Welcome to Kristinehamn

City

About

Welcome to Kristinehamn!

Kristinehamn’s strategic and attractive location on the shore of Lake Vänern makes it interesting for many visitors; along with the fact it is situated in Värmland - makes it even more exciting. When Picasso chose Kristinehamn as the place for his unique sculpture, he picked a place where culture is firmly rooted. Kristinehamn’s Art Museum has held exhibitions by Picasso, Miro and Alvar Aalto - to name a few famous artists. The museum also offers an old-fashioned country shop that certainly brings many fond memories alive. It’s full speed ahead for a few days in August when Kristinehamn is transformed into Little Monaco when go-cart competitions are held in the town center. Why not take a trip on the world’s only floating city arms, the Christine af Bro? The vessel, which is of interest both culturally and historically, is based in the guest harbor. The best way to experience our lively archipelago is by island-hopping with the M/S Hulda. Choose between wonderful sandy beaches and rocky cliffs: the choice is yours! Mats Öhman Tourist Chief

City

We, the people living in Kristinehamn, feel we are the luckiest in the world - with the inland sea Vänern, the beautiful archipelago and splendid bathing in the area, is an everyday occurrence for us. Kristinehamn started with a bridge and harbor. Due to its location, the area continued to grow and by 1642, Kristinehamn became a city. Due to the towns position as a center for the Bergstagens Iron and Tree Export, one of Sweden's first railways were built between Kristinhamn and Sjöändan - the first connection with the inland sea. Here you will find deep forests, agriculture, and a large variety of birds. As you stroll along the city center, you will experience the beautiful cultural environment which is preserved in several places. Kristinehamn is not only close to the water - but close to everything. Located just 25 miles from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo, you can take the train (X2000) and within 40 minutes you can reach two airports in Stockholm. We in Kristenhamn, which is about 24,000 of us, would enjoy sharing our high quality of life - which is what you will find in Kristinehamn.

See and Do

Swimming

Broängs Bathing Area

Kristinehamn’s public bathing area (Broängs-badet) has a 25 m swimming pool with 6 lanes, a children’s pool and a diving tower.
N. Hamngatan
+46 550-881 90
www.kristinehamn.se

Official Bathing Areas

A Dock B Play Areas C Kiosk D Café E Shallow Areas F Wash Rooms G Grill Areas H Naturist Bathing I Volleyball Court J Newly-bored fresh water well 1 Baggerud ABCEFGI 2 Bengtsgård ABF 3 Gottbol ABEFG 4 Gräsviksbadet ABF 5 Hult ABDEF 6 Jutviken EF 7 Revsand BCEFI 8 Sandvikarna ABhG 9 Skymningen BFI

Family Activities

Bicycle Rental

Arvids Bicycle and Moped Service. Bicycle Rental, service and spare parts. Kristinehamns Tourist Bureau can provide you with more Information on Bicycle Tours.
Velamsgatan 9
+46 550-107 01
www.arvidscykel.se

Boat Rental, Väner Marine

Hire a boat and discover the area for yourself. Enjoy fishing, swimming, sunbathing or just floating around on the glittering water.
Gustavsviks Marina, Båtbyggarevägen 1, Kristinehamn
+46 70-569 20 07
www.vanermarin.se

Boat Tours

M/S Bellevue Prawn buffet with musical entertainment and dancing on board. Departure from Vålösundsvägen, the landing dock is located by Café Pärlan.
+46 550-881 87, +46 501-514 70

Boat Tours

The world’s only floating city arms, the 17th century Boeier Christine af Bro, lies in Kristinehamn’s Guest Harbor. The vessel was built according to old Dutch tradition and is classified as being a “traditional vessel”. The Christine af Bro, which can carry 55 passengers, is certainly an experience for everyone interested in boats. Departure: Kristinehamn's Guest Harbor
Hamnväg. 9
+46 550-881 87
www.bojorten.se

Canoeing

Skymningens Camping
Presterudsvägen
+46 550-102 80

City Walks

Take a walk through the city. Starting and finishing at the tourist office, this walk is about 11km long, and passes many interesting places in and around Kristinehamn. A map with a description of places to visit and things to see is available at the tourist office.
+46 550-881 87

Cyckling - Kristinehamns Cycle Park

Bring your bicycle and try the Cycle Park! There are ramps for everyone, young and old alike. Helmets must be worn by all bike riders in the park.
Björkvallen
info@kristinehamnsbikepark.se

