Home to a major university and the Karlstad cathedral, modest Karlstad is the capital of Värmland County and makes itself a home along Sweden’s longest river, the Klarälven, and is adjacent to the country’s largest lake, Vänern. Karlstad’s Town Square features a mix of traditional and modern Swedish buildings, while Mariebergsskogen, in the southern part of town, offers a small park. Karlstad is best treated as a base to access nearby natural areas. The World Rally Championship takes place in Karlstad every February.