On the shores of Lake Vänern, Kristinehamn is home to a 15-metre-high Picasso sculpture. It was unveiled in 1965; an outdoor exhibition with signs tells the story of the artwork and its history. Hiking trails, historic sites and art each add their own touches, showcasing different sides of the town.
Hiking trails between the shore and the islands
The newest hiking trail in Kristinehamn is 2.5 kilometres long, starts at the veranda of Café Picasso and is open to the public year-round. There are several rest areas along the route; at the starting point, there is a barbecue area and a toilet. The Sannaleden is six kilometres long and runs partly along Lake Vänern. Another 30-kilometre hiking trail runs between Hytte on Lake Bergsjön and the guest harbour in Kristinehamn.
The Three Islands Trail crosses footbridges between Vålön, Kalvön and Sibberön. It is four kilometres each way, and the route requires a boat trip. In summer, the Båtbuss 97 runs from Vålösundsbryggan in the Kristinehamn archipelago. Check the timetable for this seasonal service before your trip. The Vålösundet promenade can also be explored on foot; you can experience the Lake Vänern archipelago by boat or on foot.
Nature reserves and birdwatching
Breeding and resting wetland birds are of great importance in the Inre Kilsviken Nature Reserve. Marked trails, three birdwatching towers and rest areas help visitors find their way around. The Dyrön Nature Reserve, around 30 kilometres south of Kristinehamn, offers a different landscape, where rocky shores and expanses of water meet forests and a traditional cultural landscape. Also around 30 kilometres south, the quality-assured Värmlandsleder trails Arskagsleden, Nötöleden and Prästöleden are located in the Nötön-Åråsviken Nature Reserve.
Town history and cultural sites
Kristinehamns Historiska is located in a renovated former stable building at Wahlundsgården in the town centre. The permanent historical exhibition traces the town’s development through ironworking. Guided tours explain how and why Kristinehamn became a town. The Järsberg Runestone, southeast of the town, offers another glimpse into the past. Its inscription dates from the fifth century. Nearby ran the Letstigen, an old route from the Lake Mälaren area through Värmland and on to Vestfold in Norway.
Kristinehamn Church was inaugurated in 1858 and marks the breakthrough of the Neo-Gothic style in Sweden. Guided tours can be booked through the parish office. At Kristinehamns Hembygdsgård, older buildings and local history are set within a green park. Guided tours can be booked at Lundbomsgården, the mill and Mjölnargården, among other places. In the Vågen district, a market day featuring arts and crafts and locally produced food takes place on the last Saturday of every month.
Östervik Chapel also offers a special view of the surrounding area: it stands on a hill overlooking Varnumsviken. In summer, the chapel and the museum in the former dairy building are open to visitors.
Getting there by train
Kristinehamn’s centrally located railway station offers train connections to Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo. Check the connections for your travel date if you are planning to arrive by train.
Discover more destinations: Kristinehamn, Nybble, Ölme, Sörgården, Visnum, Karlstad, Sunne and Brunskog.
Return to the main travel overview: Värmland.
