You can choose whether to start or end in Sweden—the choice is yours!
Begin your cultural journey through Värmland with Rackstad Museum
The museum connects the region’s art history and craftsmanship with contemporary art and crafts, locally, nationally, and internationally. In the surrounding area you can stroll through the beautiful park, book a guided tour, shop in the museum store, and attend events such as concerts and lectures. Coffee and light lunches are also served here.
At Klässbols Linen Weaving you’ll find Värmland textile craftsmanship of the highest class. Did you know that their tablecloths are used every year at the Nobel Banquet? Here you can both see the production process and buy their beautiful textiles. A short walk from the mill brings you to Kaffekvarnen in Klässbol. By the babbling brook, you can enjoy a flavorful lunch in an old-fashioned environment, prepared with organic ingredients.
Next, continue your journey to Sliperiet, the former wood pulp mill from 1903. Here you'll find impressive art exhibitions featuring both renowned and emerging artists. The art hall is now one of the largest privately owned in Värmland. If you want to delight your taste buds, you’re in the right place—offering culinary experiences that focus on seasonal and local ingredients. Learn more on their art, food, and culture.
Now you’ll need a short stop—stay among treetops or on a raft over the water in scenic Naturbyn. This is where you can disconnect and relax—an experience for both body and mind. Paddle a canoe, eat food cooked over an open fire, and feel peace settle in.
The next day, start with a visit to Gamla Kraftstationen. This industrial-romantic building is today a fascinating cultural venue with an 11‑meter-high ceiling and much of the original interior preserved. The unique art hall is at its heart, showcasing modern contemporary art with breadth and depth in various techniques and expressions from both established and emerging talents. It’s also a great place for a bite to eat or a coffee.
Stop by Rottneros Park, a garden in Värmland full of ideas and life—like a living fairytale. It’s a flower and sculpture park inspired by the grand gardens of Europe. Here you’ll find works by major Nordic sculptors in a wonderful environment filled with flowers and greenery.
Mormors Glasscafé is a small, cozy café by Lake Fryken. They serve special and very delicious ice‑cream menus, homemade baked goods, and sandwiches. Sit in the garden and enjoy ice cream, coffee, and the view over Lake Fryken.
Sahlströmsgården combines art and recreation with good food and accommodation in peaceful surroundings. In the restaurant, meals are made from scratch. At the museum you can learn about the lives of three artists: Ida, Bror, and Anna Sahlström.
Once you cross the border, your first stop is Magnor—here you’ll find both Magnor Glassworks and The Plus. Magnor Glassworks, founded in 1896, has been shaped by generations of skilled glassworkers. You can experience glass art and design, visit the factory outlet, watch professional glassblowers at work, or even try glassblowing yourself.
Next goes the trip to The Plus, part of Vestre Furniture Factory—one of the world’s most environmentally friendly furniture manufacturers. You can take a factory tour, walk on the roof, see furniture placed in nature, and follow Hans Børli’s poetry trail—an extraordinary and distinctive experience in the deep forests near the Swedish border.
For lunch you can choose between dining at Vestre or at Magnor Glassworks.
The next stop is Kongsvinger Fortress—here you can take a deserved rest and overnight stay in the old fortress from 1673. Dinner and a guided tour are an experience, especially as you watch the Glomma River flow by while overlooking the vast forests toward Sweden.
Kongsvinger Old Town is also well worth a walk—steep slopes and old wooden houses give it character. You’ll also find the Women’s Museum within walking distance of both the Old Town and the fortress. The exhibition teaches about women who have led across various social domains, societal concerns across different periods, and offers you the opportunity to share your own stories and perspectives.
There are more opportunities to see beautiful art installations in Kongsvinger—such as the howling dog and sculpture "Cheval de frise"
Then you face the choice: head north or continue south along the Glomma via E16. Before the lunch stop at Sanngrund camping you can stop at gallery Lyshuset for a tour of art. You can also stay in the WonderInn Riverside.
From there you can continue toward Lillestrøm, where you’ll be delighted by the art at Gallery Würth and contemporary exhibits at Nitja Art Center, along with a walk through Elvebredden Art Park.
Then set course toward Sarpsborg, where many art experiences await you, like the sculpture “Geminis” and many others in the city.
You can choose whether to stay here or move on to the fortress town of Fredrikstad. Fredrikstad’s Old Town, founded in 1567 by King Frederik II, is considered the best-preserved fortress town in the Nordic region. One of the city’s most intriguing artworks is by Jaume Plensa.
Let yourself be enchanted by the cities and the atmosphere, no matter how much of the journey you choose to experience.
Information from Visit Greater Oslo.