Best Attractions in Värmland
Planning a trip to Värmland? Discover the best attractions in Värmland with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions in Värmland
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
48 attractions
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Park4.5★4,060 reviews
Mariebergsskogen
Mariebergsskogen is Karlstad's expansive city park, a verdant oasis spanning 78 hectares just 1km from the city center. Gifted to the city in 1896 by Dr. Conrad Höök, it blends natural beauty with family-friendly attractions including a petting zoo with farm animals, playgrounds, a sandy swimming beach, mini-golf, Naturum Värmland visitor center, open-air museum, and Friluftsteatern amphitheater. Seasonal highlights feature summer swims, winter ice skating and Christmas markets, forest trails, and cultural buildings offering year-round appeal for relaxation, play, and exploration.
Daily 7:00–22:00Time to spend 1.5–4 hrs
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Shopping mall4.4★3,916 reviews
Charlottenbergs Shoppingcenter Nord
Charlottenbergs Shoppingcenter Nord is a large borderland shopping complex in Charlottenberg, Sweden, offering about 60+ shops, a broad food court and free parking across an expansive indoor mall that draws daytrippers and cross‑border shoppers alike. The centre combines practical retail — supermarkets, clothing, electronics and a Systembolaget liquor outlet — with cafés and family-friendly amenities, open long hours for convenient browsing and bargain hunting.
Daily 8:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–5 hrs
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Shopping mall4.1★4,348 reviews
Töcksfors Shoppingcenter
A bright, practical shopping hub on the Swedish–Norwegian border, Töcksfors Shoppingcenter brings together supermarkets, brand outlets and everyday services under one roof. It’s known for large parking areas, value-focused stores like Eurocash and ICA, a food court with familiar fast-food options and a family-friendly layout that suits quick stops as well as longer browsing sessions.
Mon–Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat–Sun 10:00–19:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–4 hrs
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Art gallery4.5★3,087 reviews
Sandgrund Lars Lerin
Sandgrund Lars Lerin is a dedicated art hall in central Karlstad showcasing the watercolours and curated collections of Lars Lerin. Housed in the converted Sandgrund dance‑restaurant on the riverbank, the gallery pairs intimate exhibition rooms with a shop and café, offering a concentrated experience of Nordic light, moody landscapes and portrait studies set within a restored mid‑century building near other cultural sites.
Tue–Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs
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Shopping mall4.0★3,228 reviews
Mitt i city
Mitt i City is a compact, centrally located shopping centre in Karlstad, Sweden, sitting on Järnvägsgatan and blending everyday retail with cafés and services under one roof. The mall houses national chains, local boutiques and a varied food offering across multiple levels, operating long weekday hours and shorter weekend times to suit city shoppers and visitors seeking a convenient, all-in-one retail stop in the heart of town.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.3★1,304 reviews
Mårbacka
Mårbacka is the restored manor home and memorial estate of Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlöf, set in rolling farmland and historic gardens in Östra Ämtervik, Värmland. The house seen today was rebuilt in 1921–23 and preserves the domestic interiors, library and outbuildings connected to Lagerlöf’s life and work; nearby you’ll find a recreated kitchen garden, workers’ cottages and an exhibition space that interprets her literary and social legacy.
Daily 12:00–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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Cultural center4.3★1,280 reviews
Alsters Herrgård - Gustaf Frödings minnesgård
Alsters Herrgård is a stately historic manor on the shores of Lake Vänern that preserves the birthplace and memory of Swedish poet Gustaf Fröding. The estate combines a modest museum, seasonal café and event programme with parkland, riverside paths and heritage buildings such as a relocated 18th‑century magazin. Visitors come for literary history, pastoral gardens, flexible event spaces and views across Sweden’s largest lake.
Daily 11:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
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Museum4.5★1,123 reviews
Naturum Värmland
Naturum Värmland is a free, family-oriented nature centre set within Mariebergsskogen park in Karlstad offering interpretive exhibits about Värmland’s flora, fauna and freshwater habitats, a small nature-themed shop and a café with panoramic views across the river delta. With large windows onto wetlands and short trails nearby, it’s designed for hands-on learning and quiet wildlife-watching for all ages.
