Located in a sparsely populated region in the centre of Sweden, Östersund is widely appreciated for its gastronomic culture, based on local sustainable food inspired from longstanding culinary traditions.
Bringing together and supporting small entrepreneurs and farmers, Eldrimner, the Swedish National Centre for Small Scale Artisan Food Processing, provides guidance and supports training and product development demonstrating the importance of gastronomy in relation to the creative industries. The city’s culinary tradition is intimately linked to its natural surroundings and the region’s sustainable development efforts.
The management of the food sector in Östersund is shared between the city of Östersund and the Region of Jämtland Härjedalen. The city is the main market for food products, and the rural areas provide a workspace for the producers, thereby strengthening urban-rural connections. Other organizations connected to the food, culture and tourism sector are also involved in these efforts. The sustainability of Östersund’s society is one the city’s priorities. Winner of Sweden’s best climate city award in 2010, Östersund is also using a heating system powered by biofuel and biogas.
Contribution to the network
As a Creative City of Gastronomy, Östersund envisages:
- expanding its international partnerships; Östersund and the Region of Jämtland Härjedalen have significant experience managing international cooperation initiatives focusing on urban-rural connections, education and eco-innovation. These partnerships have resulted in linkages and information exchange between Östersund and approximately 60 other cities/regions within the EU
- continuing the city’s active participation in the UCCN and hosting the Network’s 10th Annual Meeting in September 2016
- improving Östersund’s connections within the UCCN i.ex. Tasting Schools
- sharing information regarding sustainable development in agriculture and food production.
Facts and figures
Area:
2517 km2
Inhabitants:
Östersund comune 62’605
Temperature:
ø January °C -13
ø July °C 14.3
Certifications:
Designated Unesco Creative City since 2011
Sweden’s Food Capital 2011
Sweden’s Best Climate City Award 2010
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Host of the Unesco Networks 10th Annual Meeting in September 2016
Participant of Erasmus+ project “Tasting Schools”
Regional plattform for developement www.creativegastronomy.com/skafferi63
(only in swedish)
sunbathing on the frozen lake
typical nordish snacks ©tinastafren
Vikings cooking on eat art food festival ©tinastafren
Unesco Annual Meeting in Östersund 2016
outdoor cooking ©tinastafren
kitchen cooperation with international chefs ©tinastafren
preparing drinks with local ingredients ©tinastafren
experimental cooking during eat art food festival ©tinastafren
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What’s on?
Erasmus+
12 – 16 March 2018
Deconstructing Education: Creative and Inclusive Schools in Gastronomic Cities!
Sustainable Gastronomy Day
16 June 2018
Östersund is celebrating World Sustainable Gastronomy Day
Farmers Market
23 september 2018
Skördefest – The Farmers Market in Jämtland – Sweden
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Past Events
Eat Up
27 January 2018
Östersunds most exciting gastronomy spots on a lively food walk.
About Östersund
Contact
