone all year round, whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation. Come up and experience the miles of beautiful views.

There is a lot of activity on Östberget. We want everyone who walks, runs, skis, bikes or walks their dog to feel safe and welcome. Show consideration and respect for everyone who is out and about in our beautiful nature.

NATURE AND RECREATIONAL LIFE Östberget is known for its paths, tracks, wildlife and beautiful nature. There are two marked trails but more to discover. The summit trail (4.8 km) can be accessed from several entrances around the mountain and passes viewpoints, barbecue areas, cold springs, wind shelters and Frösötornet. The East Mountain Nature Trail (2.5 km) starts from the trailhead parking lot. Along the trail there are signs that tell you about the surrounding nature.

GROTTAN Isgrottan, as it is also called, is a rock cave located on the right as seen from the bottom of Gustavsbergsbacken. The cave system is about 120 meters with a height difference of about 15 meters.

VIEWPOINTS Frösötornet, located at the highest point of Frösön, offers a magnificent view of Lake Storsjön, Östersund and large parts of the Jämtland mountains. On a clear day you can see Oviksfjällen, Drommen, Västfjället and Åreskutan. The predecessors of today's Frösötorn stood on the same site, the first was built in 1888 and the second in 1929, which was later destroyed in a fire in 1979. The current tower was built in 1982 to designs by architect Frank Barthel. If you don't make it up to the Fröstornet, there are several places on Östberget that offer magical views. Along the jogging track, the lifts' descent places and glades along the trails. Stop and look up and you will see.

NILS HOLGERSSON According to Selma Lagerlöf's classic story "Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey through Sweden", Nils Holgersson landed on Östberget during his journey. This fictional event has helped to give Östberget a special place in Swedish literature and culture.

JUMPING Jumping was a popular activity at Östberget for a long time. For many years, enthusiasts and athletes gathered here to train and compete in this exciting sport. Östberget has helped shape many prominent ski jumpers over the years. Today, only traces remain from the ski jumping hills.

FIRST SWEDISH SLALOMING CHAMPIONSHIP The first Swedish slalom championship was held on Östberget in 1937. This historic event marked the start of organized alpine skiing in Sweden. Slalom pioneer Olle Rimfors, who lived in Östersund, played a crucial role in building the first ski slope on the southern slope of Östberget as early as 1935. A more difficult slope was needed for the first Swedish championships, which led to the construction of Gustavsbergsbacken on the eastern side of the mountain. Inga Söderbaum and Harald Hedjersson from Djurgårdens IF became the first Swedish champions in slalom.

LIME CONIFEROUS FOREST The limestone coniferous forest on Östberget is a unique and species-rich area thanks to the limestone-rich bedrock. It is an old coniferous forest with many spruces that are over 100 years old. The area is known for its rich flora and fauna, including rare fungi and flowers that thrive in the calcareous soil. Limestone coniferous forest is a rare and priority forest type under the EU's Species and Habitats Directive, for which Sweden has an international conservation responsibility. Limestone coniferous forests are only found in a few regions of the country - including Gotland, north-eastern Uppland and Jämtland.

MOVING IN NATURE IS ENTIRELY YOUR RESPONSIBILITY Östersund municipality is not responsible for any accidents or incidents that may occur - you are responsible for your own safety. Take care of yourself - and of nature!