Daily 11:00–17:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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History museum4.5★1,051 reviews
Brigadmuseum
Brigadmuseum in Karlstad is an immersive military experience museum focused on the Cold War era (1945-1991). Spanning 1200 m², it features interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, vehicles on the open courtyard, a café with homemade treats, and family-friendly activities like treasure hunts for children. Wheelchair accessible with loans available.
Tue–Fri 10:00–16:00 · Sat–Sun 11:00–16:00Price level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Zoo4.7★868 reviews
Värmlands Moose Park
Nestled in the dense forests of Värmland, Värmlands Moose Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter Sweden's majestic moose up close. Join guided tours to walk among these gentle giants, feed them by hand, and learn from expert guides about their lives in the wild. Set in a spacious enclosure mimicking their natural habitat, the park provides educational insights into moose ecology, behavior, and conservation. Tours last around two hours, blending forest walks with interactive animal encounters. Open select days with reservations required, it's a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts exploring rural Sweden.
Tue–Wed 10:30–11:00, 14:30–15:00 · Sat–Sun 10:30–11:00, 14:30–15:00Price level $$Time to spend 2–3 hrs
Långflons Shopping
Långflon Shoppingcenter sits right beside the Norway–Sweden border in Höljes, Värmland — a compact, practical mall that combines a large supermarket, outlet stores, café/restaurant and services under one roof for locals, skiers and cross‑border shoppers. Open long hours daily, it offers free parking, accessible facilities and quick shopping for groceries, outdoor kit and takeaway fare close to nearby ski resorts and border crossings.
Daily 8:00–21:00Price level $Time to spend 0.2–1.5 hrs
Brattfallet
A compact, forested waterfall and gorge on the Halgå near Ekshärad in Värmland, Brattfallet is a scenic 10‑metre cascade set in a narrow ravine that invites short walks, picnics and photography. Marked trails of varying lengths (1, 2 and ~7 km) start at the site; in high flow the falls roar with force, while in summer exposed stone walls offer close-up viewing and scrambling opportunities.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Hovfjället AB
Hovfjället is a family-oriented ski resort and year-round outdoor destination on a rounded peak just outside Torsby in Värmland, Sweden. The area offers downhill slopes for all levels, about six lifts, extensive cross‑country tracks on natural snow, cabin and camping accommodation, and an on-site restaurant—set in the region often described as Sweden’s southernmost fjäll-like landscape.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–48 hrs
Stadsträdgården
Stadsträdgården is Karlstad's beloved central park, a lush oasis boasting around 800 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Wander charming paths lined with diverse vegetation, relax on benches by the fountain, and enjoy seasonal events and a summer café amid shady evergreens from around the world.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Glaskogens naturreservat
Glaskogens naturreservat is Värmland’s vast wilderness of lakes, pine forest and rocky ridges centred on the little settlement of Lenungshammar; the reserve offers roughly 28,000 hectares of trails, canoe routes, simple shelters and seasonal visitor services for hiking, paddling, fishing and rustic camping. Expect long, quiet days on water or foot, marked trails, historic stone-age remains and a network of wilderness campsites and cabins maintained for year-round access.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–72 hrs
Värmlands Museum
Perched on Sandgrundsudden by Lake Vänern, Värmlands Museum blends regional history with modern art and photography across two linked buildings; permanent displays trace Värmland’s story from prehistoric finds to industrial life while rotating exhibitions bring international photography and contemporary art to town. The museum includes hands-on zones for families, a café with water views and a museum shop, making it a cultural hub in central Karlstad.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Sunne Sommarland
Sunne Sommarland is a family-focused water- and theme-park set beside Lake Fryken in Sunne, Värmland. The park mixes adrenaline-pumping slides and flumes with gentler pools, a lazy river and a dedicated children’s play area, plus seasonal shows and pavilions for shade and family groups. It operates as a summer-season attraction with facilities geared to families and groups looking for a full-day splash-and-play experience.
