Perched on the shores of Lake Vänern, Kristinehamn is a small but charming town in Sweden’s Värmland County. The area has been inhabited since at least the Stone Age and was previously known as Broo in reference to its bridge spanning the River Varnan. In the 17th century, the town changed its name in honour of Queen Christina of Sweden.
Things to do in Kristinehamn
In the heart of town is the Kristinehamns Historiska, which occupies a beautifully restored old stable. It houses a permanent exhibition on Kristinehamn’s development on its upper floor, where you can learn about the role of iron in the town’s growth. Browse the archival photos on display and check to see what temporary exhibitions are being showcased before picking up local food products at the museum store.
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the Kristinehamns Konstmuseum, which occupies a former boiler house overlooking Lake Vänern. It houses an impressive collection of works by artists associated with the region, many of which were donated by contemporary Swedish painter Bengt Olson and graphic artist Stig Olson. Previously, the Kristinehamns Konstmuseum has hosted temporary exhibitions focusing on Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
Pablo Picasso’s associations with Kristinehamn extend to a 15-metre-high sculpture that stands on the shores of Lake Vänern. While it was envisioned by the Spanish painter as a portrait of his wife, it was built by the Norwegian artist Carl Nejsar in 1965. Enjoy the sweeping views on offer across Lake Vänern before dining at Picassos Veranda Café och Bistro.
Getting around Kristinehamn
Kristinehamn is around an hour’s drive from Örebro and Örebro Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. The much larger Stockholm Arlanda Airport is three hours away. Regular trains connect to the Kristinehamn railway station and buses travel throughout the town.