We made a field trip to Karlstad in Varmland to learn more about what I refer to as the "Swedish…read moreDiaspora". In the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, nearly 1.3 million Swedes emigrated to America with the hopes of making their fortunes. The Värmlands Museum has an exhibit detailing the history of Värmland from the stone age to the modern era, including the period during which hundreds of thousands of Värmland residents left the forests and iron foundries and jumped on Trans Atlantic ships for the United States. For anyone with ancestral ties to this part of Sweden, this exhibit is an excellent way to learn more about the origins of your "people". The museum has multiple exhibits. We saw one on the photography of National Geographic, and another photography exhibit on Nelson Mandela's election. There is also another wing that has art by local? Swedish artists. Other than being art by Swedes, the gallery lacked focus and was too broad in scope. I think they need a new curator to put together a cohesive art exhibit...

It's a quite huge area for small and 'big' children. It's located by the sea, with a beautiful view…read moreon Klarälven delta. It offers quite interesting activities such as ice-skating during the winter (with a possibility to rent skates), swimming, sun bathing on the beach, playing basketball, walking, and playing in the Fun Garden. On the left from the entrance is a small zoo with animals. When you go further, you find Naturum exhibition - small, wooden house where children can learn some information about nature and parents can have some rest in a cafe. It's very crowdy during the warmer weather and have a quite family atmosphere. It's good to know that you can't ride a bike inside the park.

The home of the world famous writer and Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlöf. A beautiful museum in the…read moreheart of Värmland, Sweden. The story of the mansion is in itself fascinating. Added the exiting life and artistry of miss Lagerlöf a visit to Mårbacka is highly recommended. Before leaving a cup of coffee with local pastries under the big trees fulfills a lovely day.

From the owner: Selma Lagerlöfs hem står likadant nu som när hon levde, och är öppet för guidade visningar. Här…read moreberättar vi om hennes författarskap, men även om hennes engagemang i politik, jordbruk och företagande, och för freds- och kvinnosaken. På Mårbacka finns också en fantastisk trädgård, utställningslokaler, aktiviteter, café och butik. Stanna gärna en stund utöver tiden för den guidade visningen!