Jämtlands Flyg- och Lottamuseum in Östersund, Sweden, is a unique museum that highlights both aviation history and the contributions of Lottorna, a Swedish voluntary women’s defense organization. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of military aviation in the Jämtland region, as well as the role of women in Sweden’s defense efforts during wartime.
Jämtlands flyg- och lottamuseum
+46 72-5631918
July and August
- Daily 11:00 – 17:00
Aircraft collection
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02402/92 03427/87 N9887A SE-SUL SE-TBP 28311/17 SE-XFC SE-YII SE-AHU 8109/A 5075/116 44-70384 16145/78 SE-STZ 29373/12 32601/01 35345/32 35392/52 35502/03 37097/29 37307/07 37412/12 37448/04 60056/56 8233 61055/55 – – | AB Flygplan Se-102 Grunau Baby
Aerospatiale Hkp2 (Alouette II) Agusta Bell Hkp3B Beech D18S Bergfalke II glider Bergfalke II glider de Havilland J28B Vampire Don Quixkote J-1B Fisher Super Koala Gotaverken GV-38 Grunau Baby Klemm Sk15B Noorduyn UC-64A Norseman North American Sk16B Texan Pik-5 SAAB J29F Tunnan SAAB J32E Lansen SAAB J35D Draken SAAB J35D Draken SAAB J35J Draken SAAB AJS37 Viggen SAAB JA37 Viggen SAAB JA37DI Viggen SAAB JA37D Viggen SAAB Sk60B Schullglider SG-38 Scottish Aviation Sk61D Bulldog Hangglider Hangglider |
The Jämtlands flyg- och lottamuseum consists of three permanent and a number of temporary exhibitions. One of the permanent exhibitions is called the Garage (Garaget) and consists of antique cars and buses. This building also hosts a workshop for kids based on the educational concept KomTek. The permanent aircraft exhibition Flyg- och Lottamuseum contains all the jet-aircraft that have previously been deployed by Jämtland Air Force Wing.
Key Highlights of Jämtlands Flyg- och Lottamuseum:
- Aviation History in Jämtland:
- The museum focuses on the region’s involvement in aviation history, especially its role during World War II and the Cold War. The Jämtland region has been strategically important to Sweden’s air defense, and the museum showcases the evolution of military aviation in the area.
- Exhibits include aircraft that were used by the Swedish Air Force and other military aircraft stationed in the region. The collection covers several decades, from early propeller planes to jet fighters and transport aircraft that were vital to the country’s air defense.
- Visitors can explore aircraft such as Saab 29 Tunnan, Saab 35 Draken, and Saab 37 Viggen, which played important roles in Sweden’s Cold War-era defense strategy.
- Jämtland’s Role During World War II and the Cold War:
- Jämtland, being in the north of Sweden, was a key location for military air operations during World War II and throughout the Cold War. The museum provides an in-depth look at how the region contributed to air defense and the protection of Swedish airspace during these critical periods.
- Exhibits highlight how airfields in Jämtland were utilized for training, surveillance, and defensive operations, as well as the importance of the region in Sweden’s neutrality policy during the Cold War.
- Role of the Lottorna (Women’s Voluntary Defense Organization):
- A significant part of the museum is dedicated to the Lottorna, Sweden’s voluntary defense organization for women. The Lottorna were active in providing support roles during both World War II and in later periods, particularly in medical, logistical, and communications support.
- The museum showcases the contributions of these female volunteers, many of whom served in military units, particularly in areas where women had previously not been involved. Exhibits detail the history of the Lotta Svärd (the name of the organization in Swedish) and the critical roles played by women in Sweden’s home defense.
- Personal stories, uniforms, and historical artifacts from the Lottorna illustrate how these women contributed to Sweden’s defense, often alongside male soldiers.
- Aircraft Exhibits:
- The museum is home to a variety of aircraft used by the Swedish Air Force, as well as aircraft connected to the Jämtland Wing. Some of the notable aircraft in the collection include:
- Saab 29 Tunnan: One of Sweden’s first jet fighters, which was used during the early Cold War period.
- Saab 35 Draken: A supersonic fighter aircraft that served the Swedish Air Force from the 1950s to the 1980s.
- Saab 37 Viggen: A multi-role fighter that was used for ground attack and air defense throughout the Cold War and beyond.
- UC-64A Norseman was used for paratrooper drops, medical evacuations, and transporting essential supplies to isolated military units and airfields.
- The museum is home to a variety of aircraft used by the Swedish Air Force, as well as aircraft connected to the Jämtland Wing. Some of the notable aircraft in the collection include:
- Historical and Personal Artifacts:
- The museum features personal artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the stories of those who served in both aviation and the Lottorna. This includes items from the air force personnel, Lotta Svärd members, and others who were involved in Sweden’s defense.
- Visitors can explore uniforms, letters, personal accounts, and wartime equipment, offering a window into the lives of those who served.
Photos Wouter Roerdink