Text and photo: Helena Bergström
Karlstad offers more than just sun and the Klarälven River. For those interested in culture, there are several museums worth visiting – from magnificent watercolor art to Värmland history and one of Sweden's most beloved poets' homes.
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1. Lars Lerin Sandgrund
The old dance restaurant Sandgrund, in the middle of Karlstad, is now home to one of Sweden's most appreciated art museums: Sandgrund Lars Lerin. It displays works by artist Lars Lerin, known for his atmospheric watercolors and unique expression.
We had heard a lot about this museum, and for us it was an obvious stop in Karlstad. Lars Lerin's art is both beautiful and easy to like.
What perhaps appeals to us a little more, in addition to the atmospheric feeling, is that through the paintings you take a journey around the world – from Värmland and Norway to South America and the Middle East. A visit here is highly recommended!
2. Värmland Museum
Right next to Sandgrund Lars Lerin you will find Värmland Museum, which we also really liked. The museum is beautifully situated by the Klarälven River in central Karlstad and is one of Sweden's most visited county museums.
Here, the history of Värmland is told through both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with everything from cultural history and design to art and contemporary issues.
We initially enjoyed learning a little more about Värmland. We also enjoyed the art exhibitions.
The exhibitions vary, of course, and the one that made an impression on us right now was an exhibition by Lena Cronqvist.
3. Alster Manor – Birthplace of Gustaf Fröding
Another place that may be interesting to visit in Karlstad is Alsters Manor, best known as the birthplace of the poet Gustaf Fröding.
The manor house today functions as a memorial and museum, where visitors can learn about Fröding's life, poetry and family history.
At the same time, you can come here to walk around the surroundings, see art or perhaps eat at the restaurant. Simply a nice place to visit!
More to see and do in Karlstad
Of course, Karlstad has much more to offer than museums. For example, you can take a walk along the river or visit Mariebergsskogen, a popular city park with animals, nature and a swimming area.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
Best areas to live in and explore
- Central Karlstad – Perfect if you want to be close to the city's museums, restaurants, shopping and walking paths along the Klarälven River.
- Inner harbor – A nice area by the water with restaurants, a marina and a nice evening atmosphere.
- Mariebergs Forest & Sandbäcken – A good choice for those who want to combine city with nature.
- Skutberget – For those who want to live close to nature by Lake Vänern. The area is popular for swimming, hiking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Pitches and campsites
If you are traveling by motorhome, there are several options in Karlstad, such as:
- Parking at Mariebergsskogen – 24 hours free parking or 50 SEK/24 hours if you want electricity (2026)
- Parking on Sävegatan – 24 hours free parking or 50 SEK/24 hours if you want electricity (2026)
- First Camp Skutberget
More guides nearby
Want to discover more of Värmland and the surrounding area? Don't miss our guides to other cities and places we've visited:
- Things to do in Kristinehamn
- Things to do in Arvika
- Alfred Nobel's Björkborn in Karlskoga
- Selma Lagerlöf's Mårbacka
- Things to do in Örebro
- Visiting Borgvik and Glaskogen
You might also like:
Visiting Mannaminne in Nordingrå - a different kind of open-air museum
Nordiska museet 150 years - Jubilee bridge and new exhibitions
Visiting Zorngården and the Zorn Museum in Mora - fascinating!
Alfred Nobel's Björkborn in Karlskoga – where the Nobel Prize became possible
Mårbacka in Sunne – a visit to Selma Lagerlöf's world
Museums in Stockholm - guide to the city's best museums
English (UK) 
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bmlarsreseblogg says:
Thanks for the tip! We've just talked about going to Karlstad on our way home from Tyresö. We've visited Sandgrund and Lars Lerin's fine watercolors a couple of times but not the other places. Admittedly, I have an incredibly hard time with Lena Cronqvist's art, but there are other things to look at...
05 July 2026 - 10:01
Helena says:
I remember you talking about Lars Lerin before, which helped inspire us...! We liked Lena Cronqvist's art, but at the same time I can definitely understand that you can have different types of feelings...!
05 July 2026 - 20:09
Jossu says:
I would have loved to travel around the world inside Lars Lerin's museum. Fantastic paintings.
05 July 2026 - 10:09
Helena says:
The paintings are truly amazing!!
05 July 2026 - 20:09
Ditte says:
Karlstad is certainly a lovely city that offers a lot of everything. And Sandgrund is a "must". I also think that Värmland's Museum and Alsterdalen are. The Emergency Preparedness Museum in Karlstad is also worth a visit.
I was often in town when I worked as a tour guide, either for the day or with an overnight stay when we came from other places. We always stayed at the nice city hotel (Elite). Perfect location by the Klarälven River and Stora Torget. Recommended.
I can also recommend boat trips on the Klarälven River in Karlstad during the summer. Very nice.
05 July 2026 - 11:53
Helena says:
Fun to read your reflections, Ditte, you who have been here so much!! Thanks also for the additional tips!!
05 July 2026 - 20:11
JoY says:
Sandgrund is a given stop, his paintings are so beautiful, I was especially fond of the motifs from Lofoten. But really you don't have to choose one because they are all special.
We have also parked in that parking lot, but would avoid it when there are chestnuts in the trees that fall onto roofs/solar cells.
05 July 2026 - 19:49
Helena says:
Isn't Lars Lerin's art fantastic? And oh, interesting about the chestnuts, that might be good to think about!
05 July 2026 - 20:14
BP says:
Lars Lerin is probably the most famous contemporary artist in Sweden. His art is in a class of its own. It would be smart to establish several other museums nearby – it's called the synergy effect ;-)
05 July 2026 - 20:10
Carita Liljendahl says:
Lars Lerin is on my Bucket List, but I don't know if I'll ever get to Sandgrund. I'll have to read about him instead, watch him on TV with the nice Junior and then of course find blogs that show his art.
August 15, 2026 - 21:06