Östersund Town Hall
Jämtlands län
Östersund Town Hall, constructed between 1909 and 1912, is a prominent example of national romantic architecture in northern Sweden. Designed by architect Frans Bertil Wallberg and built by Johan August Hellström, the building combines modern northern European brick architecture with traditional Jämtland construction styles. Its notable features include a dark Helsingborg brick facade, Gustakalk stone from Brunflo, and a distinctive onion dome inspired by local church bell towers. The interior boasts grand halls such as the upper and lower staircases, the Town Hall Hall, and the Court Hall, all richly decorated with murals, vaults, and columns. The town hall has served multiple functions over the years, including housing city council sessions, police, a jail with isolation cells, and other municipal offices. Since 1912, the building also hosted the St. Johannes Lodge Arcturus of the Swedish Freemasons until 2024. The tower features a computerized carillon installed in 1986 that plays traditional Jämtland songs four times daily. Recognized as Sweden's best municipal building in 2009, it remains a vital cultural and historical landmark in Östersund.
Plan your trip to Sweden with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: Visitors are encouraged to visit during the warmer months to fully appreciate the building's exterior details and surrounding cityscape. The computerized carillon plays at 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 20:00 daily, offering a unique auditory experience. Student traditions include gatherings on the town hall steps at midnight during graduation celebrations. While entrance policies vary, checking ahead for guided tours or special events via the official Östersund website is recommended. Booking in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons or local festivals.
Interesting facts
- •The town hall's onion dome is intentionally designed to evoke the bell towers typical of Jämtland churches, such as Frösö Church.
- •The computerized carillon installed in 1986 plays the Jämtland anthem and other regional songs four times daily.
- •During construction, the builder went bankrupt after the final cost far exceeded the budget.
- •The building originally housed a variety of municipal functions including a jail with windowless isolation cells.
- •It was voted Sweden's best municipal building in 2009.
- •Student celebrations traditionally take place on the town hall steps at midnight, including singing local songs and sometimes filling the nearby fountain with foam.
History
Östersund Town Hall was built from 1909 to 1912, designed by Frans Bertil Wallberg and constructed by Johan August Hellström.
The building sparked controversy during construction due to its cost and the prominent clock tower, leading to temporary work stoppages caused by local unrest.
Upon completion, the final cost exceeded initial estimates, resulting in the bankruptcy of the builder.
Originally designed to accommodate 136 rooms, half were rented out to state authorities due to municipal space constraints.
Over the decades, the building has undergone significant renovations, including expansions around 1970 during municipal mergers.
The Freemasons occupied parts of the town hall for over a century until 2024 when fire safety regulations prompted their departure.
In 2009, the building was voted Sweden's best municipal building, underscoring its architectural and cultural importance.
Place Guide
The Onion Dome and Tower1909-1912
The 51-meter-high tower features an onion-shaped dome inspired by local Jämtland bell towers. It houses a computerized carillon that plays regional songs four times daily.
Upper Staircase and Town Hall Hall1909-1912
The upper staircase is a stunning interior space with vaulted ceilings, columns, and murals. It leads to the Town Hall Hall, originally the city council's session room, showcasing elegant national romantic design.
Court Hall (Domsalen)1909-1912
The Court Hall is richly decorated with pine mirror frames crafted locally. The high-quality craftsmanship was closely supervised during construction, with many frames rejected for imperfections.
Contact
Phone: 063-14 30 00
