Things to do in Värmland – 25 attractions and experiences

Writer: Peter Bergström

What can you do in Värmland? Deep forests, sparkling lakes, cozy small towns and some of Sweden's most beautiful nature experiences await you here. We have collected our best tips for attractions, excursions and experiences in Värmland - perfect for those planning a holiday, road trip or weekend in the countryside.

Värmland

Värmland offers everything from nature to culture. Here you can hike in Glaskogen or stroll along the Klarälven River, but also discover places such as Mårbacka and Sandgrund Lars Lerin.

1. Discover Karlstad

Karlstad is Värmland's largest city and a perfect place to start your trip. Cozy cafes, walks along the Klarälven River and a wonderful city life near the water await you here.

2. Relax in Mariebergsskogen

Mariebergsskogen is a popular park in Karstad with nature, animals and activities for the whole family. Many different events are also held here.

3. Visit Sandgrund Lars Lerin

Sandgrund Lars Lerin is a must for both art lovers and others who like beautiful watercolors. It displays works by Lars Lerin – as well as some other exhibitions – in a bright and inspiring environment by the Klarälven River.

4. Check out Värmland Museum

Right next to Sandrund Lars Lerin you will find Värmland Museum. This museum tells the history of the landscape, while also featuring various current art exhibitions. Highly recommended!

5. Coffee at Alsters Herrgård

Alsters Manor is the birthplace of Gustaf Fröding and a nice stop near Karlstad. You can walk in the garden, see art, experience exhibitions and eat at the restaurant.

6. Discover Sunne

Sunne is a popular holiday resort with connections to Selma Lagerlöf and the beautiful nature around Fryken. Here you can visit Selma Lagerlöf's Mårbacka, the beautiful Rottneros park, Selma Spa and Sunne Sommarland.

7. See Selma Lagerlöf's Mårbacka

Mårbacka is Selma Lagerlöf's beautiful mansion, where the Nobel Prize winner in literature both grew up and lived as an adult, until her death. Here you can take part in exciting tours, and also visit various exhibitions.

8. Stroll in Rottneros Park

Rottneros Park is one of Sweden's most beautiful sculpture and flower parks. There is also a café, a beach and large, nice playgrounds. A very nice destination for both adults and families with children.

9. Experience nature at Fryken

The lakes Övre, Mellan and Nedre Fryken offer swimming spots, views and nice small roads. There are great opportunities for hiking, cycling, paddling or taking a swim.

10. Hike in Glaskogen

Glaskogen offers miles of hiking trails, lakes and fantastic nature for those who love the outdoors. There is also an information center, where the hiking trails start, and a nice wilderness campsite.

11. Take a trip to Borgvik

Borgvik is a charming working village filled with historical settings. You can explore the church and the historical sites, but also relax in restaurants and cafes. There is also a harbor and parking for campers.

12. Visit charming Arvika

Arvika is known for culture, music and the proximity to nature. The city center is perfect for a quiet walk and coffee. There are also various museums here such as the Automotive Museum, the Rackstad Museum and the Såguddens Open Air Museum.

13. Go skiing in Branäs

Branäs is one of Sweden's most popular ski resorts for families with children. The alpine ski resort boasts 33 slopes, 31 lifts and 415 meters of vertical drop. 

14. Try the ski tunnel in Torsby

Torsby is known for its outdoor activities, skiing, sports and proximity to the wilderness. Here you will find, among other things, the Ski Tunnel in Torsby, which makes it possible to go cross-country skiing all year round. You will also find a statue of football legend Sven-Göran ”Svennis” Eriksson.

15. Visit Kristinehamn

Kristinehamn is a nice city to visit. The city is perhaps best known for the Picasso sculpture on the shore of Lake Vänern, but you can also visit the city center and the beautiful surroundings by the water.

16. Check out the Picasso sculpture

The Picasso sculpture is the most famous landmark in Kristinehamn. The sculpture, located on Picasso Cape, is the world's largest statue of Pablo Picasso.

17. Discover the Lake Vänern Coast

Värmland has several nice places along Lake Vänern with swimming, camping and small harbors. For example, it is nice at Vålösundet and Kummelön nature reserves.

18. Visit Alfred Nobel's Björkborn

Alfred Nobel's Björkborn in Karlskoga is a very interesting place, which tells the story of the place where Alfred Nobel lived his last summers in Sweden – and where the Nobel Prize became a reality. Today this is a museum with guided tours and a café.

19. Feel the peace in Finnskogen

Finnskogen, near the Norwegian border, is known for its unique history – in the 16th and 17th centuries, forest Finns moved here to practice slash-and-burn agriculture. Today, the area offers deep forests, silence and exciting cultural history.

20. Hike on Hovfjället

Hovfjället can be visited in both winter and summer. In winter people come here to ski, and during the summer months there are opportunities for hiking and magnificent views.

21. Discover Säffle

Säffle is Sweden's youngest city. The city received its city privileges in 1951, making it the very last place in Sweden to be elevated to city status. Incidentally, this is a nice stop along Lake Vänern, where you will also find the Säffle Canal.

22. Be fascinated by the von Echstedtska farm

Von Echstedtska Gården, located outside Säffle, is one of Sweden's best-preserved 18th-century manors. The cultural environment offers guided tours, a charming garden café and a burlesquely decorated 18th-century outhouse.

23. Canoe in Värmland

Värmland is a paradise for canoeing with lots of lakes and calm waterways. You can bring your own canoe, or rent one from one of the many canoe centers and rental places.

24. Take a dip in one of Värmland's lakes

There are plenty of swimming spots and lakes for hot summer days in Värmland. One advantage is the tranquility and the scenic views.

25. Enjoy the peace and nature of Värmland

The best thing about Värmland is often the feeling – the forests, the lakes and the calm pace that makes the landscape perfect for relaxation.

READ MORE: Here you will find all our reports about Värmland.

More landscape guides nearby

Want to discover more of Sweden? Here are more guides to nearby landscapes that we have visited and that are perfect for more excursions, road trips and holidays at home.

• Things to do in Dalsland
• Things to do in Dalarna
• Things to do in Västergötland
• Things to do in Narke
• Holidays in Sweden