View source for Värmland

{{Short description|Historical province of Sweden}}
{{About|the Swedish historical province|the modern county|Värmland County|the song by Chaos Chaos |Chaos Chaos (album)}}
{{Redirect|Wermland|the Detektivbyrån album|Wermland (album)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->| name               = Värmland
| image_caption      = 
| image_shield       = Värmlands vapen crowned.svg
| shield_size        = 100px
| flag_size          = 100px
| motto              = 
| image_map          = Sverigekarta-Landskap Värmland.svg
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_alt            = 
| map_caption        = 
| coordinates        = 
| coor_pinpoint      = 
| coordinates_footnotes = 
| settlement_type    = [[Provinces of Sweden|Historical province]]
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{SWE}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Lands of Sweden|Land]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Svealand]]
| subdivision_type2  = Counties
| subdivision_name2  = [[Värmland County]]<br />[[Örebro County]]<br />[[Västra Götaland County]]
| unit_pref          = Metric<!-- or US or UK -->
| area_footnotes     = 
| area_total_km2     = 18,164
| area_land_km2      = 
| area_water_km2     = 
| area_water_percent = 
| area_note          = 
| population_footnotes = <ref name="population">{{cite web |url=https://www.statistikdatabasen.scb.se/pxweb/sv/ssd/START__BE__BE0101__BE0101A/FolkmangdDistrikt/table/tableViewLayout1/ |title=Folkmängd 31 december; ålder |website=Statistikdatabasen |access-date=1 June 2024 }}</ref>
| population_total   = 322,034
| population_as_of   = 31 December 2023
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_demonym = Värmlänning
| population_note    = 
| timezone1          = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset1        = +1
| timezone1_DST      = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]]
| utc_offset1_DST    = +2
| postal_code_type   = [[List of postal codes in Sweden|Postal codes]]
| postal_code        = 
| area_code_type     = [[Telephone numbers in Sweden|Area codes]]
| area_code          = 
| demographics_type1 = Ethnicity
| demographics1_title1 = Languages
| demographics1_info1 = [[Swedish language|Swedish]]
| demographics_type2 = Culture
| demographics2_title2 = Flower
| demographics2_info2 = [[Chickweed wintergreen]]
| demographics2_title3 = Animal
| demographics2_info3 = [[Wolf]]
| demographics2_title4 = Bird
| demographics2_info4 = [[Red-throated diver]]
| demographics2_title5 = Fish
| demographics2_info5 = [[Smelt (fish)|Smelt]]
| website            = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| footnotes          = 
| demographics1_title2 = Dialect
| demographics1_info2 = [[Värmländska]]<br />[[Götamål dialect|Götamål]]
}}

'''Värmland''' ({{IPA|sv|ˈvæ̌rmland|-|sv-Värmland.ogg}}) is a ''[[Provinces of Sweden|landskap]]'' (historical province) in west-central [[Sweden]]. It borders [[Västergötland]], [[Dalsland]], [[Dalarna]], [[Västmanland]], and [[Närke]], and is bounded by [[Norway]] in the west. 

== Name ==
Several [[Latin]]ized versions of the name exist, including ''Varmelandia'',<ref>"... de Varmelandia a Suecis occupata ..." {{Google Books|vLdaAAAAcAAJ|vide p. 142}}</ref> ''Vermelandia'',<ref>Fredrik Fryxell as per [[Svenskt biografiskt lexikon]] below pdf [https://runeberg.org/sbh/a0366.html here] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812200703/http://runeberg.org/sbh/a0366.html |date=12 August 2016 }}</ref> ''Wermelandia'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbia.edu/acis/ets/Graesse/orblatw.html|title=ORBIS LATINUS - Letter W|website=www.columbia.edu}}</ref> ''Værmalandia'', ''Værmolandia'', ''Virmolandia'' and ''Vermillandia''.

Some of the Latinised forms show the origin of the name to come from the large local lake by the name of {{ill|Värmeln|sv||ceb||no}} (from older ''*Virmil''); others from the river name ''*Værma'', the main outlet of that lake.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://runeberg.org/svetym/1262.html|title=1174 (Svensk etymologisk ordbok)|first=Elof|last=Hellquist|date=21 March 1922|website=runeberg.org}}</ref> The province was originally part of [[Götaland]], and became part of [[Svealand]] in 1815.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dahlbäck|first= Göran|title=[[Nationalencyklopedin]] |volume=20 |year=1996 |publisher=Bokförlaget Bra Böcker AB |isbn=91-7024-620-3 |page=141 |chapter=Värmland • Historia}}</ref>

''Wermland'' is an obsolete Swedish spelling of the name, which may still be seen in proper names such as ''[[Nya Wermlands-Tidningen]]'', a newspaper.

==Administration==
===Sub-divisions===
Sweden's provinces were sub-divided into [[Hundred (division)|hundred]]s or districts. Värmland was historically divided into [[Cities of Sweden|chartered cities]] and districts. One district formed part of [[Bergslagen]] and was a mountain district, and all the other districts were [[Hundreds of Sweden|hundreds]].
{{div col |colwidth=16em}}
*[[Edsberg Hundred]]
*[[Fryksdal Hundred]]
*[[Färnebo Hundred]]
*[[Gillberg Hundred]]
*[[Grums Hundred]]
*[[Jösse Hundred]]
*[[Karlstad Hundred]]
*[[Karlskoga Mountain District]]
*[[Kil Hundred]]
*[[Nordmark Hundred]]
*[[Nyed Hundred]]
*[[Näs Hundred]]
*[[Visnum Hundred]]
*[[Väse Hundred]]
*[[Älvdal Hundred]]
*[[Ölme Hundred]]
{{div col end}}

==Geography==
{{see also|Transscandinavian Igneous Belt}}
The largest lake is [[Vänern]]. Most streams of importance lead to Vänern. However, the province is rich in small lakes, ponds and streams. The scenery, with mountains and lakes, is usually regarded as picturesque and has inspired painters and writers.

