Frösön is the largest island in Lake Storsjön. Its church and runestone history, trails along the shore and views of the mountain landscape offer different ways to spend your time here. Exploring the area, you can choose between historic sites, walking trails and longer cycling routes.

Church, artists’ home and runestone

Frösö kyrka stands at Hov, a pre-Christian place of worship and assembly. Construction probably began toward the end of the 12th century. A 13th-century reliquary shrine is located in a niche in the choir. The nearby historic connection to Hov is also conveyed along the Kyrkstigen trail: the route tells the story of the church and Hov farm, covering a history that dates back to the Iron Age, more than 1,000 years ago.

The Frösö Runestone offers another perspective on the island’s history. It is Sweden’s northernmost erected runestone and the only known one in Jämtland. Its inscription states that Östman, son of Gudfast, had a bridge built across the strait and Christianized Jämtland. Stengårdsstigen leads to one of the surviving village roads on Frösön and also provides information about the island and archaeological remains from the Iron Age.

Sommarhagen opened as a museum in 1947 and is one of Sweden’s best-preserved artists’ homes from around the turn of the century. This artists’ home and its history complement the medieval connections of the church and runestone. Sommarhagen can be reached from central Östersund on regional bus route 4; check the current service before travelling.

Choose trails by length and landscape

Details of three trails on Frösön offer a practical comparison for planning your day: Mjällestigen is about 2.5 kilometres long and runs mainly along roads and easy-to-walk paths. Kyrkstigen is 3 kilometres long and easy to walk. Stengårdsstigen is just over 3 kilometres long and is also mostly easy to walk. In addition to their length, the trails differ in focus: Kyrkstigen centres on the history of the church and Hov, while Stengårdsstigen follows the historic village road and traces of archaeological remains.

On Bynäset, a trail just under 7 kilometres long winds through varied woodland along the shore of Lake Storsjön. The area has trails for walking, running and cycling. Bynäset is also home to a shallow swimming bay with a pebble beach. This location therefore offers both a longer route along the lakeshore and a place to swim.

Views, cycling and practical information

Frösötornet is 19 metres tall and stands at Frösön’s highest point, at an elevation of 468 metres. From there, you can see across Storsjöbygden and the mountain landscape. There are nature trails with viewpoints and barbecue facilities around the tower. A bus stop is about 350 metres away, and a road leads to the tower. This distance is approximate; check the service in advance if travelling by public transport.

There are also different options for cycling trips. The Frösön runt mountain-biking circuit is about 30 kilometres long and combines technical trails with gravel roads. Downhill mountain biking is available at Östberget; operating conditions may vary seasonally. The S:t Olavsleden pilgrimage trail runs from Östersund to the island of Frösön, adding a documented pilgrimage route to the options.

For a break, Café Stocke Titt is located in an old captain’s estate at Frösö hembygdsgård, with views of the mountains and lake. At Dags Konditori & Kök, you can try Frösökyssar. As the offering may change, it is advisable to check before visiting. Discover more destinations: Tand, Östersund, Marieby, Orrviken, Solberg, Brunflo, Lit.

Return to the main travel overview: Östersund.