Karlstad lies where Sweden’s longest river flows into Europe’s third-largest lake. The Klarälven and the delta landscape provide a distinctive setting for a range of discoveries: waterways, bridges, theatre and museums are all options, as are wetlands and experiences in nature. Which side of Karlstad you choose to focus on can shape the plans for your stay.

Waterways and getting around

Two different ways to explore the water start at Inre hamn. The guided Cityturen boat tour starts and ends there; boarding and disembarking are only possible at Inre hamn. The Båtbussarna also depart from there, operating as public transport on the water. Seasonal details and timetables may affect both services, so check the latest information about the tour and the Båtbussarna service in advance.

For a longer ride by bike or inline skates, Klarälvsbanan offers a different way to get moving: it is about 90 kilometres long and follows a former railway line. Its starting point is at Kroppkärrssjön in Karlstad. Karlstad Sightseeing also offers guided city tours, with two different routes on the sightseeing train. Check the current timetable to help plan your visit.

Bridges, theatre and museums

Karlstad’s history is also reflected in its buildings. Kvarteret Almen is home to old wooden houses that survived the great city fire of 1865. Östra Bron, commonly known as Gamla Stenbron, is a 168-metre-long stone arch bridge and is considered Sweden’s longest stone arch bridge.

Karlstads teater sits on the banks of the Klarälven, in the heart of Karlstad. It is home to Wermland Opera, which has regularly staged new productions since 1975. As schedules can change, it’s worth checking the current programme before your visit.

Värmlands Museum is located on Sandgrundsudden in central Karlstad. Its Värmlandsliv exhibition explores people’s lives in the region over a period of 10,000 years. The museum is also home to Skaparverkstan, a place for creative encounters, workshops and making things with a range of techniques. If you’re planning to take part in a workshop, check the current programme.

Sandgrund Lars Lerin houses paintings by artist Lars Lerin; there is also a café overlooking the Klarälven. The Brigadmuseum’s main exhibition focuses on the Cold War, from 1945 to 1991. Most exhibits can be touched and explored with all the senses.

Nature and swimming

Mariebergsskogen encompasses a variety of habitats: an old pine forest, a grazed coastal meadow, a marshy deciduous forest and extensive reed beds. Its wetland formed as part of the Klarälven Delta in Lake Vänern. Naturum Värmland is located in the middle of the delta, between old woodland, coastal meadow and water. At Lillskogen, visitors can see animals.

Another option is Sundstabadet, a modern swimming centre that is open year-round and about a ten-minute walk from central Karlstad. Its relaxation area includes three different saunas, experience showers, an outdoor whirlpool, a warm-water pool, a solarium and a hammam room. As operational details may change, check the latest information before your visit.

Around Karlstad

There are other places to explore around Karlstad, too. Alsters herrgård is an 18th-century manor house and Gustaf Fröding’s memorial estate. In summer, guided tours about Fröding are offered several times a day; check the current tour schedule to help plan your day. Skutberget, meanwhile, is a natural area for relaxation, swimming and year-round exercise. When choosing excursions, you can weigh up cultural history and outdoor activities without having to squeeze both into the same day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Segerstad, Väse, Lindfors, Skattkärr, Edsvalla, Vålberg, Molkom.

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