One of the world's best-loved operas
One of the world's most loved and performed operas, Giacomo Puccini's Tosca will premiere on 22 February 2024 on Wermland Opera's main stage. Tosca is an operatic thriller that oscillates between love, lust, murder and political intrigue. Directed by Daniel Kramer, it becomes a contemporary love triangle between the world-famous Floria Tosca, her dissident lover, the sculptor Mario Cavaradossi, and the unscrupulous and powerful Baron Scarpia. The renowned international production team and beautiful singing ensemble guarantee a unique experience!
Wermland Opera's repertoire consists of high-class musicals, operas and concerts, and their large stage is located in the beautiful theatre building next to the river Klarälven designed by Johan Axel Anderberg and opened in 1893. In the auditorium you are offered an intimate proximity to the stage and actors, wherever you sit. Here you can read more about the opera Tosca and other events at Wermland Opera.
Relaxation with a silver lining
At Elite Stadshotellet in Karlstad you will find Vana Spa, open to everyone, not just hotel guests. Here you can book a day spa and experience the elegant and relaxing environment with pool, Hamam, steam and dry sauna and experience showers. For those who want a little extra, you can book various spa treatments such as facials, massages and spas. If you want to share the experience with someone you love, there is also a duo treatment where you get a wonderful moment together. Then sit down with a glass of bubbly by the pool overlooking the glittering waters of the Klarälven river or enjoy the cosy fireplace where the feelings of peace and quiet easily arise. You can come here just for a spa visit, but you can also book an overnight stay at the hotel. Imagine the luxury of wrapping yourself in a cosy robe and walking through the hotel's corridors directly to Vana spa!
World-class watercolours
At Sandgrund Lars Lerin, the artist and author Lars Lerin's own art gallery, has a collection of watercolours and other paintings. Lars Lerin is constantly topical and has appeared in SVT's programmes Stjärnorna på slottet, Lerin's apprentices and Vänligen Lars Lerin. On 9 January, another series of programmes premiered on SVT: Lerin on Lofoten. It is about painting and Lerin's personal journey towards a drug-free life. Lerin has also written a number of books, the most recent of which are Pojkarna på sommarön and Lofoten. The permanent art gallery at Sandgrundsudden in Karlstad is home to beautiful views, animals, nature and people - some of Lerin's favourite subjects.
Not only do Lerin's own paintings hang on the walls here, there is also space for various guest exhibitions that are regularly changed. From 20 January to 31 August 2024, Dog Art is Lerin's own collection of 'dog art'. It is his private collection, including works by Johan von Holst. At Sandgrund Lars Lerin you will also find a shop with posters, postcards and other products - many of which are only available for sale here. The large, light-filled space also houses a café, and if you're lucky you might be able to meet Junior or Lars Lerin himself.
Well-visited county museum
The beautiful Sandgrundsudden has a lot to offer and in addition to the park environment and the tip of the headland that divides the Klarälven river into two branches, just a stone's throw from Sandgrund is Lars Lerin, Värmlands Museum. The museum consists of two interconnected buildings, the oldest of which is designed by Cyrillus Johansson and was built in 1929 in the eastern style. The light falu red wooden building was added in 1998 and was designed by Carl Nyrén. Inside Värmlands Museum you will find everything from Värmland's cultural history to art and other exciting exhibitions. The permanent exhibition Värmlandsliv shows, based on today's Värmland, people's lives in the landscape over 10,000 years. If you like art, Insight and Outlook is something for you. It features more than 170 works from the museum's collections.
There are also temporary art and photography exhibitions and, from 9 February to 25 August 2024, Strangers to Ourselves by Hashem Shakeri. He is an Iranian photographer who gives us a unique insight into everyday Iranian life, including meeting the women behind the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' campaign. If you need a break to replenish your energy, don't forget to visit the museum's café where you can enjoy homemade treats.
Lots of military history
Brigadmuseum is a military experience museum where the basic exhibition is about the Cold War and the Swedish people's home during the years 1945-1991. There is something to discover for everyone, old and young, and visitors are encouraged to explore the interactive exhibition with all their senses. Try out a military jeep, test the shooting simulator and put on a uniform - there is plenty to discover! The exhibition area is 1200 square metres and there are several military vehicles in the courtyard. Coffee, homemade buns and other goodies are available in the museum's café, and on Thursdays the popular pea soup with pancakes is served for dessert.
Eat well - feel well
In Karlstad you will find lots of good restaurants and cafés that will delight your taste buds. Both in the centre around Stora torget and in the Inner Harbour you will find several good places. Here are some tips:
Restaurants
Sooshi - sushi with extra everything and exciting flavour combinations.
Barón - Spanish tapas with a Swedish interpretation adapted to the seasonality of the ingredients.
Olssons Bazar - well-prepared dishes and Neapolitan pizza combined with carefully selected drinks.
Julins Backyard Barbecue - authentic Texas BBQ with flavours you won't forget.
Cafés
Swenströmskas stenugnsbageri - Right in the centre, this café has a full view of the bakery.
Artisan Bread - the artisanal bakery at Kasernhöjden just outside the city centre.
Löfbergs Rosteri och kaffebar - the coffee factory's own coffee bar located on the ground floor of the factory.
Bazar Bageri & Deli - In the cosy Inner Harbour, this café is connected to Olsson's Bazar.
Carli Café - homemade Italian gelato, chocolate pralines and pastries in a delicious mix.
More tips on restaurants and cafes can be found here. here.
You are welcome to discover Karlstad this autumn!