Day 1: Local Flavors in Karlstad, Archipelago Feel on Hammarö, and a Bubbly Evening by Lake Fryken

Sun in your eyes? Thought so. In Karlstad, it “always” shines, according to legend. Starting your visit in Karlstad with the Sun Statue outside the classic Stadshotellet is therefore an obvious start. Complement your Walk of Fame in the center by swinging your feet at the cozy dance floor at Sandgrundsudden. Take a twirl and make Sven-Erik Magnusson proud. Sven-Ingvars’ longtime frontman is indeed commemorated with a statue on the same historic dance ground. Sandgrund is also culture in many forms. Don’t miss Lars Lerin’s works in his popular art hall at Sandgrund and check out creative exhibitions at Värmland’s Museum. The smell of roasted coffee from Löfbergs coffee roastery lingers in the air, follow the scent and walk to Löfbergs. Here, both production and a café with that little extra are available. In the trendy Inner Harbor, you can switch the bean for the beer at the microbrewery Good Guys Brew. Looking for something more child-friendly? Do not despair. Mariebergsskogen is Karlstad’s answer to Skansen. Admission is free and the experiences are a jackpot for the family. There are many playgrounds and the zoo is teeming with Swedish animals that thrive and flourish. As the afternoon sun sets, head to the neighboring municipality of Hammarö where Lillängshamnens fish smokehouse tempts with a fish and seafood dinner and Lake Vänern views. End the day at the southern part of Lake Fryken at Villa Fryksta, the tasteful pension with a lakeside plot. Bubble along with the feel-good vibes in the spa before you close the day’s adventures.

Day 2: Experience the Historically Exciting Borgvik and Cozy Up at Dömle Herrgård

After a fortifying breakfast, you continue towards new artistic adventures on a short trip west to historic Borgvik. Here, Sliperiet Art Hall & Gastronomy awaits with food and art of (Värmland) world-class. The lunch menu is as tastefully accurate as the art adorning the walls of the classic brick building. And Borgvik, with Lake Vänern as a neighbor, ensures more experiences. Walk along the water, rent a kayak, and explore Europe’s third largest lake from the water. After showing your strength, you ideally round off the Borgvik visit with a lovely coffee break at the enchanting Kungskvarnen where home-baked, locally produced, and home-cooked are three obvious ingredients. More enjoyment awaits at the next stop. Beautiful Dömle Herrgård, reachable half an hour from Karlstad, has everything needed for a perfect last evening in Värmland (for now); exquisite local food that varies by season, relaxing spa treatments, and cozy surroundings.

Day 3: Industrial Art and Organic Coffee in Deje

After a manor breakfast that makes your gourmet heart thump, it’s time to conclude. With a sunshine story, of course. Old Power Station was long an old, albeit very beautiful, decommissioned power plant. But now it’s buzzing with life again. Here, for a few years, there has been an art exhibition with high ambitions and a café (Culinarum Café) that, with organic ingredients as a base, entices with top-notch pastries. All in an industrial setting with views over the Klarälven River. A worthy conclusion that crowns your sunny journey. For with the experiences you pack in your suitcase, you can do nothing but one thing. Smile like Sola.