Jamtland Lan is situated to the north of the Harjedalen region. The
official language is Swedish, however some 50,000 of its inhabitants still know
the Jamska language, though fewer use it daily. The language Jamska differs from
Swedish in words, grammar and syntax. The difference can also be compared
between Swedish and Norwegian. It has survived mostly because the inhabitants
have been bilingual.
Jamtli Museum was the first outdoor museum in Sweden and has the most
peculiar exhibition with Lapp mountains and wolves' lairs for the children.
Among the many fascinating objects, is a large trap which was used in the early
19th century, in an attempt to catch the lake monster, believed to be living in
Lake Storsjfn, many people have claimed to have seen the monster with hunches on
its back and a small head. Over the years many people have tried to catch it,
but nowadays it is protected. It could be a relative of Nessie, the monster in
Loch Ness in Scotland.
As early as the Iron Age, Jamtland had its first domiciled population and the
people lived in an independent farmers' republic for several centuries. Later,
Jamtland came under Norwegian rule as a result of the Battle of Anderson in
1178. Jamtland remained under Norwegian supremacy until the middle of the 16th
century when Norway became a part of Denmark. Until the Bromsebro Peace Treaty
in 1645, the Jamts were Danish/Norwegian subjects, from 1645, Jamtland has been
under Swedish rule.
The water is so fresh and you can drink and fish in it everywhere in the
province. Try to catch tasty game fish in the harbour of Ostersund or in the
mountain streams. Discover Jamtland by foot, mountain bike, canoe or maybe on
horseback. There are excellent trekking possibilities in the mountains of
Jamtland. Rent a canoe and discover the islands in Storsjon, the fifth largest
lake in Sweden or paddle down any of the many beautiful rivers. Rent a mountain
bike and ride down the slopes of Areskutan, where the World Cup downhill ski
Championships often take place.