Horses - Icelandic Horses at Karaby

If you like Icelandic horses and riding, then Karaby Gård is the place for you! At the moment we have 5 very gentle and friendly horses to ride through many fantastic forest trails in the area and around the farm.
Karaby Gård
070- 268 60 34
www.islandshastarna.se

Horses - Kyrkmyrens Tour Riding

Enjoy an unforgettable ride through charming rural environments and beautiful forests. Experience the Swedish countryside from the back of a wonderful, trustworthy Swedish working horse (“Nordsvenska”). We also offer horse-drawn carriage rides, as well as massage, jacuzzi and sauna facilities.
Visnum Kyrkmuren
+46 70-535 18 39

Horses - Vassgårda Hayrides

Horse-drawn carriage rides for children, weddings and sleigh rides. Sturdy Swedish working horses (“Nordsvenska”).
Revirgården
+46 550- 560 43, 46 70- 254 39 82

Horses - Ölme Icelandic Horses

Riding for everyone, regardless of age and experience. Day trips and package tours arranged by request. Light refreshments are included on all trips.
Ölme Berg
+46 54-84 30 60, +46 70-644 64 74
www.olmeislandshastar.se

Horses - Ölme Shetland Pony Riding School

Riding trip's on good-natured, well disciplined ponies either on tracks or in the beautiful countryside of Värmland. We offer individual riding lessons, trips and riding camps from two hours up to a week. Private lessons and children’s parties also arranged. N.B. The ponies carry a max. weight of 40 kg.
Ölme Mossen 2
+46 550- 807 01
www.olmeshettis.com

Kayaking

MH Leisure and Technique There are 10 kayaks for hire at IFK Kristinehamn’s clubhouse, south of Skymningen’s campsite on Presterudsvägen. Virtually all kinds of water activities, with varying degrees of difficulty, and various outdoor activities are accessible within 100 km of Kristinehamn. In spite of it being a lake, paddling on Vänern is very much like being out on the open sea.
+46 550-133 09, +46 70-202 66 52
www.mhfritek.se

Kristinehamns Bowling

Kristinehamns Bowling offers 16 lanes, restaurant, sports lounge, café, a fully licensed bar and conference hall.
Kungsgatan 47
+46 550-343 42

Music and Entertainment M/f Vålön

Tours with M/F Vålön and M/S Hulda to Kristinehamns largest island - Vålön. Here you can bathe in the sandy shallow beaches or walk to the nature reserves on the islands Kalvön - Sibberön. On Kalvön you will find wonderful cliffs for tanning and bathing. Departure: The departure dock is located near Café Pärtan
+46 550-881 87

Music och Entertainment M/s Hulda Öluffning

Take the M/S Hulda and hop from one island to the other. Choose among several different islands, short or long trips, rock bathing or sandy beaches, taking walks in the woods or simply relaxing at the water’s edge. There’s no need to book, as tickets are sold on the boat. Passes can be purchased at Kristinehamns Tourist Bureau. Departure: Vålösundsvägen. Launching Dock is near Café Pärtan.
+46 550-881 87, +46 70-331 23 09

Playgrounds

There are about 30 playgrounds for children in the municipality. There is also a boat for children to play on, close to Lake Vänern: it is on land, near a shop called “Skärgårdsbutiken”. There is a traditional playground close to the railway station. If your longing to read a good book, Kristinehamns library is nearby.

Rail Pedal Trolleys - Otterbäcksbanan Konsterud

Here’s your chance to try cycling on a rail-trolley along the Otterbäcksbanan track. Starting from the station in Konsterud, it runs north towards Degerfors and south towards Gullspång. A rail trolley trip take a few hours to travel between Konsterud and Mosstorp. You will find a rest area, or you may even include an overnight stay in one of the cabins along the route. Enjoy the total silence and the abundance of animal life as you swish along the track. Min. length of hire: 1 hour. Note: Infants in car seats and dogs are not allowed for safety reasons. Children who wish to sit in the passenger seat must be at least 7 years old.
+46 73-800 11 79, +46 550-881 87

Skagern Runt - Bicycle Track

The cycle track around Lake Skagern takes you through more than 100 km of varied countryside, an area with a rich cultural heritage, passing through 3 counties: Värmland, Närke and Västra Götaland. Consider staying the night to fully enjoy the area. There are many places to stay on the island.
+46 551-603 24, +46 70-659 86 89
www.skagernrunt.se

