Explore Jämtland's Hidden Gems – with Sara Gärdegård

After years of living in various places around the world, Sara returned to Jämtland—far from the stress of city life, with nature's adventures around every corner. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, she found what she had been missing: calm. We are thrilled to introduce Sara Gärdegård—photographer, graphic designer, and co-founder of, among others, the initiative Discover Jämtland. Read on to learn more about Sara and get her top tips for experiencing Jämtland in the best way possible.

Sara is wearing green Agnes Dungarees in size 36.

Hi Sara! You’re a photographer, graphic designer, and an adventurer now living in Åre. Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

Hello there! I’m a passionate creator with probably a stronger connection to nature than I originally admitted to myself. It wasn’t always like that—I didn’t spend much time outdoors growing up, I spent most of my time in the dance studio. But everything changed after a period of exhaustion and medical leave. I started to discover nature’s healing power and how it could recharge me effortlessly and welcomingly—without any need to perform. Now, I love combining my two passions—graphic design and photography—with adventures in nature, focusing on the small pleasures in life.

You’ve tried living in several places across Sweden before. What brought you back to Jämtland and Åre?

They often say you need to leave to appreciate home. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand what was so special about living here. But after living in various places, both in and outside of Sweden, I realized what I had been missing: calm. That inner peace that comes from being surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, far from city stress. I didn’t know before how sensitive I was to impressions, noise, and always reading my surroundings. When I changed my everyday environment, recovery became easier. Jämtland holds a special place in my heart, but I think it’s easy for someone returning home to say that. Coming back has given me a sense of peace I hadn’t had in a long time. Now, though, I experience more FOMO with all the things I want to do but don’t always have time for.

Sara is wearing the green Minna Wool Fleece Jacket in size M.

Is there a place in Jämtland that you return to for inspiration? What makes it special to you?

There’s no absolute favorite, but Jämtland is full of hidden gems. Some places I love are Dörrsjöarna, Locknesjön, Storulvån, and Ottsjön. But what I love most is staying curious—about both new places and new people. I try not to have high expectations when I head out, letting myself be surprised by what I find. And when my phone loses signal… that’s when I know I’ve found the perfect spot to unwind!

What tips do you have for beginners who want to start adventuring and exploring nature more?

My best tip is just to get out there! It doesn’t have to be a big adventure at first. Take a simple walk in the woods or along a lake and let nature surprise you. I love day trips—nothing complicated. Pack a little picnic and head to a place you’ve never been before. I think of it as visiting different “nature museums”. If you’re worried about getting bored, bring a camera, a friend, a book, or maybe a camp stove to cook outdoors. Sometimes I just pick a spot on the map that looks interesting and head there—it could be a lake, a shelter, a mountaintop... or maybe a place where I can pick mushrooms and berries. The beauty is in the simplicity!

You’re also involved in social activities in Östersund. Can you tell us more about those activities and what you hope to achieve with them?

I’m a co-founder of the initiative Discover Jämtland, a platform where we gather tips and information about the fantastic places Jämtland has to offer. Our goal is to make it easier for people to discover and enjoy our rich nature while inspiring more people to care for the environment.

Another initiative I’m involved in is Östersund Included, where we work to promote community and inclusion through various activities. We organize meetups where people can explore Östersund, make new friends, and take part in local experiences. Then there’s Adventure Buddies—a platform for all adventure and outdoor activity lovers. Here, people can find like-minded individuals to hike, ski, and explore nature with. Both initiatives are about creating community and encouraging people to enjoy our beautiful nature together.

Do you have any dream projects or collaborations you’d like to bring to life in the future?

Absolutely! I dream of working on projects that combine nature and sustainability with creative expression. Collaborating with brands and projects that share my passion is always fun. At the same time, I’m always open to new, unexpected collaborations that could lead to exciting results. The dream is to merge creativity with nature, inspiring people, and places—on any level. Always keeping the door open and a willingness to grow.

For those living in or visiting Jämtland, do you have any top tips?

Jämtland is full of hidden gems! Besides the well-known spots like Åre, I really recommend taking the time to discover the lesser-known parts of the region. The many hiking trails and waterfalls are absolutely stunning. One of my personal favorites is the small, remote swimming spots—perfect for a refreshing dip after a day outdoors. There’s something special about swimming in a mirror-like lake surrounded by untouched nature!

You have The Minna Wool Fleece, Merino Wool Base Layers, and now the Agnes Dungarees. How do you like your Astrid Wild clothes?

I love my Astrid Wild clothes! They’re both functional and stylish—just what I need for my life here in Jämtland. I’ve always appreciated comfortable clothing, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to feel stylish too. These clothes combine the best of both worlds. They keep me warm and comfortable when I’m out and about, but they’re also chic enough for when I’m photographing or working. They’ve truly become a staple in my wardrobe—I wear them constantly!

Sara is wearing black Ingrid Merino Wool Base Layer in size M.

Thank you, Sara, for the chat and for sharing your inspiring life and the best ways to experience Jämtland. We’re ready to visit now! Want to see more of Sara and her life among lakes and mountains? Check out her Instagram account. Also, explore her graphic design portfolio and various initiatives on her website. Want to read about other wild women who have found their way back to nature? Check out Eveliina Tistelgren’s life in Finnish Lapland in this blog post.