What to experience in Karlstad
Museums, art halls and galleries
In and around Karlstad, there are many exciting museums, art halls, and galleries to explore. Visit the military history museum, Brigadmuseum with its main exhibition on the Cold War and the Swedish welfare state, which also offers interactive experiences. On the other side of the Klarälven River lies Värmlands museum, where contemporary art meets classic Värmland art in a fascinating mix of expressions. Just a stone’s throw from Värmlands Museum, you’ll find Sandgrund Lars Lerin– the old dance palace transformed into an art hall showcasing impressive artworks. If you want to venture beyond Karlstad’s city center, the unique art hall Gamla Kraftstationen i Deje in Deje offers art in an unusual setting, along with Culinarum Café, featured in the White Guide.
For art enthusiasts, there are also several charming galleries to visit in and around Karlstad. Be sure to stop by Galleri Mats Bergman, where various techniques come together in a wide range of artistic expressions. At Galleri Ekdahl and Galleri Konst i Karlstad, different exhibitions follow one another throughout the year.
Experiences on Stage
Music from concerts, musicals, and other events can be heard year-round in Karlstad. Check out the wide range of performances at Wermland Opera or Värmlandsteatern. At Karlstad CCC , you’ll find a variety of shows—from stage productions to classical concerts. Scalateatern offers a mix of performances, lectures, and intimate concert experiences, while Löfbergs Arena provides high-energy entertainment.
Outdoor Art, Design, and Architecture
Throughout Karlstad, there is a wide variety of public art and architecture to discover. Be sure to explore the city’s murals from the Artscape project. In addition to murals, you’ll find statues and Sweden’s longest stone bridge, a true Karlstad landmark. Along the Solapromenaden, which runs alongside the Klarälven River as it winds through the city, you’ll encounter statues of Värmland icons such as Selma Lagerlöf, Gustaf Fröding, Nils Ferlin, Sola i Karlstad, and Sven-Erik Magnusson, as well as creative contemporary works like Musselsång and Ensamräv by artist Emma Kronvall. With the Värmlands museums app, you can take a guided tour of the statues using the Sculpture Guide in Museiparken.
Karlstad is also home to several architectural landmarks. Värmlands Museum on Sandgrundsudden consists of two buildings with very different expressions: Cyrillushuset inspired by Eastern architectural traditions and 1920s classicism, and Nyrénhuset, completed in 1998, which balances on the line between modern architecture and classical style.
Shopping Experiences
In Karlstad’s vibrant city center, you’ll find everything from popular chain stores to unique local shops. Notable local stores include Syster C and the stylish Odds & Ends , both beautifully located near Frödingsparken. A few hundred meters away lies Thimar form, specializing in carefully selected home décor and high-quality design. In the city center, Debut offers trendy and exclusive fashion, and Stilvalvet has stylish pieces for every occasion.
Just outside the city center, Bergvik Köpcenter brings everything under one roof, from clothing, beauty, and jewelry to electronics, home décor, and leisure products.
Culinary Experiences and Cozy Cafés
Nice Lunches for a Delicious Break
Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Locker Roomat Löfbergs Arena, offering a menu inspired by various food cultures. For East Asian cuisine, visit Yomoin central Karlstad, featuring a large lunch buffet every day of the week.
If you crave high-quality seafood, Lillängshamnens Fiskrökeri in Hammarö, Karlstad’s neighboring municipality, offers smoked fish and other delicacies for takeaway. Staying in Karlstad? Enjoy traditional Swedish dishes at Bibliotekskaféet in the city center. Across the street is Zest, focusing on vegetarian cuisine and organic ingredients.
If you’re unsure what to choose, Olssons Bazar offers a large lunch buffet, an à la carte menu, a bakery, and a full bar.
Cozy Cafés for a Relaxing Coffee Break or “Fika”
Craving a cup of coffee after strolling through Karlstad and enjoying the aroma of freshly roasted beans? Visit Löfbergs Rosteri och Kaffebar, located on the ground floor of their own coffee factory, to enjoy freshly roasted coffee along with breakfast, fika, or a light lunch. Artisan Bread and Swenströmskas Stenugnsbageri serve genuine pastries, bread, and coffee in cozy settings.
Stop by Carli Café for house-made chocolates or Italian gelato crafted on-site. For a nature-adjacent fika, the café at Naturum Värmland i Mariebergsskogen in Mariebergsskogen offers a perfect combination of coffee and a walk in Karlstad’s city park or along the city’s waterways.
Culinary Experiences for the Evening
Karlstad’s restaurants offer a variety of memorable dining experiences. Enjoy exclusive and tasty tapas at Baróns , a grand restaurant housed in a former bank, or savor smoky flavors at Julins Backyard Barbecue serving authentic Texas BBQ. If you prefer fresh sushi with innovative combinations, Sooshi is the place to be.
For fusion cuisine, Teburu delivers exciting Asian fusion flavors, while Skogshyddans Funky Taco serves creative taco fusion that challenges traditional Friday tacos. Pizza and Italian cuisine enthusiasts should visit Napoli, Karlstad’s first pizzeria.
For an exceptional culinary experience Borgviks Gård, just a 30-minute drive from Karlstad, offers modern, carefully prepared dishes in a beautiful setting.
Comfortable City Stays or Rural Manor Houses
City-Close Accommodations
For those who prefer to stay near the city, Karlstad offers several excellent options. The classic Elite Stadshotellet Karlstad is located in the city center with views of the Klarälven River and a spa to enjoy during your stay. If you plan to see a performance at Karlstad CCC, consider staying at the nearby First Hotel River C, also offering river views.
Home Hotel Drott is ideal for those who want a central location and the city’s vibe, while Scandic Klarälven is perfect for staying near water at the city’s edge. For a unique experience, Home Hotel Bilan allows guests to stay in renovated prison cells with high ceilings and exposed beams in a former county jail. New exciting hotels from 2024 include the boutique Hotel Fratelli, featuring several restaurants and a spa, and Aiden By Best Western Karlstad Arena, located next to Löfbergs Arena, Färjestad’s racetrack, and the Klarälven River.
Rural Accommodations
If a rural setting appeals more, Dömle Herrgård Spa och Resort offers the perfect combination of culinary experiences, beautiful buildings, and convenient access to Karlstad. For a charming bed and breakfast, Villa Fryksta, beautifully situated on the shores of Lower Fryken, is a wonderful option.
Karlstad offers a wide range of restaurants, accommodations, and experiences so you can tailor your stay exactly as you wish.
Welcome to Karlstad!
