Storsjöyran

This festival had its origins in the 1960s as a kind of "so there" by the often-overlooked people of Jämtland to the rest of Sweden and the world. Determined to show that the people of their sparsely-populated home region had the energy, skill, and acumen to produce a thriving music and cultural festival, the Jämtlanders took the resources at their disposal--abundant space, natural beauty and nearly bottomless reserves of hospitality and friendliness--and turned them into an event that has become one of Sweden's most beloved points on the cultural calendar. Though Jämtland is somewhat remote (about six hours from Stockholm by train and closer to Norway than it is to any major Swedish city), an impressive roster of Swedish and international artists come here year after year, and no attendee will leave the festival without fond memories of the breathtaking natural scenery and the warmth of the locals as well as the rollicking musical fare. As is the case with most summer festivals in Sweden, camping is what most guests do for accommodation, as after all, who would want to stay indoors when the scenic nature of the area is almost as much an attraction as the festival itself?