Östersund

ICORN member since:

August 2017

Member: The Municipality of Östersund

Managing institution: The Municipal Department of Culture and Recreation

0301.2018The municipality of Östersund (the city and the surrounding area) has approximately 62 000 inhabitants. Östersund is the capital of Jämtland county and located in the middle of Scandinavia, in the middle of Sweden at the shores of Sweden's fifth largest lake, Storsjön. Nature is an obvious feature of Östersund, with its shimmering waters and host of outdoor recreation areas. Östersund is the region's cultural and economical centre and by tradition a city of trade and commerce. Tourism, with large and small operators, is one of Östersund’s most important industries. Visitors come from near and far.

The City of Östersund and the Jämtland Härjedalen region is, since 2010, designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Östersund is a part of Sápmi, the cultural region traditionally inhabited by the Sami people, the indigenous people living in the very north of Europe. Sápmi is an area that stretches over Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. The Sami culture, with its own history and traditions, has had a great influence on the region of Östersund.

Much in Östersund revolves around the vibrant outdoor life, all year round. But there is also a warm interest in cultural life. Active associations, entrepreneurs and enthusiast give Östersund a wide range of cultural opportunities. Everything from large music festivals and international sports events to concerts and amateur theatre.

A great mix of culture, cafés and city pulse is what characterizes down-town Östersund. Moreover, Östersund is a city in development with a great belief in the future and new districts emerging.

Mid Sweden University is a place where people can meet, be inspired and think in new ways. The campus in Östersund offer a wide variety of programmes and courses on all levels, including research. The main educational focus at Campus Östersund lies within the Social Sciences, the Natural Sciences and Technology.

Östersund has a well-developed infrastructure. The train station is situated almost in the middle of town and the airport less is than 15 minutes away. Stockholm is only 50 minutes away from the airport and by express train from Östersund you will arrive in Stockholm within five hours. The Atlantic coast is just four hours away, using the train to Trondheim, Norway.

With many opportunities and plenty of space and lots of leisure activities - whether you like to enjoy art and music or feel the freedom and adrenalin flowing in the ski slope. Östersund and Jämtland is a wonderful place to live in.

"We are very pleased to welcome an artist in need of protection and to join ICORN, the International Cities of Refuge Network. Through this commitment Östersund shows solidarity and support with artists worldwide and defends freedom of expression." said Head of the Municipal Department of Culture and Recreation, Karin Thomasson (MP).