There’s not a lot to see in the city of Karlstad, even though the centre has some attractive buildings. The attraction of the city is Lake Vanern, near whose shores the city developed. There, you can sail, row, windsurf, waterski and swim in the warm waters of Europe’s largest freshwater lake in summer.
The weather there is generally favourable and it’s held to have the most sunshine hours of any of Sweden’s cities. The lake is also great for those who have hired a car as it’s possible to follow roads around it stopping at secluded little beaches.
Karlstad Airport Mini Guide
I’ve Heard That Karlstad is a Good Place to Visit?
Yes, it’s a very pretty city, on the shore of Lake Vanern, Europe’s biggest fresh water lake. The city is actually built on an island in the river that feed into the lake. It has an attractive centre and plenty of things to do based on the lake and river. A museum in the city tells of its development over the centuries.
Can I fly There?
You can. There are international scheduled routes from Spain and Denmark together with domestic flights. Seasonal flights operate to a number of international holiday destinations too. If you’re flying from the UK you’ll have to fly to Stockholm or Copenhagen and catch a connecting flight. The airport is under ten minutes from the city and easily accessible.
Arriving at the Airport
The airport is quite small but once you’ve collected your luggage and go through security you’ll enter the arrivals hall. If your luggage goes astray or you have any other queries, ask at the information desk. In the arrivals hall you can collect your hire car if you’ve pre-booked. This is recommended as the choice of vehicle is otherwise likely to be very limited. The road out of the airport leads directly onto the city road and is well sign-posted.
If you’re going to use public transport or taxis then both are available directly outside the airport building. Taxis will cost you around 250 SEK for the journey to the city centre alternatively you can pre-book a place on the shuttle bus which will make drop offs on the way to the city at a much better price. There are no trains or general buses there.
Coming Home
Don’t arrive at the airport too early for your morning flight as it doesn’t stay open overnight. Once you’ve checked in there’s only a simple restaurant/bar but which does provide good, heart warming meals. Shopping is limited to a small kiosk and a duty free store with a small range of alcohol, tobacco and gifts. If you have your laptop and a mobile phone with you, you’ll be able to access the airport’s free wireless network to keep in touch or check emails etc.
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