Värmland has something for everyone

Värmland offers a rich variety of attractions. You’ll find several museums and a flourishing culture which manifests itself in things big and small. You can visit local artisans in their studios or go see the gigantic murals of the art project Artscape which are found in 10 different municipalities. For those looking for a more active holiday, there’s an abundance of activities in all sorts of terrain to choose from; Värmland’s nature is nothing if not diverse. The Klarälven river and local lakes (including Vänern, the largest in Sweden) are perfect for canoeing, river rafting, fishing, swimming and long, scenic walks by the shore.

Värmland year-round

No matter the season, there’s always something to do in Värmland. Local markets are everywhere to be found during the spring and autumn months, and you can visit one of Värmland’s many ski resorts in the winter time for an active holiday. Don’t miss the highlights of the season, namely the Christmas markets at Mariebergsskogen,  Mårbacka and Alsters Herrgård, the 18th century manor and memorial estate of the great Swedish poet Gustaf Fröding. In the summer, you have a wide variety of activities, sights and experiences to choose from, regardless of whether you’re looking for adventure or a bit of peace and quiet - or perhaps a combination of the two! Värmland has ancient monuments and memorials to explore, museums, parks and gardens to visit, adventure baths and lots of shopping opportunities at galleries and quaint local shops. 

Major sporting events and an amazing variety of entertainment

There’s almost always some sort of major event going on in Värmland, which also offers a huge variety of entertainment options. Värmland hosts several major recurring events such as Rally Sweden and Rallycross in Höljes, the Putte i Parken festival, the Arvika Harbour Party, big shows at Västanå Theatre and Wermland Opera, music concerts and theatrical productions at Karlstad CCC, Löfbergs Arena and in Mariebergsskogen. The nightlife in Karlstad has a varied selection of places to choose from and is famous for its cosy outdoor terraces during the summer months. If you’re a golfer, you can sign up for the Five-Day Golf tournament or attend as a spectator. Go see a world-class ice hockey game and watch the local team, Färjestad, play at home. You can also watch the next generation of professional hockey players in action at the Nordic Youth Trophy tournament.

Hiking trails, canoeing and mountain biking through the wilds of Sweden

Värmland is known for its stunning nature, mighty forests and local hospitality. Enjoy the tranquil silence of a canoe or kayak trip (with the occasional beaver splash, perhaps) or go mountain biking or hiking along the county’s gorgeous paths and trails. In the nature reserves of Glaskogen and Hovfjället, there’s unspoilt wilderness near at hand, but also close enough to amenities should you need them. Värmland is also home to the 120 km long Klarälvsleden, a natural dirt path that runs along old country roads from Sysslebäck in Torsby Municipality to Uddeholm in Hagfors Municipality. The path ends right where the 90 km Klarälvsbanan trail begins; a traffic-free asphalt cycle trail which takes you all the way from Uddeholm to central Karlstad. If you want, you can continue biking down to the shore of Vänern lake by Skoghall. Incidentally, did you know that Vänern lake - which has its own bays, beaches and islands - is the third-biggest lake in all of Europe?

Where nature meets civilization

Treat yourself to a stay at one of the many hotels in the city, stay at hostels, spend a couple nights in a caravan at a campsite, cosy up by the fire in a Värmland cabin or pitch a tent on a scenic spot in the wilderness; the choice is yours.  

A vibrant culture, both traditional and innovative

The cultural life of Värmland is partly based on a rich history and storytelling tradition. Alfred Nobel and his discoveries at the Nobel Museum, Selma Lagerlöf and her entrepreneurship and authorship, Gustaf Fröding and Nils Ferlin are just a handful of the people who have helped shape Värmland’s culture. The big names among today’s artists include Lars Lerin, and you can visit his art studio Sandgrund Lars Lerin in central Karlstad across from Värmlands Museum. Värmland is also home to many preserved manor houses where you can stay the night and buy local art and handicrafts.

A visit to Värmland can most certainly be a memorable culinary experience as well. There are harvest festivals, food markets, restaurants, manor houses and local cafés listed in the prestigious White Guide. You can feast on everything from traditional home cooking to cuisines from every corner of the world; old, traditionally prepared dishes as well as modern gourmet experiences that will get your taste buds tingling just by reading the menu.

Hotels, conferences and meetings

All meetings and talks are equally important, whether they only involve two people or bring thousands together. Värmland makes it possible to organise a meeting in many different settings, from a walk & talk or teambuilding activity in nature to big conferences. 

Karlstad is an established meeting destination for conferences, congresses and meeting arrangement and has created one of the world’s first meeting regions for sustainable development. The city offers customised conference facilities, and most of the hotels are within easy walking distance to train and bus stations. The hotels have a total bed capacity of 3,000.

If you are looking for an established hotel that offers activities as well as relaxation, there’s Selma Spa in Sunne (one of the first spas in Sweden), which has become Scandinavia’s biggest spa hotel for private and conference guests.

A place that will keep you coming back 

Värmland has something for everyone and a wealth of different attractions and recurring events. Welcome to Värmland!