Kristinehamn

Kristinehamn, city (1990 pop. 19,340), Värmland co., S central Sweden, a port on Lake Vänern. The city was first chartered in 1582 as Bro. It was rechartered in 1642 by Queen Christina and renamed Kristinehamn. Its main products are iron and wood.

Kristinehamn is a town (pop. around 18.000) in the province Värmland in western Sweden and the seat of Kristinehamn Municipality, Värmland County.

Geography

Kristinehamn is situated by the shores of lake Vänern. To be precise, it is situated where the small rivers Varnan and Löt drain into the lake.

It has a harbour and is a railroad and road transportation center.

Nearby towns include Karlskoga and Karlstad and is located exactly in the middle of Oslo, Stockholm and Gothenburg with 250 km to each of them.

History

The location has had a resident population for centuries, at least since the stone age time. The town was then built alongside the bridge over river Varnan. Its name was Broo (or Bro) until 1642, and "Bro" literally means "Bridge" in Swedish.

Kristinehamn got a Royal Charter for the first time in 1582 but lost it in 1584, and regained it in 1642, and changed its name in honour of the monarch Queen Christina of Sweden. It thus qualifies as one of Sweden's historical cities. Its city arms were designated with a bojort, which is a Dutch ship in use in the 17th century.

Sites of interest

• By the shores of lake Vänern stands this 15 meter high Pablo Picasso statue since 1965.
• The oldest runestone in the county of Värmland which is located in Järsberg around 1 km outside the city, with origin back to 500 BC. Latest interpretation of the runes made by Sven B F Jansson. Quotation: "My name is "Ljuv". My name is "Ravn". Me "Eril" am making the runes". A pearl from the same period of time has been found in the area.
• Kristinehamn Church was designed by professor C.G Brunius and was first opened in 1858. The church also has a museum in the sanctuary gallery that is worth a visit because of its unique architecture.

References