===Western Värmland===
There are several mountain plateaus in the western part of Värmland, which is in the [[Scandinavian Mountains]]. The highest elevations are found in the northern parts, with plateaus of {{convert|500–700|m}}. The highest peak is also located here, Granberget at Höljes, {{convert|701|m}}.

===Eastern Värmland===
The eastern part of Värmland is counted as part of the [[Bergslagen]], the ''Central Swedish Mining District''. Its terrain is rather hilly, with a few high hills: ''Hvitklinten'' {{cvt|414|m}}, ''Dalkarlsberget'' {{cvt|450|m}} and ''Vålbergsrös'' {{cvt|476|m}}.

This part of Värmland is rich in minerals, most notably [[iron ore]] which exists in large quantities. Some notable sites in this area are around [[Långban]] and [[Nordmark Hundred]]. In the southeast, the ridge of [[Kilsbergen]] marks the border with [[Närke]].

===Gallery===
<gallery mode="packed">

File:Great sunset on lake foxen (july 2005, 25).jpg|Sunset on the lake ''Foxen'' located in the borderland between southwest Värmland and Norway.
File:Utsikt Granberget.jpg|The view from ''Granberget''.
File:Klarälven vid Nedre Ulleruds kyrka.JPG|''[[Klarälven]]'' seen from Ullerud Church, near [[Deje]].
File:Värmland sheep white ram.jpg|The Värmland sheep is one of the oldest Swedish [[sheep]] breeds.
File:Sannsatra.JPG|Cottage at ''Sannsatra'' outside [[Torsby]].
File:SYSSLEBÄCK.jpg|[[Sysslebäck]].
File:Laxtrappan.JPG|[[Fish ladder]] for [[Salmon]] near the power station in [[Gullspång]].
File:Hovfjället.JPG|The ski resort ''[[#Winter Sports|Hovfjället]]''.
</gallery>

==Demographics==
===Population===
The population of Värmland is 322,612 as of 31 December 2022. It is distributed over three counties as follows:<ref name="population"/>

{| class=wikitable border
! County !! Population
|-align=right
|align=left|[[Värmland County]], partly||283,976
|-align=right
|align=left|[[Örebro County]], partly||38,232
|-align=right
|align=left|[[Västra Götaland County]], peripherally||404
|}

==History==
The province was sparsely populated in the [[pre-historic]] age compared to Sweden's southern half. Its 5,500 registered ancient remains are few, compared to other areas. The province was considered to be of minor importance in the Swedish Realm. There are, however, interesting histories told by [[Snorri Sturlasson]] about Värmland in the 13th century. It extends back to [[Ingjald Illråde]] a legendary king in the 7th century. These stories say that [[Olof Trätälja]], the son of Ingjald, was not accepted as king and had to flee and settled in the then sparsely populated Värmland. More men had to flee the brutal successor of Ingjald and settled in Värmland. Archaeology shows that at this time there was indeed a large increase in population, and memorials of powerful men were constructed. According to Snorri and other Icelandic sources, Värmland came under Norwegian control in the late 9th and through the 10th century. However, by the time of [[Adam of Bremen]] in the 11th century the region is described as Swedish. In Adam's account, the ''värmlänningar'' are described as a distinct "Swedish tribe" along with the [[Swedes (Germanic tribe)|Sviar]], [[Geats]] and Skridfinnar (commonly taken to be [[Sami people]]).

The early history strongly influenced was not only by the proximity to Västergötland, but also by its western neighbour [[Norway]]. Sweden's war with [[Norway]] had a strong effect on Värmland too. In 1225, [[Haakon IV of Norway]] (''Haakon the Old'') invaded Sweden and burnt down all villages if they did not pay a ransom. This feud was eventually settled in 1249.

Värmland was originally considered a part of [[Götaland]], and had a strong connection to its southern neighbour [[Västergötland]]. Eastern Värmland traditionally belongs to the [[Bergslagen]] area, Sweden's central mining district.

[[File:Charles IX of Sweden.jpg|thumb|left|upright|King [[Charles IX of Sweden|Charles IX]], Duke of Värmland (1560-1611)]]
In 1582, Värmland was granted its first city privileges, [[Kristinehamn]], but those were revoked. The second city, [[Karlstad]], on the north shore of lake [[Vänern]], was granted by ''Duke Charles'', later king [[Charles IX of Sweden]], in 1584. It became the capital of the province and its name is derived from the King, and literally means ''Charles' City''. The third city was [[Filipstad]] in 1611; however, its privilege was revoked in 1694 after a devastating fire. King Charles IX took great personal interest in expanding mining in the province and the industry developed significantly during his reign.

The early 17th century marked the beginning of substantial immigration from [[Finland]]. The areas where they centred were known as ''Finnskog''. They kept their Finnish customs and language until the late 19th century. The last native resident to speak Finnish here died in the 1980s.

