Known for its great weather and dubbed the sunniest city in Sweden, Karlstad draws visitors primarily in the summer months, when the water and the surrounding countryside are best enjoyed. The many rivers and islands are great to explore on foot, while stripping off and splashing about with a kayak is practically compulsory. The large student population of this old port city on an island helps to keep its funky shops and cheap eats afloat, making Karlstad one of Sweden’s more unique and more affordable visitor destinations.