Skagern Runt - Riding and Hiking Trails

Riding on the back of a pony or hiking through forest paths and narrow village roads - is great for the soul! Enjoy the countryside of central Sweden at its best: around Lake Skagern there is everything from dense, silent forests to developed and cultivated areas with red wooden cottages. Why not go for a swim? Skagern has lots of places where you can take a dip, and horses are even allowed to swim in some of them! Private accommodation is available along the trail, ensuring a personal touch. We can arrange for your luggage to be transported, or pick you up if you prefer to ride only a part of the way.
Sjön Skagern
+46 551-603 24, +46 70-659 86 89
www.skagernrunt.se

Stadsbondgården - Farm Park

There are horses, sheep, hens, goats, rabbits and cats. View the animals and take in the beautiful scenery! The children will enjoy jumping off the tower into the hay. There is a barbecue area. If we are around, which we usually are between 7-16 on weekdays, ice-cream is on sale. On the farm we carry out occupationally oriented rehabilitation on behalf of the local municipality. We look after the farm and the farm animals.
Östervik Rehab, Östervik
+46 550-167 12

Värmlands Go-Cart Center

Hire a go-cart and challenge your family, friends, or colleagues to a real race. There are special go-carts especially for children and can be controlled manually. We have the largest racing track in Värmland. Närke and Dalstand are 815 meters long. Book in advance, or drop-in, although we suggested you call first to ensure availability
Motorstadion E18
+46 550-177 00
www.varmlandsgokart.se

Fishing

Baggeruds Camping & Fishing

Lake Vänern’s best salmon and trout fishing - a trolling paradise for everyone. It has exactly the right conditions for exciting fishing tours - hopefully giving excellent catches! Once the boat has been launched from a ramp among the rocks, it only takes a few minutes to reach fine fishing waters. The campsite has both rooms and cabins for overnight stays. Open all year round!
Baggerudsvägen
+46 551-400 29
www.baggerud.se

Elges Sport Fishing

+46 550-172 11

Fresh Water Fishing

There is no better place in Europe where you can find such a wide variety of our popular fresh water fish like you can in Lake Vänern and the surrounding lakes. In particular, troll fishing for salmon and trout has seen a tremendous breakthrough in the past few years, not only in Sweden, but internationally as well. Besides Lake Vänern, there are many smaller fishing lakes in the area. You can catch everything from Salmon, Brown Trout, Pike and Perch. Kristinehamn's Tourist Bureau can provide you with license and area information.

Hökens Trolling Charter

Welcome aboard for a splendid fishing trip on Lake Vänern: Choose the fishing trip that suits you best! We at “Trolling Charter” can organize a package especially planned for you and your party. Overnight accommodation is available either on board or in a cabin that sleeps 2-8 people. Suitable for the disabled.
+46 550-819 26, +46 70-661 11 38
info@trollingcharter.se

PS Trolling Charter

Join us on a trolling expedition on wonderful Lake Vänern! Departing from Kristinehamn, we have the entire lake to fish. We troll for salmon, trout, pike and perch. Our spring and autumn fishing trips for salmon and trout are very popular. A day’s catch of 3-6 fish, weighing between 2.5 and 7 kg, is not unusual. We can offer complete packages with fishing trips and accommodation.
+46 550-177 38 Boat +46 70-571 10 29
www.salmonseeker.se

Guest Harbour

Kristinehamn's Guest Harbor

The Guest Harbor has a blue flag classification. Play miniature golf and kubb, try your climbing skills, enjoy an ice cream or Thai food, or even visit the Boeier, Christina af Bro.
Hamnväg 9
+46 550-130 80

Nature

ARCHIPELAGO

The archipelago in Lake Vänern, which is really an inland sea, always has something for all the family. It has Europe’s best fishing grounds for salmon and trout, wonderful boating life and unexpected “cultural treasures”, as well as making a beautiful setting for events, etc. Kristinehamn offers many ways of accessing Vänern, and you can experience the lake’s esplanade by foot, cycle, car, bus or even inlines. Paddle around the shoreline in a canoe or kayak. Sit just a few meters from the shore of the lake at one of the cafés or restaurants and enjoy the sun. Below, is information pertaining to which is islands are included in the tours. Väner Islands Vålön Take the ferry (M/F Vålön or M/S Hulda) to Kristinehamn’s largest island. Arrive at “Sandvikarna”, which has one of the most finest sandy beaches in the archipelago. A very popular place for families and children. It has a play area, washing room, changing rooms, information boards, woodlands and grilling areas. Follow the path for 3 km and you will arrive at the narrow footbridges leading across to the islands of Kalvön and Sibberön. Kalvön Take the ferry (M/S Hulda) or walk across from Vålön. Kalvön has a bathing area with a rocky beach, washing rooms, resting/barbecue area with a large shelter and information board for visitors. Sibberön Walk over to the nature reserve from Kalvön. Bathe from the rocks or enjoy the sandy beaches, woodlands and open fields - where you can pitch your tent and make a fire. There is a free, partially furnished cabin on the island that can be used on a first come, first serve basis. Alvön The M/S Hulda takes you to Lake Vänern’s beautiful rocky beaches. Alvön has grill areas, shelters, rest areas, washing rooms and information bulletin boards. Långön Take the ferry (M/S Hulda), find your own rock and take a dip on Långön’s own “Little Riviera”. Shelter from the wind can always be found, whatever its' direction! There are lots of open spaces where you can pitch your tent overnight. Långön has Washing Rooms, shelter, resting area, information boards and barbecue areas.