The most significant [[coup d'état]] of modern Swedish history had its beginning in [[Karlstad]]. The man behind the uprising was a [[Liberalism|liberal]] nobleman and a prominent man of the opposition, [[major general]] [[Georg Adlersparre]]. He was backed up by the radical guards captain Carl Henrik Anckarsvärd and used the part of the western army that was stationed in Värmland to occupy Karlstad on the night of 7 March 1809. From there he officially proclaimed a revolution, a proclamation which held the view that wars and oppression had ruined the country and the government therefore had to be overthrown. On 9 March, Adlersparre and his enthusiastic soldiers (many of Finnish origin) finally began their march towards [[Stockholm]], and in the events that followed, the king [[Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden|Gustav IV Adolf]] abdicated under pressure.<ref>Norberg, p. 56-57</ref>

Under the [[Continental System]] (1806–1814), the timber industry flourished in Värmland and continuing into the modern era, forestry became industrialized and is still the economic backbone of the province.

[[File:Morokulien.jpg|thumb|right|The peace monument at [[Morokulien]], raised in 1914 to commemorate 100 years of peace between Sweden and Norway]]
Bordering Norway, Värmland was affected by Sweden's last war, [[Charles XIV John of Sweden|Crown Prince Jean Baptiste Bernadottes]] [[campaign against Norway|military campaign against Norway]] in 1814. The province saw large troop movement and many soldiers originating from the province were involved in battles. The [[Värmlands regemente|Värmland Regiment]] had three battalions attached to the 9th Brigade under Colonel Klingspor and one battalion attached to the 10th Brigade under [[Carl Pontus Gahn|Colonel Gahn af Colqhoun]]. Both brigades were part of the 5th Army Division under Major General Rosenblad. The 9th Brigade crossed the border to Norway on 30 July 1814 and participated in the siege of [[Fredrikstad Fortress]], which capitulated on 4 August, while other parts of the regiment a few days later followed later Lieutenant General Vegesacks department north and participated in battles at [[Rakkestad (village)|Rakkestad]] and [[Battle of Langnes|Langenäs]] on 6 August 1814 and [[Askim (town)|Askim]] on 9 August 1814. A battalion of the regiment, commanded by Major Lagerlöv, managed to fight back a Norwegian attack from the bridgehead at Langenäs. The 10th Brigade crossed the border on 1 August 1814 and went in the direction of Morast. It participated in the [[Battle of Lier (1814)|Battle of Lier]] south of [[Kongsvinger (town)|Kongsvinger]] on 2 August 1814 and then retreated to the border, where the battalion participated in the battle of Midskog on 5 August 1814 and suffered heavy losses.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hhogman.se/regementen_infanteriet-5.htm#xl_Varmlands-regemente_I22 |title=Värmlands regemente, I22/I2 |last=Högman |first=Hans |date=21 December 2018 |website=www.hhogman.se |location=[[Sollentuna Municipality|Sollentuna]] |publisher=Hans Högman |language=sv |access-date=29 January 2019 }}</ref>

{{multiple image
| direction         = horizontal
| width             = 140
| image1            = Sunne Eagle Jussi Mäntynen 02.jpg
| caption1          = Monument outside [[Sunne, Sweden|Sunne]] honours the ''[[Finns]]'' who immigrated to Värmland and [[Swedish emigration to the United States|Swedish emigrants to the USA]] from Värmland
| image2            = Träsoldat Charlottenberg1.jpg
| caption2          = The Wooden Soldier in [[Charlottenberg]] called ''61:an Martinsson,'' a memorial to [[Sweden during World War II|WW II]]
}}
During [[World War II]], western Värmland was again an area of heavy military deployment. A major part of the [[Swedish Armed Forces]] was concentrated to Värmland following the [[Operation Weserübung|German invasion of Norway]]. Approximately 150,000 military personnel were mobilised to Värmland in June 1941, by the time of German demands to transport the fully armed [[163rd Infantry Division (Wehrmacht)|Division Engelbrecht]] through the country and before the launch of [[Operation Barbarossa]], and with several large military exercises being conducted in the province during the period. Even more military personnel, possibly as many as 250,000, were mobilised to Värmland in the fall of 1943, due to the pending Swedish announcement to end [[Transit of German troops through Finland and Sweden#German troops through Sweden|German military transits]] and fear of a German attack.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oslomilsamfund.no/foredrag-beredskapsperioden-ur-ett-varmlandskt-perspektiv/ |title=Foredrag: Bredskapsperioden ur ett Värmländskt perspektiv |last1=Klang |first1=Ingvar |last2=Dyegård |first2=Carl Henrik |last3=Modin |first3=Sven-Åke |date=5 February 2007 |website=oslomilsamfund.no |location=Oslo |publisher=[[Oslo Militære Samfund]] |language=sv |access-date=25 September 2017 }}</ref>