Price level $$Time to spend 3–8 hrs
Museum Park
Museiparken is a compact, leafy urban park beside the Värmlands Museum in central Karlstad, offering lawns, themed plantings, sculptures and a light-filled pavilion that links the museum to riverside promenades. It’s a popular spot for picnics, family play and seasonal planting displays, set within an easy walking radius of cafés, galleries and the Klarälven waterfront.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–2 hrs
15-huset
Compact, centrally located shopping mall in Karlstad city centre, 15‑huset (often called Duvanhuset) groups everyday fashion, services and casual cafés across several connected floors in a tidy indoor setting. It’s a practical stop for errands, lunch or a rainy‑day browse, with clear opening hours through the week and easy on‑foot access to nearby city attractions.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Wermland Opera
Wermland Opera is Karlstad’s principal opera company housed in a modern riverside venue on the city’s edge; it stages operas, musicals and concerts in an intimate, well-crafted auditorium and offers a lively cultural programme year-round. The building’s contemporary lines and warm foyer spaces create a welcoming pre-show atmosphere, while productions range from classic opera to modern musicals and community projects.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Sunne Ski & Bike (with Sunne Bike Park)
Sunne Ski & Bike in Rottneros, Värmland, is a versatile four-season destination blending winter skiing and snowboarding with summer mountain biking. Family-friendly slopes and trails cater to all levels, complemented by rentals, lessons, a restaurant, and campground for immersive outdoor adventures amid scenic Swedish landscapes.
Price level $Time to spend 1.5–4 hrs
Rackstadmuseet
Rackstadmuseet in Arvika celebrates the Rackstad artist colony of the early 20th century through permanent exhibits of paintings, crafts, and sculptures by Gustaf Fjaestad, Maja Fjaestad, Björn Ahlgrensson, Fritz Lindström, and Christian Eriksson. The modern building hosts rotating contemporary art shows, a sculpture park, and seasonal access to historic studios like Oppstuhage. A cozy café serves homemade lunches and cakes amid serene gardens by Lake Racken, blending art history with local craftsmanship in Värmland's cultural heart.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
ALMA LÖV MUSEUM OF UNEXP. ART
A deliberately unexpected contemporary-art complex set in pastoral Värmland, Alma Löv occupies a converted farmyard and a series of scattered pavilions where indoor rooms, fields and forest paths host eclectic installations and site-specific works. Seasonal and intimate, the museum blends agricultural buildings, outbuildings and landscape to present playful, provocative and quietly ingenious exhibitions that reward slow wandering and a curious mind.
Daily 11:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Bull Bar
A lively American‑inspired grill bar in central Karlstad serving burgers, steaks and a broad drinks list in a cosy, publike interior; the venue doubles as a live‑music and quiz spot with darts and an outdoor terrace in season, making it a go-to for casual evenings and weekend nights.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Tilas Stoll
Tilas Stoll is an 18th‑century horizontal mine tunnel in the Högbergsfältet nature reserve near Persberg, Filipstad. Named for Daniel Tilas, the short, walk‑in stoll (about 25 m long) shows hand‑hewn rock faces and later blasting marks; it sits beside dramatic open‑cast pits, fenced shafts and pine forest trails that trace centuries of Bergslagen mining history. The site is atmospheric, raw and largely outdoors, with basic nearby parking and interpretive signs.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Värmlands Vikingacenter
Step back a thousand years at Värmlands Vikingacenter, a living history site in rural Värmland where Viking-era streets, homes, and workshops burst with sensory detail. Explore immersive exhibits on myths, crafts, and the Viking ship Glad av Gillberga, wander the Viking village, playground, stone labyrinth, and riverside trails, or relax at the café overlooking Byälven. Seasonal events like Viking markets add authentic flair to this family-friendly attraction.
Tue–Sat 11:00–17:00Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Länsmansgården
Ulvsby herrgård, historically known as Länsmansgården, is a classic manor-house hotel perched above Lake Fryken near Sunne in Värmland, Sweden. The estate blends century-old architecture, locally sourced cuisine and rotating art exhibitions with homely rooms in former wings such as the Länsmansflygeln and Kronohäktet. It’s prized for lake views, a warm table-service restaurant and a quietly elegant countryside atmosphere.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–48 hrs
Såguddens museum
Såguddens friluftsmuseum in Arvika is a waterside open-air museum where a cluster of rescued historic buildings from 17th–19th century Värmland form a living patchwork of rural life. Set beside Kyrkvikens shallow bay, the site includes a large farmhouse museum, cottages, storehouses and a small café, all arranged in a park-like setting that invites slow strolls, seasonal demonstrations and quiet contemplation of local craft and domestic history.
Mon–Sat 11:00–16:00Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Värmlands museum: Långbans gruv- och kulturby
Långbans gruv- och kulturby is an atmospheric historic mining village and open-air museum in Filipstad, Sweden, set amid pine-clad hills and lakes where one of the world’s richest mineral deposits was worked for centuries. The site combines preserved 18th–20th-century buildings, guided exhibits on mining and metallurgy, and one of the largest mineral collections anywhere — a magnet for geology enthusiasts, photographers and anyone intrigued by industrial landscapes and northern nature.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
von Echstedtska Manor
An 18th‑century rococo manor set in cultivated gardens outside Säffle, von Echstedtska Manor pairs a strict classical exterior with richly painted Rococo interiors and historic outbuildings, apple orchards and an antiquarian charm. Run by Värmlands Museum as a seasonal site, the property offers guided tours, a rustic café and a sense of rural Swedish estate life preserved across centuries.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Broby Gästgivaregård
Broby Gästgivaregård is a historic inn and small hotel in central Sunne, Sweden, occupying a traditional wooden guesthouse with roots in the 17th century and a cosy, old‑world atmosphere. It combines comfortable guest rooms, a convivial pub and a restaurant, garden terrace and a sauna — a compact base for exploring nearby cultural sites, parks and lakeshores in Värmland.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Karlstad Alpackagård
A compact family-run alpaca farm just outside Karlstad where a dozen friendly alpacas graze on gentle pastures; visitors can meet the herd, take short guided alpaca walks, browse handcrafted alpaca-fibre goods and enjoy a calm rural atmosphere year-round by prior booking.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Wiksfors Bruk
Wiksfors Bruk is a restored historic ironworks and creative bruksite in Långserud, Värmland, that now houses workshops, small producers, cafés and seasonal events in converted industrial buildings. Set beside the river and low falls, the site blends raw brick and timber architecture with craft shops, plant and home-decor stalls, artisan bakeries and makers’ studios—an atmospheric mix of industrial heritage and contemporary local enterprise.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
I2-skogen (Parkering och Entré)
I2-skogen serves as the main parking and entrance to a expansive nature preserve and hunting training area on the outskirts of Karlstad. This wooded strövområde offers serene trails for walking amid pine forests, with opportunities for wildlife observation in a managed viltvård environment. Free access makes it ideal for casual nature escapes, though active hunting seasons require caution around designated areas.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–3 hrs
Krokfors Slusstation
Krokfors Lock Station sits on the Dalsland Canal near Bengtsfors, where a double lock lifts boats 5.3 m between Västra and Östra Silen lakes. The compact site pairs working canal infrastructure with a waiting jetty, a small kiosk, and a fixed bridge nearby; boat passage through the two chambers takes roughly 25 minutes and offers a close-up look at historic lock mechanics and lakeside Swedish landscape.
Daily 9:00–19:00Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Ritamäki finntorp
Ritamäki Finntorp is a restored Finnish homestead and open-air museum near Torsby in Värmland, Sweden. Set on a gently sloping clearing framed by spruce and birch, the site preserves traditional timber buildings, farm implements and simple domestic interiors that illustrate Finnish settlers’ rural life in the 18th–19th centuries. Quiet pathways, orchards and a small pond make it a contemplative stop for history lovers and nature walkers.
Time to spend 0.8–2 hrs
Krigsflygfält 16
Krigsflygfält 16 at Brattforsheden stands as Sweden's sole fully preserved WWII secret airstrip, a world-unique culture reserve capturing the tension of wartime mobilization. Explore camouflaged runways disguised as farmland, original barracks, anti-aircraft positions, and barbed wire remnants amid Värmland's forests. Open daily with summer guided tours, flight simulators, and family events bringing history alive.
Daily 10:00–16:00Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Nygårdskällan
Nygårdskällan is a captivating natural spring in a national reserve near Molkom, Sweden. This artesian source bubbles up with crystal-clear water from deep aquifers, surrounded by lush forests, ravines, and the gentle flow of Västgötabäcken stream. Once a pilgrimage site in the 19th century for its reputed healing properties, it now offers serene trails for hiking and nature immersion in Värmland's pristine wilderness.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Kjølen Sportcenter
Kjølen Sportcenter in Ørje, Norway, offers year-round outdoor activities with a 2.5 km illuminated track for cross-country skiing, roller skiing, skating, and boarding. Equipped with artificial snow and lights until 22:00, it features a warming hut, kitchen, and overnight rooms, perfect for active adventurers near the Swedish border.
Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Sing Sing Karaoke Karlstad
Sing Sing Karaoke Karlstad is a lively karaoke bar and Pan‑Asian eatery housed on Drottninggatan, offering private karaoke rooms in a colourful Japanese-inspired setting, a cocktail-led bar and small‑plate Asian dishes. Evenings focus on room hires and themed student nights, with the main venue buzzing on midweek and weekend nights for singalongs and private-group parties.
Wed–Thu 17:00–23:00 · Fri–Sat 17:00–1:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Segerstads skärgård
Segerstads skärgård is a wild, low-lying archipelago and coastal nature reserve on Lake Vänern near Vålberg, featuring more than thirty larger islands plus hundreds of skerries, wind-sculpted pine woodlands, sandy beaches and sheltered bays — ideal for short hikes, birdwatching and quiet camping by the water. Some islands are reachable from the mainland on foot trails; most require a private boat or rented craft.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–6 hrs
Halgåleden
Halgåleden is a varied, near-7‑kilometre hiking trail that departs from the Brattfallet waterfall near Ekshärad in Värmland, Sweden. The route threads dramatic river canyon, old-growth pines, eskers and ravines, passes historical charcoal pits and kiln remains, and crosses a 1923 stone bridge beside a 10‑metre fall. Sections are steep and rocky with boardwalks, stairs and occasional shelters—expect rugged terrain, striking viewpoints and changing river moods.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 1–4 hrs
Gylterudsgrottan
Gylterudsgrottan is a small but atmospheric karst cave and collapsed rock chamber set in the pine-and-birch woods near Mangskog in Värmland, Sweden. The site features a rocky entrance that leads into vaulted rooms and short passages carved along fracture lines; even on warm days a cool, damp hush welcomes you. Its blend of geological detail, local legends and sheltered microclimate makes it an intriguing stop for walkers, climbers and anyone curious about subterranean landscapes.
Time to spend 0.2–1 hr
Destination Värmullsåsen AB
Perched on the wooded hills of Hagfors in Värmland, Värmullsåsen Ski Resort delivers classic Scandinavian skiing with gentle slopes perfect for families and beginners. Beyond winter thrills, it offers camping, cozy rooms, and a restaurant amid serene forests. Embrace downhill runs, cross-country trails, and seasonal outdoor adventures in this welcoming Nordic retreat.
Price level $Time to spend 1.5–4 hrs
Kittelfältet
Kittelfältet is a captivating nature reserve in Filipstad, Värmland, showcasing dramatic glacial landforms from the Ice Age. Perforated by deep kettle holes around Alsterstjärnarna lakes, it offers serene trails through ancient forests, managed for biodiversity with spots for birdwatching and quiet reflection amid Sweden's wild taiga landscape. Protected since 1984, this 100-hectare site invites hikers to explore its unique post-glacial terrain and rich ecology.
Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Värmlands Säby
Värmlands Säby pairs an 18th‑century stone manor with a richly varied nature reserve on a Vänern peninsula near Kristinehamn. The site combines cultivated parkland, old oak‑dominated pastures, moist meadows and deciduous forest across roughly 192 hectares, with walking trails, a historical manor park, a garden labyrinth and abundant bird and lichen life — open-season access to the park and reserve makes it a calm, scenic spot for nature and heritage enthusiasts.
Time to spend 0.5–4 hrs
Värmlandsnäs
Värmlandsnäs is a broad, gently rolling peninsula that projects into Lake Vänern southeast of Säffle, Sweden, combining open shoreline, patchwork farmland, small villages and pockets of forest. Rich in prehistoric remains and rural heritage, the headland offers quiet bays, long horizons across Sweden’s largest lake and a sense of wide, low-lying landscape shaped by water, farming and centuries of local life.
Time to spend 0.5–4 hrs
Karlstad, Brigadmuseet
Brigadmuseum in Karlstad is an interactive military history museum focused on Sweden during the Cold War (1945–1991). Spread across indoor galleries and an outdoor vehicle yard, it mixes military hardware, reconstructed civilian interiors and hands‑on exhibits designed for families, school groups and history buffs alike. The museum blends technical displays with social history and encourages tactile exploration across its 1,200 m² exhibition space.
Price level $Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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