Top 14 Lakes around Östersund

The most prominent lake is Storsjön Lake near Östersund, the fifth largest lake in Sweden, offering diverse activities. Visitors also highly appreciate Andersön Nature Reserve, a green oasis within Storsjön, and Käringnäset for its expansive views of the lake.

The lakes around Östersund offer a wide range of activities. In warmer months, you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat trips on Storsjön. The area is also excellent for hiking and cycling, particularly on islands like Norderön and within Andersön Nature Reserve. During winter, Storsjön transforms into a 'Winter Park' with ice-skating, ice fishing, and invigorating ice dips. For more structured routes, you can explore various cycling and mountain biking trails around the region. Find more details on routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Östersund, MTB Trails around Östersund, and Cycling around Östersund guides.

Yes, many areas are family-friendly. Andersön Nature Reserve offers gentle paths suitable for families, along with rest areas. Bynäset, known as the 'Östersund Riviera', features a long black sand beach and open grass areas perfect for picnics and swimming. For fishing, Lillsjön, just 10 minutes from the city center, provides easily accessible and free family fishing opportunities for pike, perch, and stocked rainbow trout.

For stunning panoramic views of Lake Storsjön, visit Käringnäset, a small headland where you can experience the lake's vastness. Many trails, such as the Beautiful path along the water, also offer picturesque views of the lake through the forest.

The best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming, boating, hiking, and cycling, the warmer months are ideal. For winter sports like ice skating, ice fishing, and ice dips, visit during the colder months when Storsjön transforms into a 'Winter Park'. Fishing is a year-round pastime on Storsjön and other local lakes.

Absolutely. Andersön Nature Reserve is a prime example, offering a green oasis with impressive mountain views and gentle paths for exploration. Storsjön itself features several islands, including Norderön, Andersön, and Isön, which are nature reserves. The indented coastline and surrounding green landscapes also contribute to the region's natural beauty.

Lake Storsjön offers numerous swimming opportunities, especially during warmer months. Popular spots include the pebble beaches at Bynäset and Andersön. Bynäset, often called the 'Östersund Riviera', has a long black sand beach and open grass areas perfect for a dip. For more information on swimming areas, you can check Visit Östersund's swimming guide.

Fishing is a popular activity year-round. Storsjön is home to perch, whitefish, brown trout, and grayling. Beyond Storsjön, Lillsjön offers free family fishing for pike, perch, and stocked rainbow trout. Ösjön is known for arctic char and brown trout, while Näkten and Locknesjön are excellent for large brown trout, arctic char, and pike. For a significant challenge, Landösjön is famous for some of Sweden's largest lake trout. Guided fishing tours are also available.

Lake Storsjön is famously associated with the Storsjöodjuret, its own Nessie-style lake monster, with an exhibition dedicated to it at the Jamtli museum in Östersund. The city of Östersund itself, located on the lake, is a vibrant cultural hub, hosting events like the Storsjöyran festival. The island of Verkön also features the renovated Verkö Castle, which hosts events and offers accommodations.

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the areas around Storsjön, particularly on islands like Norderön and within Andersön Nature Reserve, where paths wind through varied forest environments. The terrain can range from gentle paths to rooty forest trails, as described in highlights like the Beautiful path along the water. You can find specific cycling routes in the Cycling around Östersund guide.

The islands in Storsjön offer unique experiences. Norderön, accessible by ferry, features a golf course, frisbee golf, a nature gym, and Tivarsgården, known for local produce. Verkön houses the renovated Verkö Castle, which hosts events, offers accommodation, and has a lookout tower with panoramic views, plus a new bathing facility with a wood-burning hot tub and sauna. Andersön and Isön are also nature reserves, providing opportunities for hiking and enjoying pristine nature. More details on the islands can be found at Visit Östersund.

Yes, there are several enjoyable hiking opportunities. Andersön Nature Reserve offers gentle paths and a big round around the island. The Beautiful path along the water provides a scenic walk on rooty forest paths between pine trees and the shore, with many resting and bathing spots. Bynäset also features a circular route around the peninsula.