An agreement from the [[Dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905|dissolution of the union with Norway in 1905]] stated that no fortification was allowed on the border between the two nations, but after the German occupation of Norway, old fortifications were renovated and many new constructed. Notably is the fortification ''Skansen Hultet'' (Skans 153 Hultet) in [[Eda Municipality]], constructed 1940-1941 (although improvements continued until 1945), and equipped with a network of machine gun emplacements, [[casemate]]s and other concrete [[bunker]]s, surrounded by [[barbed wire]], walls and several lines of [[Dragon's teeth (fortification)|tank traps]]. The fortifications have been renovated by locals and are now open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=Skansen Hultet |url=http://www.varmland.se/arrangement/11815 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402075233/http://www.varmland.se/arrangement/11815 |archive-date=2012-04-02 |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=varmland.se}}</ref> Formerly classified Swedish military documents shows that the Swedish Armed Forces spent approximately SEK 30 million on fortifications in Värmland during the 1940s.<ref name="Miljardsatsning">{{cite news |last=Skoglund |first=Tomas |date=29 December 2011 |title=Miljardsatsning skulle skydda Värmland |url=https://www.vf.se/uncategorized/miljardsatsning-skulle-skydda-varmland/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Värmlands Folkblad]] |publisher=Värmlands Folkblad Drift AB |location=[[Karlstad]] |access-date=23 September 2017 |archive-date=23 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923194148/https://www.vf.se/uncategorized/miljardsatsning-skulle-skydda-varmland/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> There are around 12,000 military objects, including 123 fortified sites, in Värmland dating from World War II.<ref name="Miljardsatsning"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Rung Klint |first=Gunilla |date=6 September 2016 |title=Här skulle Hitler stoppas |url=http://nwt.se/karlstad/2016/09/06/har-skulle-hitler-stoppas |language=sv |newspaper=[[Nya Wermlands-Tidningen]] |location=Karlstad |publisher=Nya Wermlands-Tidningens AB |access-date=23 September 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The film ''[[Beyond the Border (2011 film)|Gränsen]]'' (Eng. ''Beyond the Border'') from 2011, telling the story about the life of the young soldiers guarding the border between Sweden and German-occupied Norway in 1942, takes place in northern Värmland and was filmed near [[Torsby]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Segerpalm |first=Erik |date=21 January 2011 |title=En krigsfilm från Värmlandsskogarna |url=https://www.vf.se/kultur-noje/noje/en-krigsfilm-fran-varmlandsskogarna/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Värmlands Folkblad]] |location=Karlstad |publisher=NWT Media AB |access-date=29 January 2019 |archive-date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190129064108/https://www.vf.se/kultur-noje/noje/en-krigsfilm-fran-varmlandsskogarna/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Skramlestenen 1.jpg|The [[runestone]] ''Skramlestenen'' found outside [[Gunnarskog]] is dated to early [[Viking Age]], between the 5th and 6th century.
File:Långban.jpg|The mining area [[Långban]] in eastern Värmland, active between 1711 and 1972.
File:Loggers klaralven.jpg|A workforce of [[Log driving|log drivers]] (''"Loggers"'') transporting timber on [[Klarälven]], near [[Forshaga]] in 1918.
File:Fabrik.jpg|The [[Skoghall]] Mill, production of carton board owned by [[Stora Enso]].
File:Värmland Regiment, 1920.jpg|The Military Barracks of the [[Värmlands regemente|Värmland Regiment]] in 1920.

</gallery>

===Dukes===
Since 1772, Sweden's Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces in Sweden. This is solely a nominal title.
* Prince Carl Adolf (1798)
* [[Gustav V of Sweden|Crown Prince Gustaf]] (from his birth in 1858 until he became King in 1907)
* [[Prince Carl Philip, Duke of Värmland|Prince Carl Philip]] (1979-)

===Chartered cities===
*[[Arvika]] ([[town charter]] 1811, [[city charter]] 1911)
*[[Filipstad]] (city charter 1611–1695, town charter 1720, city charter 1835)
*[[Hagfors]] (city charter 1950)
*[[Karlskoga]] (city charter 1940)
*[[Karlstad]] (city charter 1584)
*[[Kristinehamn]] (city charter 1582–1584, city charter 1642)
*[[Säffle]]  (town charter 1882, city charter 1951)

===Provincial districts===
{{div col |colwidth=16em}}
*Fryksdal
*Färnebo
*Gillberg
*[[Grums]]
*Jösse
*Karlskoga
*Karlstad
*[[Kil Municipality|Kil]]
*Nordmark
*Nyeds (ceded from Kil, 1681)
*Näs
*Visnums
*Väse
*Älvdal
*Ölme
{{div col end}}

==Culture==
===Literature===
[[File:Gustaf Fröding Staty i Karlstad.JPG|left|125px|thumb|upright|A statue of Gustaf Fröding in [[Karlstad]].]]
[[File:Mårbacka autumn.jpg|thumb|right|Selma Lagerlöf's residence ''Mårbacka'' in [[Sunne, Sweden|Sunne]].]]

The province has powerful literary and musical traditions and has spawned some of the most well-known and loved authors of Sweden. In the 19th century several leading authors had their origin here, and retained links to Värmland, among them [[Erik Gustaf Geijer]], [[Esaias Tegnér]], [[Gustaf Fröding]] and [[Nobel Prize]] winner [[Selma Lagerlöf]].  Lagerlöf's novel, [[Gösta Berlings Saga]], is a [[neo-romanticism|neo-romantic]] [[Norse saga|saga]] that takes place in Värmland in the 1820s and 1830s.  It was also made into a [[Gösta Berlings saga (film)|film]] starring [[Greta Garbo]]. It was also made into an opera, [[I cavalieri di Ekebù]], by Italian composer [[Riccardo Zandonai]] in 1925.

Education, theatre and a somewhat glamorous lifestyle were buoyed by the landed gentry and the wealth being generated through a lively local iron trade, and also by the position of the landscape on the edge between civilization and wilderness, which inspired art, literature and folklore. During the second half of the 19th century, the iron processing industry was largely put out of business by the revolution in the steel industry which made Central Europe and the United States vastly superior in this field, and the overall economic crisis throughout Europe of the 1870s and 1880s, and the subsequent emigration to North America, shook the landscape. The consequence, however, was to make authors like Lagerlöf and Fröding more aware of the heritage of their province, and they both drew on what they felt to be an oral tradition of story-telling and local legends. This emphasis on richly textured, often romantic or burlesque tales which nonetheless transcend the local has remained a focus of later writers, such as [[Göran Tunström]] (1937–2000) and Lars Andersson (b. 1954).

The musical traditions have inspired a number of prominent musicians, such as singers [[Zarah Leander]], [[Monica Zetterlund]] and [[Rigmor Gustafsson]].

==Sports==
===Ice hockey===
Ice hockey is a popular sport in Värmland. The two most prominent teams in recent years are [[Färjestads BK]] from Karlstad and [[BIK Karlskoga]] from Karlskoga. Färjestad BK is the most successful team in the [[Swedish Hockey League]] (SHL). The team has won 10 [[List of Swedish ice hockey champions|Swedish championships]] since the introduction of the SHL in 1975. BIK Karlskoga plays in the second tier [[HockeyAllsvenskan]]. Other notable teams from province are [[Forshaga IF]] from [[Forshaga]] and [[Grums IK]] from [[Grums]]. The two teams played alternately in the [[Hockeyettan|top tier]] of Swedish ice hockey between the 1940s and 1960s. Between 1956 and 1961, both teams were simultaneously represented in the top tier.

===Football===
Football in the province is administered by [[Värmlands Fotbollförbund]]. The two most prominent teams in recent years are [[Degerfors IF]] from [[Degerfors]] and [[Mallbackens IF|Mallbackens IF Sunne]] from Lysvik, north of [[Sunne, Sweden|Sunne]].  Degerfors IF was founded in 1907. Team made its first appearances in the top tier [[Allsvenskan]] in 1938. Degerfors IF achieved its greatest success in 1993 when the team won [[Svenska Cupen]] and qualified for play in the [[1993–94 European Cup Winners' Cup]]. Mallbackens IF Sunne has played 14 seasons in the women's top tier [[Damallsvenskan]].  
Other notable teams are [[QBIK]] from Karlstad, [[IF Karlstad Fotboll]] from Karlstad, [[Nordvärmlands FF]] from [[Ambjörby]] and [[FBK Karlstad]] from Karlstad.

===Winter sports===
There are several larger locations for winter sports in Värmland:

[[File:Fortum Ski Tunnel.JPG|thumb|right|Torsby Ski Tunnel in 2009.]]
* Torsby is home to the ''[[Torsby Ski Tunnel]] and Sports Center''. Torsby Ski Tunnel and Sports Center is a complete indoor and outdoor training facility.<ref name="TorsbySkiTunnel">{{cite web |url=https://torsby.se/otherlanguages/otherlanguages/english/culturesportandrecreation/skitunnel.4.c4b344415940332e5ae4b4e.html |title=Ski tunnel |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=torsby.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> The [[ski tunnel]] was inaugurated in 2006 and is the first ski tunnel in Sweden.<ref name="TorsbySkiTunnel"/> The ski tunnel has a length of 1.3 kilometers, but skiing is possible in both directions, which gives a total length of around 2.5 kilometers.<ref name="TorsbySkiTunnel"/><ref name="VisitSkidtunnel">{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/vinter-i-torsby-skidtunnel-sportcenter/ |title=Vinter i Torsby Skidtunnel & Sportcenter |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> At its inauguration, the ski tunnel was the longest ski tunnel in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last=Grassman |first=Oliver  |date=15 June 2006 |title=Världens längsta skidtunnel är klar |url=https://www.dn.se/sport/varldens-langsta-skidtunnel-ar-klar/ |work=[[Dagens Nyheter]] |language=sv |location=Stockholm |publisher=Dagens Nyheter AB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110822014646/https://www.dn.se/sport/varldens-langsta-skidtunnel-ar-klar/ |archive-date=22 August 2011 |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> The indoor facility also houses the first indoor shooting range for [[biathlon]] in Sweden.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://skidtunnel.se/aktiviteter/skjutbanor.75.html |title=Skidskytte på Torsby Sportcenter |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=skidtunnel.se|location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> The facility also has a complete test center.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/torsby/aktiviteter/skidakning/langdskidorutforsakning/torsby-skidtunnel-sportcenter |title=Torsby Skidtunnel & Sportcenter |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=25 February 2024 }}</ref> The outdoor facility includes several [[Cross-country skiing trail|trails]] for [[cross-country skiing]], additional shooting ranges for biathlon, and a ski slope for [[alpine skiing]].<ref name="VisitSkidtunnel"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/vinter-i-torsby-skidtunnel-sportcenter/ |title=Torsby Skidtunnel & Sportcenter |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref><ref name="SkidåkningTorsby">{{cite web |url=https://torsby.se/upplevagora/idrottmotionochfriluftsliv/friluftslivochmotion/skidakning.4.7308326156ca7fa796be747.html |title=Skidåkning |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=torsby.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://skidtunnel.se/aktiviteter/alpint.25.html |title=Alpint |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=skidtunnel.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> In total, there are up to 50 kilometers cross-country skiing trails in the area.<ref name="VisitSkidtunnel"/> Torsby Ski Tunnel and Sports Center is an official partner of the [[Ski Team Sweden#Cross-country skiing|national cross-country skiing team of Sweden]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://skidtunnel.se/skidtunneln/skidtunnelfakta.1363.html |title=Fakta om skidtunneln |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=skidtunnel.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=4 February 2024 }}</ref> The facility is regularly used by elite and national team athletes from Sweden and other countries. Torsby Ski Tunnel and Sports Center is an official  [[Vasaloppet]] Centre.<ref name="VisitSkidtunnel"/> Directly adjacent to the facility is Torsby Sports hotel.<ref name="VisitSkidtunnel"/> The larger ''Valbergsängen'' Sports Hotel is also located in the area.<ref name="VisitSkidtunnel"/> Torsby Ski Tunnel and Sports Center is located next to [[Torsby Airport]], with scheduled flights to and from [[Stockholm Arlanda Airport]].<ref name="TorsbySkiTunnel"/> 

* Torsby is also home to ''Stjerneskolan'' upper secondary school, which specializes in sports. The school has sports programmes specialized in, among other things, cross-country skiing, biathlon and alpine skiing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://torsby.se/stjerneskolan/stjerneskolan/idrottsgymnasium.4.6ce53ad717dbd46a3c9c3b10.html |title=Idrottsgymnasium |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=torsby.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref><ref name="TorsbyUSSchool">{{cite web |url=https://torsby.se/otherlanguages/otherlanguages/english/educationandchildcare/uppersecondaryschool.4.c4b344415940332e5ae49f0.html |title=Upper secondary school |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=torsby.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Torsby Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref> The programmes in cross-country skiing and biathlon are graded as national sports gymnasiums (RIG).<ref name="TorsbyUSSchool"/> Notable alumnus of the school includes the Swedish former cross-country skier [[Gunde Svan]], Swedish biathlete and former cross-country skier [[Stina Nilsson]] and Swedish cross-country skier [[Linn Persson]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bäckvall |first=Morgan |date=12 May 2021 |title=Stjerneskolan 50 år idag: "Tusentals elever har utbildats" |url=https://www.nwt.se/2021/05/12/stjerneskolan-50-ar-idag-tusentals-elever-har-utbildats-13f48/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Nya Wermlands-Tidningen]] |location=Karlstad |publisher=NWT Media AB |access-date=30 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=7 February 2022 |title=På Stjerneskolan sitter OS i väggarna: Klart att det inspirerar |url=https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/pa-stjerneskolan-sitter-os-i-vaggarna-klart-att-det-inspirerar |work=[[Sveriges Radio]] |language=sv  |place=Karlstad |publication-place=Stockholm |publisher=Sveriges Radio AB |access-date=31 January 2024 }}</ref>

* ''Mattila'' holiday village is located in [[Finnskogen]] northwest of Torsby.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/torsby/en/accomodation/cottages/mattila-holiday-village-2 |title=Mattila holiday village |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> The  village stems from a former [[Forest Finns|Finnish]] settlement dating back to the 1640s.<ref name="VisitMattila">{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/torsby/aktiviteter/skidakning/langdskidorutforsakning/mattila |title=Mattila |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> Mattila offers an extensive system of cross-country skiing trails. The trails measures up to 170 kilometers in total.<ref name="MattilaMilslånga">{{cite web |url=https://mattila.se/uppleva-gora/langdskidor/ |title=Milslånga skidspår i vacker miljö |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=mattila.se |location=[[Östmark]] |publisher=Mattila Fritid AB |language=sv |access-date=2024-01-29 }}</ref> Some trails extend all the way into [[Norway]].<ref name="MattilaMilslånga"/> The trails are groomed by the same grooming machine that was used for the [[FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2015|FIS Nordic World Ski Championships]] in [[Falun]].<ref name="MattilaMilslånga"/> The cross-country skiing competition Mattila Ski Marathon is held annually in Mattila. The competition is a [[Seed (sports)|seeding competition]] for [[Vasaloppet]].<ref name="VisitMattila"/><ref name="VSCCSSweden">{{cite web |url=https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/nature-outdoors/winter-activities/cross-country-skiing-sweden/ |title=Cross-country skiing in Sweden |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=22 November 2023 |website=visitsweden.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=V.S. VisitSweden AB |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref>

* The ''Långberget'' cross-country skiing facility is located north of Sysslebäck in northern Värmland. The facility is 630 metes above sea level.<ref name="VSCCSSweden"/> The facility offers up to 63 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails and a smaller ski slope for alpine skiing, as well as a sports hotel and hostel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/vinter-pa-langberget/ |title=Vinter på Långberget |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref><ref name="SkidåkningTorsby"/> The Långberget cross-country skiing facility is an official Vasaloppet Centre.<ref name="VSCCSSweden"/>

* The sports facility ''Kalhyttan'' is located in [[Filipstad]] in eastern Värmland. The facility includes a multi-sport arena and an artificial snow facility.<ref name="VVSkiing">{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/skiing-in-varmland/ |title=Skiing in Värmland |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> Kalhyttan has one of the most modern artificial snow systems in Sweden.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/filipstad/aktiviteter/kalhyttan-sport-fritidsarena |title=Kalhyttan Sport- och Fritidsarena |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> The facility offers a total of 40 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails, including a 4 kilometer long cross-country skiing trail with artificial snow.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/fantastisk-langdskidakning-i-kalhyttan/ |title=Fantastisk längdskidåkning i Kalhyttan |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> Kalhyttan has been the venue for the Swedish Skiing Championship ten times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filipstad.se/toppmeny/upplevaochgora/sportochfritid/langdskidor.1509.html |title=Längdskidåkning |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=filipstad.se |location=Torsby |publisher=[[Filipstad Municipality]] |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref>

There are several ski resorts in Värmland:

* ''Branäs'' ski resort is located near Dalby in northern Vämland. Branäs is the largest ski resort in Värmland and the fourth largest ski resort in Sweden.<ref name="VVSkiing"/><ref name="SkidåkningTorsby"/> The facility includes 33 slopes for alpine skiing, 30 lifts, including a gondola, a total of 29 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails and a ski cross course, as of 2024.<ref name="VVSkiing"/><ref name="SkidåkningTorsby"/><ref name="FaktaBranäs">{{cite web |url=https://www.branas.se/om-branasgruppen/ |title=Om Branäs |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=branas.se |location=Karlstad |publisher=Branäsgruppen AB |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> The facility has a lift-served vertical drop of 415 meters.<ref name="FaktaBranäs"/> The two longest runs are 3 kilometers each.<ref name="SkidåkningTorsby"/> 

* ''Hovfjället'' ski resort is located outside Torsby. The ski resort is 542 meters above sea level.<ref name="VVSkiing"/> The facility includes 13 slopes for alpine skiing, six lifts, and a total of 22 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails.<ref name="VVSkiing"/><ref name="SkidåkningTorsby"/> The ski resort has been in use since the 1960s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sigander |first= Miranda |date=18 December 2023 |title=Lyckad smygöppning av 60-åriga Hovfjället |url=https://www.besoksliv.se/nyheter/lyckad-smygoppning-av-60-ariga-hovfjallet/ |work=Besöksliv |language=sv |location= Stockholm |publisher=Visita Service AB  |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref>

* ''Valfjället Skicenter'' is located near Gryttved, west of [[Åmotfors]] in western Värmland. The facility includes 12 slopes for alpine skiing, five lifts and several trails for cross-country skiing.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://visitvarmland.com/tips-och-guider/vinter-i-valfjallet/ |title=Vinter i Valfjället |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=visitvarmland.com |location=Karlstad |publisher=Visit Värmland Ekonomisk Förening |language=sv |access-date=2 February 2024 }}</ref> With a vertical drop of 220 metres, the ski facility has one of southern Sweden's highest vertical drop.<ref name="VVSkiing"/> The longest run is 1.8 kilometers.<ref name="VVSkiing"/>

* The ski resort ''Ski Sunne'' (also known as ''Finnfallet'') is located outside [[Sunne, Sweden|Sunne]]. The facility includes 10 slopes for alpine skiing  and seven lifts (including two [[chairlift|chairlifts]]).<ref name="SSKonkurs">{{cite web |url=https://www.freeride.se/skidanlaggningen-i-sunne-gar-i-konkurs/ |title=Skidanläggningen i Sunne går i konkurs |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=14 July 2023 |website=freeride.se |location=Stockholm |publisher=Freeride AB |language=sv |access-date=25 February 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.freeride.se/skidorter/ski-sunne/ |title=Ski Sunne |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=n.d. |website=freeride.se |location=Stockholm |publisher=Freeride AB |language=sv |access-date=25 February 2024 }}</ref> Ski Sunne has a drop height of 265 metres.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bäckvall |first=Morgan |date=12 October 2021 |title=Nu lämnar Ranunger Ski Sunne – efter 40 år |url=https://www.nwt.se/2021/10/12/nu-lamnar-ranunger-ski-sunne-efter-40-ar-15ccd/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Nya Wermlands-Tidningen]] |location=Karlstad |publisher=NWT Media AB |access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref> The longest run is 1,8 kilometes.<ref name="SSKonkurs"/> Ski Sunne is operated and used by the [[slalom skiing]] club Sunne Alpina Klubb.<ref>{{cite news |last=Olausson |first=Daniel |date=8 January 2024 |title=Beskedet: Ski Sunne öppnar – redan till helgen |url=https://www.vf.se/2024/01/08/ski-sunne-ski-och-bike-oppnar-anlaggningen-903c3/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Värmlands Folkblad]] |location=Karlstad |publisher=NWT Media AB |access-date=25 February 2024}}</ref>

<gallery mode="packed">
File:Gondolen i Branäs.jpg|Branäs ski resort.
File:Skisunne-Ekeby.jpg|View from the top of the slope in Ski Sunne.
</gallery>

===Motor sports===
Värmland is the site of the [[Höljesbanan]] [[rallycross]] circuit in [[Höljes]]. Höljesbanan annually hosts the Swedish round of the [[FIA European Rallycross Championship|European]] and [[FIA World Rallycross Championship|World Rallycross]] championships. The province also hosted the [[Rally Sweden]] rally competition for many years. However, the event was relocated north to [[Umea]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://visitkarlstad.se/Container---Global/Produkter--Evenemang/Artiklar/Rallypaket_2016_Rally_Sweden_Karlstad/ | title=Visit Karlstad - Varmt välkommen till solstaden Karlstad! }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sverigesradio.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2505|title = Svenska Rallyt 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/rally-sweden-moves-north-to-umea/ | title=Rally Sweden moves north to Umea}}</ref>

==Notable natives==
[[File:John Ericsson Xylography 1878.jpg|thumb|140px|John Ericsson, 1878]]
[[File:Tage Erlander 1949.jpg|thumb|140px|Tage Erlander, 1949]]
[[File:Selma Lagerlöf.jpg|thumb|140px|Selma Lagerlöf, 1909]]
[[File:Bengt -Åke.JPG|thumb|140px|Bengt-Åke Gustafsson, 2008]]
*[[Adam Alsing]], (1968 in Karlstad – 2020) TV and radio presenter
*[[Johanna Anderson]], (1856—1904) Baptist missionary in Burma
*[[Adolph Olson Eberhart]], (1870 in Kil – 1944), [[Swedish-American]] [[Governor of Minnesota]]
*[[August Hjalmar Edgren]] (1840 in Östanås – 1903), [[Swedish-American]] [[linguistics]] professor
*[[John Alexis Edgren]] (1839 in Östanås – 1908), [[Swedish-American]] Minister
*[[Nils Ericson]] (1802 in Langbanshyttan – 1870), inventor and mechanical engineer
*[[John Ericsson]] (1803 in Langbanshyttan – 1889), inventor and mechanical engineer.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Ericsson, John |volume= 9 | page = 740 |short= 1}}</ref>
*[[Lars Magnus Ericsson]], (1846 in Värmskog – 1926) inventor, founder of [[Ericsson]]
*[[Tage Erlander]], (1901 in Ransäter – 1985) [[Prime Minister of Sweden]], 1946-1969
*[[Nils Ferlin]],  (1898 in Karlstad - 1961) poet and lyricist.
*[[Gustaf Fröding]], (1860 in Alster – 1911) poet and writer
*[[Erik Gustaf Geijer]], (1783 in Ransäter – 1847) writer, historian, poet, philosopher and composer.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Geijer, Erik Gustaf |volume= 11 | pages = 551&ndash;552 |short= 1}}</ref>
*[[Göran Hägglund]], (born 1959 in Degerfors)  [[Minister for Health and Social Affairs (Sweden)|Minister for Social Affairs]], 2006-2014
*[[Selma Lagerlöf]], (1858 in Mårbacka – 1940) author and teacher
*[[Zarah Leander]], (1907 in Karlstad – 1981) singer and actress
*[[Bruce Magnuson]], (1909–1995) former leader of the [[Communist Party of Canada]]
*Oscar F. Mossberg, (1866–1937) [[Swedish-American]] manufacture of firearms, co-founder of [[O.F. Mossberg & Sons]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Sandqvist |first=Anders |date=27 October 2016 |title=Svenska släkten som har beväpnat Amerika |trans-title= The Swedish family that has armed America |url=http://www.expressen.se/geo/svenska-slakten-som-har-bevapnat-amerika/ |language=sv |newspaper=[[Expressen]] |location=[[Stockholm]] |publisher=AB Kvällstidningen Expressen |access-date=27 October 2016 }}</ref>
*[[Adolf Noreen]], (1854 in Östra Ämtervik – 1925) linguist
*[[Harry Nyquist]], (1889 in Filsby – 1976) physicist and electronic engineer 
*[[Victor Sjöström]], (1879 in Årjäng – 1960) film director, screen writer and actor
*[[Mia Skäringer]], (born 1976 in Kristinehamn) actress and comedian
*[[Esaias Tegnér]] (1782 in Kyrkerud – 1846) writer, professor of the Greek language and bishop.<ref>{{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Tegnér, Esaias |volume= 26 |last= Gosse |first= Edmund William |author-link= Edmund William Gosse| pages = 505&ndash;506|short=1}}</ref>
*[[Sten Tolgfors]], (born 1966 in Forshaga) arms lobbyist and former Minister for Defence
*[[Göran Tunström]], (1937 in Borgvik – 2000) author.
*[[Östen Undén]], (1886 in Karlstad – 1974) [[Minister for Foreign Affairs (Sweden)|Minister for Foreign Affairs]], 1924–1926 and 1945–1962
*[[Monica Zetterlund]], (1937 in Hagfors – 2005) jazz singer and actress.

=== Sport ===
*[[Gunnar Andersson (footballer)|Gunnar Andersson]], (1928 in Arvika – 1969) former footballer, famous in [[Olympique de Marseille]]
*[[Marcus Berg]], (born 1986 in Torsby) former football player
*[[Andreas Bergwall]], (born 1974) [[bandy]] goalkeeper
*[[Kenny Bräck]], (born 1966 in Arvika) former race car driver, [[1999 Indianapolis 500|1999 Indy 500 Winner]]
*[[Sven-Göran Eriksson]], (born 1948 in Sunne – 2024) football coach, former [[England national football team|England]] head coach
*[[Bengt-Åke Gustafsson]], (born 1958 in Karlskoga) former ice hockey player and head coach of [[Sweden men's national ice hockey team]]
*[[Stefan Holm]],  (born 1976 in Forshaga) former high jumper, gold medallist at the [[2004 Summer Olympics]]
*[[Willy Lindström]], (born 1951 in Grums) former ice hockey player and twice winner of [[Stanley Cup]] 
*[[Lina Länsberg]], (born 1982 in Karlstad) [[Mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] and twice [[International Federation of Muaythai Associations|IFMA]] gold medalist
* [[Ulf Sterner]], (born 1951 in [[Deje]]), former ice hockey player
*[[Ola Toivonen]], (born 1986 in Degerfors) former football player
*[[Thomas Wassberg]], (born 1956 in Lennartsfors) former [[Cross-country skiing (sport)|cross-country skier]], four times Olympic gold medallist

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |last=Norberg |first=Johan |title=Den svenska liberalismens historia |date=1999 |publisher=Timbro |isbn=978-91-7566-429-3 |edition=2 |location=Stockholm |language=sv}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{AmCyc Poster|Wermland}}
*{{in lang|en}} [https://visitvarmland.com/en/ Visit Värmland] - Tourist site
*{{in lang|sv}} [http://www.varmland.se/ Värmland] - Tourist site


{{Provinces of Sweden}}
{{Authority control}}{{Coord|59|45|N|13|15|E|region:SE_type:adm1st_source:GNS-enwiki|display=title}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Varmland}}
[[Category:Värmland| ]]
[[Category:Provinces of Sweden]]