Värmland facts for kids
Värmland is a special area in the west of central Sweden. It's known as a historical province or landskap. Värmland shares its borders with other Swedish areas like Västergötland, Dalsland, Dalarna, Västmanland, and Närke. To the west, it also borders Norway. The name Värmland might come from an old lake or a river, but no one is completely sure!
Värmland is famous for its beautiful nature and has been home to many talented Swedish writers and music groups called dansbands.
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Discovering Värmland: A Swedish Gem
Värmland is a fascinating part of Sweden with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. It's a place where you can explore forests, lakes, and learn about Swedish culture.
Where is Värmland Located?
Värmland is found in the western part of central Sweden. It's like a bridge between Sweden's heartland and its neighbor, Norway. This location has made it an important area throughout history.
Nature and Outdoor Fun
Värmland is known for its many lakes and deep forests. It's a perfect place for outdoor adventures!
Exploring the Forests and Lakes
You can find many beautiful lakes here, like Foxen, which sits right on the border with Norway. The Klarälven river flows through Värmland, offering lovely views. There are also great places for skiing, like the Branäs ski resort.
Amazing Animals of Värmland
Värmland is home to unique animals, including the Värmland sheep. This sheep breed is one of the oldest in Sweden. It's a special part of the local wildlife.
History and Old Stories
Värmland has a long and interesting past, with many stories to tell.
Ancient Finds and Runestones
One exciting discovery is the Skramlestenen runestone. This ancient stone was found near Gunnarskog. It dates back to the early Viking Age, between the 5th and 6th centuries. It gives us a peek into how people lived long ago.
Mining History in Långban
The area of Långban in eastern Värmland was once a very active mining site. People mined there for a long time, from 1711 all the way until 1972. It shows how important mining was to the region.
Peace Between Nations
Värmland also holds a special monument at Morokulien. This monument was built in 1914 to celebrate 100 years of peace between Sweden and Norway. It's a symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Famous People from Värmland
Many talented and important people have come from Värmland.
Writers and Artists
One of the most famous people from Värmland is Selma Lagerlöf. She was a brilliant writer and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. There's also a statue of the poet Gustaf Fröding in Karlstad.
Sports Stars and Leaders
Värmland has produced many well-known figures in sports and politics. These include athletes like Stefan Holm (high jumper) and coaches like Sven-Göran Eriksson (football) and Bengt-Åke Gustafsson (ice hockey). Tage Erlander was also a long-serving Prime Minister of Sweden, showing Värmland's role in national leadership.
Inventors and Innovators
John Ericsson was a famous inventor from Värmland. He designed the USS Monitor, a very important ship during the American Civil War.
Fun Facts and Culture
Värmland has many unique traditions and interesting facts.
Timber Transport on Klarälven
In the past, a lot of timber was transported down the Klarälven river. Workers called "log drivers" would guide the logs. This was a common sight near Forshaga in the early 1900s.
The Wooden Soldier of Charlottenberg
In Charlottenberg, you can find a wooden soldier statue called 61:an Martinsson. It reminds people of World War II and the importance of peace.
Images for kids
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King Charles IX, Duke of Värmland (1560-1611).
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The peace monument at Morokulien, raised in 1914 to commemorate 100 years of peace between Sweden and Norway.
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A statue of Gustaf Fröding in Karlstad.
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Sunset on the lake Foxen located in the borderland between southwest Värmland and Norway.
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The view from Granberget.
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The ski resort Branäs.
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Klarälven seen from Ullerud Church, near Deje.
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The Värmland sheep is one of the oldest Swedish sheep breeds.
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Cottage at Sannsatra outside Torsby.
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The runestone Skramlestenen found outside Gunnarskog is dated to early Viking Age, between the 5th and 6th century.
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The mining area Långban in eastern Värmland, active between 1711 and 1972.
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The Norwegian and Swedish negotiators at Karlstad 1905.
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This monument outside Sunne was raised in 1953 to honor the Finns who immigrated to Värmland and those from Värmland who emigrated to the USA.
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A workforce of log drivers ("Loggers") transporting timber on Klarälven, near Forshaga in 1918.
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The Military Barracks of the Värmland Regiment in 1920.
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The Wooden Soldier in Charlottenberg, called 61:an Martinsson, reminds of World War II.
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The Skoghall Mill, production of carton board owned by Stora Enso.
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Andreas Bergwall
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Bengt-Åke Gustafsson
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Stefan Holm
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