Karlstad is the largest city in Värmland, also called the county of poets. It's the hometown of writers and poets Gustaf Fröding and Nils Ferlin. Actress and singer Zarah Leander and writer Selma Lagerlöf also lived and worked in this county. The city is beautifully situated by the north shore of lake, and here you find the Värmland Opera, as well as the Värmland theatre. Karlstad is a perfect starting point for a canoeing holiday along the river Klarälven.