- Where to go
- Middle Sweden
- Värmland
Värmland – a lake-rich haven of natural beauty
Värmland is a natural wonderland stretching across central-west Sweden, spanning rolling hills and deep forest, and boasting some 10,000 lakes. You’ll also find Sweden’s longest river, Klarälven river snaking through this idyllic province, before it flows into one of Europe’s biggest lakes, Vänern. The varied landscape and abundance of water is ideal for outdoor activities including kayaking, swimming, fishing, cycling, hiking and skiing.
There are also plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy. Located on the shores of Vänern, Karlstad could be described as the capital of Värmland, while Arvika, Kristinehamn and Sunne – each with its own character – are also worth exploring. The province is also celebrated for its unique manor houses. Dömle Herrgård Spa & Resort, dating back to 1446, and Hennickehammars Herrgård are two of the notable mansions providing a slice of historic grandeur in the midst of Värmland’s magnificent nature.
Raft adventure on Klarälven, Värmland
Travel on a timber raft on Klarälven in Värmland, and set up camp on the river banks.
Photo: John van Halvert
Raft adventure on Klarälven, Värmland
Photo: John van Halvert
Canoeing on river Klarälven in Värmland
Photo: Deluxturer - Waara World Wide
Kayaking in a lake
Photo: Facing Waves
Mountain Tossebergsklätten in Sunne
Hiking at Tossebergsklätten in Sunne, a mountain with a breathtaking view of the Valley of Fryken.
Photo: Jenny Nohrén
Mountain Tossebergsklätten in Sunne
Photo: Jenny Nohrén
Camping
Photo: Clive Tompsett/imagebank.sweden.se
Hiking i Glaskogen nature reserve, Värmland
Photo: Per Eriksson
Mountain biking in Värmland
Photo: Lars Sjöqvist
Mårbacka memorial estate in Värmland
Mårbacka in Värmland was the home of the Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf.
Photo: Jenny Nohrén
Mårbacka memorial estate in Värmland
Photo: Jenny Nohrén
Selma Lagerlöfs estate Mårbacka, Värmland
Photo: KM IDÉ, Östra Ämtervik
Mårbacka café in Värmland
Photo: Mårbacka Café
Alsters Herrgård, Värmland
Photo: Per Eriksson
Aerial view over Karlstad in Värmland
Photo: Karlstads kommun/City of Karlstad
Klässbols linen weaving mill, Värmland
Photo: Øyvind Lund
Top restaurants and fine local produce
Värmland has another string to its bow – the culinary kind. Matbruket is a must for foodies. Located within Karlstad’s Värmlands Museum, the kitchen is headed by top chef Niklas Pettersson, who favours seasonal, high-quality ingredients often sourced locally. Try Swedish classics such as spinach soup with poached egg and “raggmunk” – a potato pancake served with fried pork and lingonberries.Almars Krog is another much-loved Karlstad restaurant where the ever-evolving menu is based on seasonal ingredients and revolves around serving classic Swedish dishes – think meatballs, black pudding and hot dogs – in totally new ways that guests could never imagine.
Like in much of Sweden, foraging is high on the agenda. Sample the delicacies – from berries to mushroom and fish – available in the nearby forests, lakes and meadows by booking The Edible Country DIY dining experience. There are two tables available in the region – one at Sälglunden within Selma Spa and another at Sävsjön Borgvik. If you could summarise Värmland on a plate, this would be it – a fine medley rooted in nature.
The Edible Country, Borgvik, Värmland
The Edible Country, by the lake Sävsjön in Borgvik, Värmland
Photo: Tommy Pedersen
The Edible Country, Borgvik, Värmland
Photo: Tommy Pedersen
Potato pancakes
Photo: Magnus Carlsson/imagebank.sweden.se
Meatballs with mashed potato
Photo: Magnus Carlsson/imagebank.sweden.se