Bordering Norway in Sweden’s south-west, Värmland County stretches to the north of the country’s largest lake, Vänern. It’s home to the vibrant university city of Karlstad and a fascinating county museum, as well as a family-friendly ski resort.
Things to do in Varmlands Lan
Offering both winter sports and summer lakeside pursuits, Värmland County is a year-round destination.
Sightsee in Karlstad. Sprawling around the Klarälven River, Karlstad is a lively university city and one of the sunniest spots in Sweden. Step inside the monumental Karlstad Cathedral to admire its hanging model ships, then learn about military life in Sweden during the Cold War at the Brigade Museum.
Island hop on Lake Vänern. To the south of Karlstad lies Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern, which is located on the route of the Göta Canal. Visit the home of Rörstrand porcelain in the lakeside town of Lidköping and marvel at Läckö Slott, a late-13th-century castle that rises atop the island of Kållandsö. Lake Vänern is also a popular recreational destination for canoeing, sailing and fishing.
Explore the Värmlands Museum. Värmland County’s culture and history are highlighted at the Värmlands Museum, which occupies a temple-inspired building designed by the Swedish architect Cyrillus Johansson. Its displays include centuries-old artefacts, artwork and old photographs, as well as multimedia exhibits that bring the past to life.
Hit the slopes of Branäs. In the north of Värmland County is the Branäs ski resort, which offers just over 20 kilometres of slopes for skiers and snowboarders. For kids, there’s a dedicated area known as Nintendo Land, as well as roaming “Björnbusarna” mascots. When it comes to après-ski, you can dine at Cafe Soltorget or the Loftets Pizzeria, followed by a drink at the Ladans Bar.
Getting around Varmlands Lan
Karlstad Airport is the main aviation gateway to Värmland County and has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Stockholm and Stockholm Arlanda Airport are just over four hours’ drive from Karlstad. Trains connect from both Stockholm and Gothenburg to the Karlstad railway station while buses travel to towns and villages throughout the county.