StorsjönStorsjön at a Glance
About Storsjön
Storsjön is a large lake in Jämtland County in central Sweden, forming a central geographic and cultural feature of the region. The lake hosts islands and shoreline communities and is closely tied to local identity and folklore.
The lakeshore town of Östersund on the southern shore provides the principal visitor services, viewpoints and boat links for exploring the lake. The island of Frösön is the largest island in the lake and contains local attractions and walking routes.
A well known element of the lake’s popular culture is the legend of the lake monster, Storsjöodjuret, which features in regional stories and symbols. Recreational activities around the lake include boating, fishing and lakeside promenades in summer.
The lake and its islands have been inhabited and used for fishing, transport and settlement for centuries and form the core of historical Jämtland community life. Folklore and continuous settlement have shaped the lake’s role in regional identity.
Located in central Jämtland County, the lake lies next to the town of Östersund and is set within inland Sweden’s forested and agricultural landscape; Frösön occupies a central position in the lake near Östersund.
- Cultural note: The lake is the central feature of Jämtland and is closely associated with regional identity, including the local legend of a lake monster known as Storsjöodjuret.
- Visitor tip: Summer boat cruises and lakeside viewpoints in Östersund and on Frösön are common ways to experience the lake and its islands.
What to See#
- Frösön: Frösön is the largest island in the lake, located close to Östersund, with historic sites and local ferry connections.
- Östersund: Östersund sits on the southern shore and serves as the main gateway town with transport links, services and lakeside viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Storsjön
Summer offers the classic lake experience and best weather for water activities; winter turns the lake into a different, colder playground if the ice is safe.
Weather & Climate near Storsjön
Storsjön's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (528 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -3° | -11° | 31 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.4h |
| February | Poor | -10° - -3° | -10° | 24 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.4h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 1° | -6° | 26 mm | overcast | 96% | 2.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 5° | -2° | 30 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 14.7h |
| May | Acceptable | 2° - 12° | 5° | 36 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 17.8h |
| June | Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 61 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 19.8h |
| July | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 82 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 18.8h |
| August | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 62 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 15.9h |
| September | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 7° | 57 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 7° | 2° | 46 mm | overcast | 94% | 2.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 1° | -4° | 39 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.4h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -2° | -8° | 34 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.2h |
How to Get to Storsjön
Storsjön is centered near the town of Östersund (on the lake’s eastern shore); Östersund has rail and road connections to the rest of Sweden, with local roads and ferries providing access to lake points.
Tips for Visiting Storsjön
- If searching for the mythical 'Storsjöodjuret' (the lake monster), evening or misty mornings are when local legend thrives and fishermen swap sightings.
- Bring binoculars and consider a rental boat to explore the lake's islands and shoreline more quietly.