Parks

Park Walks

Thousands of beautiful flowers bloom in public flower beds and boxes in the spring and summer. Järnvägsparken, Brogårdsparken och Vågparken are examples of parks where the residents of Kristinehamn and tourists alike can enjoy the floral splendor. In the beginning of summer, you can read more about the yearly summer flowers on our website.
www.kristinehamn.se

Worth Seeing

Carl Nesjar's All-year Round Fountain

Carl Nesjar, whom is one of Norway’s most famous artists, was commissioned by Pablo Picasso to build his monumental concrete sculpture in Kristinehamn’s archipelago in 1965. Nesjar is a versatile artist and perhaps most famous internationally for the 15 year period when he was responsible for erecting a number of Picasso's works of art throughout the world - and for his own all-year round fountains made of steel and aluminum. This particular Carl Nesjar fountain runs all year round, so its appearance varies according to the seasons. Kristinehamn’s municipality had the pleasure of inaugurating this 4 meter high, stainless steel monumental creation in the summer of 2006. The fountain is situated in the park close to the old harbor in central Kristinehamn, (beside Ölme Diversehandel and Café).
Svinvallen
+46 550-152 50

Kristinehamns Art Museum

The art museum is located in Marieberg, an area of natural beauty on the coast of Lake Vänern. A varied selection of art is shown, which includes international, Swedish and local work. There is place for both the conservative and for the more profound. The museum also has a café, conference facilities and a creative workshop for children.
Dr Enwalls väg 13 B
+46 550-882 00
www.kristinehamnskonstmuseum.com

The Picasso Sculpture

”OUI”. Yes. With these three letters on a piece of paper, Pablo Picasso confirmed that he had chosen Kristinehamn as the place for his monumental scuplture, 15 meters high. The pillar - 1.65m in diameter - has two “wings”, one of which weighs about 8 tons and has a span of 6x4 m. The sculpture is made of “natural concrete”, which meant that liquid white cement was injected into a mold filled with stones. The artistic decorations were then sandblasted onto the surface: this is so hard that it should last for 2,000 years! The sculpture was constructed by the Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar, whose progress was followed continuously by its creator via films and photographs. The Picasso sculpture in Kristinehamn is the largest existing work of art of this type by Picasso, and has attracted considerable attention both in Sweden and internationally. The Picasso Sculpture is a navigational mark and a greeting for the boats reaching the harbor.
Vålösundsvägen 161

Ölme Heritage Center

The pavilion in Lundholm Park, next to Ölme church, is a summer house from the 18th century. The storehouse has an exhibition of old agricultural tools. Näbben – Soldattorpet Holmenstugan has furnishings and uniforms from the 19th century. Equipment and wagons are on display in the barn.Sunnäs Post and School Museum houses an old post office, classroom and staff room. The classroom displays furniture, books and school materials from the time when the school was in use, i.e. between 1878 and 1950.
+46 550-332 46, +46 70-840 21 92, +46 70-971 15 96

Ölme Variety Shop and Café

Enter the shop and step back 100 years in time! Feel what it must have been like to go shopping at the end of the 19th century. The store now sells goods from Klässbol’s linen mill, rough homespun (“vadmal”) clothing from Micklagård, typical country food from Värmland, local handicrafts, boiled sweets and much more. This is where the “Lusseasken” can be found, the unique piggy bank that has given Kristinehamn its nickname, “Lusasken”. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a freshly baked cake.
Norra Hamngatan
+46 550-15250, +46 70-352 46 42
olme.diversehandel.kafe@telia.com

Other

Shopping

Do you like to shop? Kristinehamn has a pleasant and charming shopping center with small personal shops as well the well-known brand stores. Normal opening hours are: Weekdays 10.00-18.00, Sat. 10.00-15.00. However, the superstores, have longer opening hours. The shops located on the outskirts of town offer an interesting rage of products.