Varmland County

Värmland County is a paradise of forests, rivers and Sweden’s largest lake, Vänern. With charming towns like Karlstad and folklore-rich landscapes, it beckons adventurers to paddle, hike and cycle through tranquil wilderness.

Reasons to Visit

• Paddle down the Klarälven River on a raft or canoe and camp along its banks
• Visit Karlstad’s old town and enjoy lakefront cafes and museums
• Explore Glaskogen Nature Reserve for hiking, berry picking and wildlife
• Bike the 90‑kilometre Klarälvsbanan rail trail through forests and villages
• Learn about Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlöf at her estate Mårbacka

Things to Avoid

• Disturbing wildlife or leaving litter in forests
• Underestimating river currents; always wear life jackets
• Ignoring mosquito protection during summer

Local Transportation Tips

Karlstad is connected by train and bus to Stockholm and Gothenburg. To explore Värmland’s rivers and forests, rent a car, bike or canoe. Guided tours run for rafting and wilderness camping.

Travel Etiquette

• Follow allemansrätt rules: respect nature, leave no trace and give animals space
• Greet locals with a friendly “Hej” and respect farm property
• Wear life jackets during water activities
• Support small village cafés by purchasing fika instead of bringing outside food

Did You Know?

• Vänern, partly in Värmland, is the largest lake in Sweden and the third-largest in Europe
• The Klarälven River is one of Sweden’s longest rivers, flowing 460 kilometres from Norway
• Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, wrote many works inspired by Värmland’s legends

Cool Stats

• Värmland has over 10,000 lakes and 16,000 kilometres of rivers and streams
• Glaskogen Nature Reserve covers 28,000 hectares of wilderness
• The Klarälvsbanan rail trail stretches 90 kilometres along a disused railway

Recommended Age Group

Värmland County is most suitable for Teens, Adults and Seniors with a love of outdoor adventure and natural landscapes.

• Babies (0-2 years) – Not recommended: remote camping and long hikes are not suitable
• Kids (3-12 years) – Not recommended: distances and water activities can be tiring for young children
• Teens (13-19 years) – Recommended: rafting, biking and wilderness camping are exciting for teens
• Adults (20-64 years) – Highly recommended: mix of adventure and relaxation appeals to adults
• Seniors (65+ years) – Recommended: gentle hikes, lake cruises and cultural sites offer variety

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Rural trails and campsites have uneven terrain; some visitor centres offer accessible routes
• Public transport within the county is limited; accessible taxis must be booked in advance
• Lake cruises provide wheelchair access on certain boats
• Check with tour operators about accommodations for mobility and dietary needs