Travel to and in Karlstad

Solstaden – at the heart of opportunity

Karlstad is strategically located in the triangle between Oslo, Stockholm and Gothenburg. This means that over 6 million people live within a three-hour journey – a huge catchment area that makes the city a smart choice for organisers of concerts, sporting events, conferences and festivals.

In central Karlstad, most things are really close by, and you can cycle or walk to your destination. We have around 1,000 hotel rooms within a 12-minute walking radius, and arenas, hotels and restaurants are all within walking distance. It is also close to beautiful parks and green areas, as well as the Klarälven river and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Vänern.

Did you know that 65 per cent of Sweden's population can reach Karlstad within three hours?

For visitors, this means that Karlstad is close by, yet far enough away to feel like an adventure. For event organisers, it means that the audience is within reach – and that logistics are both smooth and cost-effective.

Karlstad is geographically located in the middle of a triangle between three major cities. It is close to Oslo (220 km), Gothenburg (250 km) and Stockholm (300 km).

This geographical location makes Karlstad a place where ideas can become reality – and where the audience is already waiting.

A city that is easy to reach – and easy to like

Karlstad is a city where travel flows smoothly. You can easily get here by train, bus, car or plane. Train connections are strong, with direct trains from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Oslo via the Värmlandsbanan and Vänerbanan railways. Express buses such as Vy and Flixbus offer daily departures from several locations, and the roads are straight and fast via the E18 and E45.

Once you arrive, you will find a compact city centre where most things are within walking distance – hotels, restaurants, arenas and meeting places. This makes Karlstad a city where logistics not only work – they simplify. Come and try it out!

New travel centre – a hub for the future of travel

A brand new travel centre is currently being built in Karlstad, which will be a modern and sustainable hub for public transport. Here, trains, buses, walking and cycling are linked together in a smooth whole. With new platforms, footbridges, bicycle parking facilities and improved flows, it will be easier than ever to travel to, from and within the city. This will enable Karlstad Travel Centre to become an important piece of the puzzle for future events and meetings.

We are fully convinced that this is an investment that will strengthen our role as a meeting place in the triangle between Oslo, Stockholm and Gothenburg and make Karlstad an even more attractive place to host conferences, concerts and sporting events.

Sola Air – Karlstad's own airline

From spring 2025, Sola Air, a new airline founded by entrepreneur Lars Wingefors, will offer direct flights from Karlstad to Stockholm Arlanda and Copenhagen Kastrup. With daily departures, easy bookings and regional roots, Sola Air strengthens Karlstad's connection to both national and international destinations.

The airport is only 15 minutes from the city centre and offers a quick and convenient start to your journey – whether you are a visitor, artist, athlete or event organiser.

Sola Air is more than an airline – it is proof of the forward thinking and innovative spirit that characterises Karlstad. By creating new opportunities for business travel, tourism and events, we are strengthening the region's competitiveness and making it easier to meet, experience and develop.