About Karlstad

Welcome to Karlstad – the City of Sunshine!

Karlstad is a charming and welcoming city in the heart of Sweden, beautifully situated where the Klarälven River meets Lake Vänern, the largest lake in the European Union. As the capital of the Värmland region, Karlstad combines the attractions of a vibrant university city with the tranquillity of Swedish nature.

Known as the City of Sunshine (Solstaden), Karlstad is famous for its friendly atmosphere, picturesque waterfronts, and rich cultural heritage. The nickname originates from the legendary Eva-Lisa Holtz, an 18th-century innkeeper whose cheerful personality earned her the name Sola i Karlstad (“The Sun of Karlstad”). Today, the sun remains an important symbol of the city and its hospitality.

Visitors can explore Karlstad’s lively city centre, with its shops, cafés, restaurants, and historic buildings, or enjoy a relaxing walk along the riverbanks and through its beautiful parks. The city offers a wide range of cultural experiences, including museums, art galleries, theatres, and music venues.

For those interested in art and culture, the renowned Sandgrund Lars Lerin art gallery displays works by one of Scandinavia’s most celebrated watercolour artists. Nearby, Värmlands Museum presents exhibitions on regional history, art, and contemporary culture. Nature enthusiasts can explore Mariebergsskogen, Karlstad’s beautiful city park, or discover the waterways and islands of Lake Vänern.

Late August is a particularly pleasant time to visit Karlstad. The days are still relatively long, and the city’s outdoor cafés, waterfront restaurants, and green spaces provide excellent opportunities to relax and socialise after a day at the conference.

We look forward to welcoming you to Karlstad for ISD 2027!

Discover Karlstad

For more information about the city and its attractions, please visit the following websites:

  • Visit Karlstad – Official visitor information, attractions, restaurants, and activities.
  • Visit Värmland – Discover the wider Värmland region, including nature, culture, and outdoor experiences.
  • Sandgrund Lars Lerin – Explore the works of one of Scandinavia’s leading watercolour artists.
  • Värmlands Museum – Exhibitions featuring art, history, and cultural heritage.
  • Mariebergsskogen – Karlstad’s beautiful city park, offering nature, walking trails, and outdoor activities.
  • Wermland Opera – Discover opera, musicals, and orchestral performances in Karlstad.

Travel to Karlstad

Karlstad is conveniently located between Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Oslo, making it accessible by train, bus, and car.

By train: Karlstad has direct rail connections with Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Oslo. Typical travel times are approximately 2.5–3 hours, depending on the service. Karlstad Central Station is located in the city centre, within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants.

By air: Karlstad has a regional airport with daily flights to Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup). You could also fly to one of the major international airports Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Oslo Airport Gardermoen, or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport and continue to Karlstad by train or bus, with connections and travel times depending on the arrival airport.

By bus: Long-distance bus services connect Karlstad with several Swedish and Norwegian cities.

For travel planning and further information, please visit: