New in Karlstad ... on a late summer’s day

It was coming to the end of what I had heard had been a pretty rainy summer in Karlstad, university was starting, I was planning on taking on 14-16 hours work a week so as to cover some of my expenses, but at the same time I wanted adventure and to get out and see the world around me.

I started with seizing the opportunity of a sunny day to cycle around the city. Flower baskets still hung heavy with summer colours and although it was getting colder there was still a warm cheer in the air. I had however missed any chance to use the famous Karlstad boat busses that navigate the shoreline waters and channels of Vanern Lake.

I set off downhill ... and what a glorious downhill it is, although not steep, it is long and runs along the lake shore where, here and there, fishermen crouch by their basket of bait hoping for a bite. Dog walkers are making the most of this sunny day too and wagging tails told smelly stories. I cycled past one of the oldest allotment and cabin spots in Varmland, apparently started nearly a hundred years ago. Here the Swedes are able to grow flowers galore and of course fresh vegetables. Each little allotment has a tiny house on it, one or two roomed fitted into a cosy living room. Technically nobody is allowed to sleep on site but there were some pretty impressive day beds! I talked to one man who was out gardening and he said that his allotment had been handed down from his grandfather and that he used the little green spot as a bolt hole from his apartment in the city centre.

The island of Gubbholmen was the next lovely destination that the cycling path led me to. This is a small island (maybe a kilometre squared) with no vehicular traffic and no houses on it. Officially it is the only place in the city where you are able to drink alcohol publically and so many an impromptu picnic is held here as well as a few student parties!

There is a running track all the way around, perhaps a 20 minute walk, and although one is supposed to keep your dog on a leash while walking it, most Swedish dogs seem to be as rule abiding as the human population and so run around, happy and off the leash in a controlled manner.

Visible from the end of the island is the Ostra Bronn bridge, a lovely old stone bridge decked out, in summer at least, with flowers but open to vehicular traffic.

Into and through the city I pedalled. I did not call in at Stora Torget, the main square with its fountains and statues as I was looking for flowers, greenery and the last vestiges of hot summer memories, instead I steered towards Stadstrad garden where I locked up my bike and went for a wander. The gardens are beautifully kept and most of the trees are identified if you are a keen botanist. Here and there are benches, one of which I perched myself upon and watched the world go by.

Mariebergsskogen lies about fifteen minutes walk from Stadstrad gardens, or just a five minute cycle. The clouds were closing in slightly and I did not want to get wet should the Gods choose to send rain. The wonderful Swedish cycle path towards Mariebergsskogan runs alongside another large bay of the lake which now was busy with gulls and boats but in winter this section freezes over and becomes an ice rink. Mariebargsskogan is a mixture of things, primarily it is a wonderful playground for kids, but there is a cafe come natural history museum which is well worth a visit, lots of winding woodland paths, a boardwalk that leads out over the bag and onto the forested islands that have allowed a marsh to form (great for bird watching) and a large stage area where now and then activities are held. Most of all those there are plenty of places to settle down on green grass and be away from vehicle noise and the busyness of the city.

My cycle ride back home to Kronaparken took about 45 minutes and by the time I got there the threatening clouds had disappeared and the sun was out again and so I decided to keep going!

Kronaparken is nestled right between Campus and the University itself. Close by are many little forest walks, some of which have paths that are lit by street lights in the winter months and when the snow appears, become ski tracks that are maintained by the city council. Before and after the snow though, there are numerous points to get involved with outdoor gym equipment ... I cycled past all these I am afraid and headed out towards a lake that lies about a fifteen minute cycle from the uni. I had with me a flask of tea and some home-made biscuits.  Really I should have brought with me my swimmers but I was not brave enough to face the cold water ... and I was alone today.

The view was and is, exquisite. Fish nibbled at the water’s surface, further down shore a dog gambolled in and out of the water and then suddenly, just a few metres away from me, a snake began a slow glide across the bay. The late afternoon sun was warm on my face and as I sipped my hot tea and munched on my biscuit I thought that Yes! Karlstad was the right town to choose to study abroad in.

Now, before I sign off, I would like to say that I am not a shopping person in any way ... unless of course it comes to second hand! Karlstad, and in fact Sweden, is famous for its second hand shops but these were a treat to keep for rainy days when the winter cold was beginning to creep into my bones. (Another blog post coming)

Tips for Erasmus students:

• One great way to get to know Karlstad is by getting involved in the Hittaut challenge. Download the app or get a map in the local tourist information office and get exploring. The basic premise is orienteering, there are coloured poles to find and mark off, black being the most difficult and blue being the easiest. Log them as you find them and you will be entered into a prize-winning competition with the rest of Karlstad’s keen citizens.
• Another way to get out and about and learn some history as you go is by becoming a geo-cacher. Again, download the app and get exploring.

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