Things to do i Karlstad – discover the city’s top attractions
Planning a weekend break in Karlstad? Discover the city known as “Solstaden” – the Sun City – beautifully set by the Klarälven river and Lake Vänern. Here you can visit museums, browse the shops, enjoy good food, take a boat trip, go for a swim and spend time in nature. Find tips on sights and activities for family holidays, getaways for two and solo trips.
Shopping
Explore the city on foot
Karlstad is an easy city to explore on foot. Follow the Klarälven river through the centre and continue towards the charming district of (https://karlstad.se/kommun-och-politik/sa-arbetar-vi-med/kulturmiljo/omradesbeskrivningar/haga). Along the way, cross Östra bron, also known as Gamla stenbron, one of Karlstad’s best-known landmarks. For shopping in Karlstad, head to Drottninggatan and the surrounding streets, where independent shops and familiar high-street names sit alongside cafés and restaurants. In Haga, you’ll find smaller shops and cosy cafés.
Discover Karlstad by boat bus
You can also explore Karlstad from the water by hopping aboard one of the city’s [boat buses](båtbusser. They run along the Klarälven river and across Lake Vänern, giving you a different perspective on the city as you travel. Hop off along the way to explore different parts of Karlstad, or simply stay on board and enjoy the journey.
Nature in the city centre
Mariebergsskogen
Mariebergsskogen is Karlstad’s city park and a popular day out for families and visitors of all ages. You can wander through the woods and along the lakeside meadows, visit the park’s nature centre, Naturum, meet the animals at Lillskogen or simply relax by Mariebergsviken. Admission is free, and there is a bathing area, playgrounds and plenty of space for a picnic. Mariebergsskogen is a great option if you are looking for family-friendly things to do in Karlstad.
Museums in Karlstad
Discover art, culture and history at Karlstad’s museums, ideal for a rainy day or when you fancy a few hours indoors between outdoor activities.
Day trips
Visit Alsters herrgård
Just outside Karlstad, Alsters herrgård is a historic manor house best known as the birthplace of Swedish poet and writer Gustaf Fröding. Here, you can learn more about Fröding’s life and work, stroll through the beautiful grounds and stop for coffee and something sweet in the garden. It makes a lovely day out for anyone interested in culture, history and nature.
Food & drink
Restaurants in Karlstad
No weekend in Karlstad is complete without good food. Discover everything from restaurants for lunch and dinner to cosy bars and outdoor terraces for an evening out.
Insider tips!
Want to discover a few local favourites in Karlstad? Start with a coffee at Löfbergs Rosteri & Kaffebar in Inre hamn, where you can stop for coffee and something sweet, pick up freshly roasted coffee to take home or book a coffee tasting. In the evening, head to Nöjesfabriken for bowling, darts, tapas, nightlife, bars and live music – a great option if you want to combine dinner with a few activities.
Explore the nature around Karlstad
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, there is plenty to discover around Karlstad. Visit one of the nature reserves near the city, such as Bergviks udde, where you can walk through old pine forest and along the shores of Lake Vänern. On warm summer days, continue to Bomstadbaden and its 400-metre-long, gently shelving sandy beach, ideal for a swim, a picnic or simply relaxing by the water.
Outdoor activities
Outdoor activities at Skutberget
Skutberget is a popular outdoor recreation area on the shores of Lake Vänern, with plenty to do on both active and more leisurely days. Follow the walking and fitness trails, play disc golf or mini golf, or go for a swim from the beach or rocks. Bring something to cook at one of the barbecue areas, or find a spot on the rocks overlooking Lake Vänern. It takes around 30 minutes to get here by bus or bike.
Accommodation
