Mariebergsskogen

When the childless Dr. Conrad Höök bequeathed the Mariebergskogen forest with its centuries-old trees to the city of Karlstad in 1895, he made one condition: that the forest would be preserved forever. On this basis, the present-day city park developed within the natural forest over the years, which has nothing at all in common with the usual idea of an urban park.

Mariebergsskogen is formed

The beginning of the development into today's park was marked in 1925, when the open-air museum in Mariebergskogen was established. Following the idea of creating a Värmland counterpart to the open-air museum Skansen, historical buildings from the province were gathered to be preserved in the park for posterity. Today, the open-air museum consists of historic farmhouses, several mills, an old chapel and a faithful replica of a mountain hut from northern Värmland.

In 1943, an open-air stage was built, which is still the largest covered stage of its kind in the whole of Sweden and has since been played by numerous stars of the national and international music scene.

Discovering Mariebergsskogen

In the animal park Lillskogen in Mariebergskogen you can see all kinds of farm animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits or chickens, ducks and geese. Some of the animals are housed in stables and enclosures, and you can get up close to them in the petting zoo.

A special feature of the park is the garden landscape divided into different themed areas, which is both a botanical garden and a children's playground. One of these themed areas is the play garden, which was designed with a focus on Värmland's history, culture and nature and invites imaginative play with climbing towers, suspension bridges and a play forest with winding paths. In the music garden you can find out what sounds can be elicited from different sounding bodies made of different materials, in the literature garden it's all about stories and narratives, and in the art garden children can let their imagination run wild in creating sand sculptures.

The Naturum Värmland is located directly on the lakeshore. The visitor centre, which opened in 2002, presents interesting facts about nature and the cultural history of Värmland, packaged in interesting and educational exhibitions. The park also includes the Mariebergsskogens Badplats, which is within sight of the Naturum. The well-maintained bathing area with a sandy beach about one hundred metres long and a spacious sunbathing lawn is well frequented on fine summer days and is one of the most popular bathing places in the region.

More information about Mariebergskogen

Mariebergsskogen has several cafés, a kiosk and a restaurant to cater for your physical well-being during your visit to the park. In addition, there are several barbecue areas at your disposal.

The park is mostly barrier-free and, with one exception, so are the toilets. Parking spaces for people with a disability are available in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance.

With the exception of the bathing area, the Naturum and the catering facilities, dogs are allowed in the entire park – provided they are permanently leashed.

Mariebergsskogen is open daily all year round and admission is usually free. Only during major concert events or during the annual Christmas market is an entrance fee charged.