At the shore of Lake Vänern lies Picassoudden, surrounded by the beautiful archipelago environment. Follow the beach promenade along Vålösundet about 7 km south from the center of Kristinehamn, either by taking a lovely walk, bike ride, or by car. If you arrive by boat from the lakeside, you’ll be welcomed by Jacqueline, one of the world’s tallest Picasso sculptures, at the inlet from Lake Vänern. Experience the unique freshwater archipelago with its beautiful natural environments and views over the inner sea of Lake Vänern. From here, you can take a boat trip out to the islands, discover new hiking trails, and enjoy an ice cream in the sun at one of the cafes.

Here are some tips on what you can see and do at Picassoudden:

• The Picasso sculpture with exhibition signs
• Boat trips with Boatbus 96 and Boatbus 97 in summer
• Coffee break or time for food at Picassos Veranda, and Restaurang Trossen. In summer also at Nock, Skymningen Mat & Café and Café Pärlan.
• Hike Jacqueline’s nature trail (don’t miss the incredible view of Lake Vänern at Södra udden)
• Quest Pirate Adventure from 4 years old
• Nice picnic spot with Lake Vänern view at Fyrparken

Learn more about what you can see and do at Picassoudden and in the archipelago:

The Picasso Sculpture with Exhibition Signs

How did one of the world’s largest Picasso sculptures end up in Kristinehamn? It’s a nice story involving three artists, great dedication, and a bit of luck. At Picassoudden, there is an exhibition with signs where you can learn more about the history behind the sculpture and see pictures from its construction. Read more about the Picasso sculpture and the story of how Pablo Picasso had it built in Kristinehamn here:

Text by Tommy Ternemar, former councilor in Kristinehamn:

“In the archipelago of Kristinehamn stands one of Pablo Picasso’s first monumental sculptures, Kvinnohuvud (Tête de femme). The fact that this 15-meter-high sculpture ended up here is somewhat of a coincidence and owes much to the Kristinehamn artist Bengt Olson. In the autumn of 1963, Olson met the Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar on a dusty country road outside Paris. Nesjar, who had been working with the great Pablo Picasso for some years, revealed that Picasso had never been able to create monumental works because he was too expensive for any city or country to afford. Therefore, Nesjar explained, Picasso had decided to give away this opportunity. Nesjar pointed to a model and explained that it would cost 150,000 SEK to make it 15 meters high and that New York might be interested. Olson asked if he could take the model to Sweden and try to sell it there. He was given permission, but it had to be done quickly as New York might want it. Olson went back to Kristinehamn and called the then chairman of the city council, Göte Berg, who understood that this was an outstanding offer. The city council was convened the very next day (two days before Christmas Eve), and everyone attended. Olson took the floor, showed the model, and concluded by saying, “If Picasso chooses Kristinehamn over New York, who among you dares to say no to the future?” Göte Berg quickly grabbed the gavel and said, “Yes, if that’s the case, we certainly shouldn’t say no to it!” “No,” said the rest around the table, and Göte Berg banged the gavel on the table.”

After the City Council decided that the Picasso sculpture could be erected in Kristinehamn, many photos of Kristinehamn were taken and sent to Pablo Picasso. Before long, Kristinehamn received a letter from France with one of the photos showing a sculpture mounted and the text: “Oui Picasso, 7.7 64″. So Carl Nesjar began to build, entirely according to Picasso’s intentions. It was no easy task to build. It was to be 15 meters high, and one wing, which we call the ear, weighs 8 tons. On Midsummer’s Eve 1965, it was time for the inauguration. Picasso asked Carl Nesjar how long the sculpture would last. -1000 years, Carl said. Picasso was very pleased with the answer.”

The Picasso Sculpture is Worth Seeing All Year Round