Östersund
In Östersund we enjoy life all year round, but more so than usually during the early spring, which is regarded as the best time of year by many Östersund residents. There is much here that contributes to one’s quality of life and to feeling good.
Facts about the municipality
Population numbers
63484
Size by area
2502 km²
The city is just the right size and has an atmosphere of its own, with verve and charm. Distances to work, school and services, as well as to entertainment and leisure activities, are short. This allows for a lifestyle with more time for truly living. On top of that, we have endless summer nights and real winters with plenty of snow.
Housing
Östersund offers many different types of accommodation and housing companies. You can read more about these on the municipality's website.
Language groups in the locality
There are many different language groups in Östersund, the biggest being Arabic, Somali, Tigrinya, Thai, Persian, Swahili, English, French, Spanish, Southern Kurdish, Chinese and Burmese.
Associations and organisations
Östersund has an active civil society, with more than 500 different associations in such areas as sport, outdoor life, culture and support, as well as associations of e.g. immigrants, pensioners etc. There are various religious communities and churches, and a mosque. On the municipality's website you can browse the registered associations.
What is available in the immediate area
Östersund has most things you might need. An employment agency, a social insurance agency, a tax office, Integration service, a library, a social welfare office, many shops in the city and shopping centres outside it. If you want to buy second-hand items, there is a wide selection of shops selling them.
Childcare
Childcare is available throughout the municipality, with preschools, family day nurseries, day recreation centres, open leisure activities and open preschool.
Compulsory schools and upper secondary schools
Östersund municipality has 26 municipal comprehensive schools and a number of private alternatives with different specialisations and profiles, e.g. sports, aesthetic activities, Waldorf education etc. The municipality's various upper secondary schools are all part of Jämtlands Gymnasium, and there are three different private upper secondary schools. There is also one municipal and one private arts school for those who want to learn to play a musical instrument, stage acting or other creative activities.
Education opportunities
There are many opportunities for adult education in Östersund. LärCentrum has the overall responsibility for all adult education in Östersund. There are different providers offering a wide range of adult education programmes, as well as Mid Sweden University and, just outside the city, Birka folk high school.
Read more about adult education at:
Health and medical care
Östersund has several medical care centres, obstetrics centres, paediatric centres and dentists. There is a hospital and several private providers.
Interpreter assistance
If you need an interpreter in your contacts with different public authorities, the municipality and the region, we will provide one.
Public transport
You can travel to and from Östersund by bus, train and air. There is a well developed municipal bus network. Östersund is also investing in good pedestrian and cycle paths.
Work and entrepreneurship
Östersund is full of activity, entrepreneurship and faith in the future, and the municipality invests a lot in the development of the business community. Businesses in the municipality cover a wide spectrum: from manufacturing to knowledge, service and tourism companies.
The municipality's business office can help you in setting up and managing your own business.
Of course you can also visit the Employment Service in Östersund, or apply for a job via their website.
