Värmland
is a
historical province or
landskap in the west of middle
Sweden. It borders
Västergötland,
Dalsland,
Dalarna,
Västmanland and
Närke. It is also bounded by
Norway in the west. Its
Latin name is
Wermelandia; its English derivative is
Wermland or similar variation. The origin of the name is uncertain. It may refer to a lake by that name, or to a river.
Provinces serve no administrative function in Sweden today. Instead, that function is served by
Counties of Sweden; however, in many instances a county has virtually the same border as the province, which is the case with Värmland and its corresponding county
Värmland County. The main exception is a smaller part to the south east which belongs to
Örebro County.
Population
The population of Värmland is 312,966 as of 2004. It distributes over three counties as follows:
The province was scarcely populated in the
pre-historic age compared to Sweden's southern half. Its 5,500 registered ancient remains are few, compared to other areas. The province was considered to be of minor importance in the Swedish Realm. There is however interesting histories told by
Snorri Sturlasson about Värmland in the 13th century. It extends back to
Ingjald Illråde a legendary king in the 7th century.
The early history was not only strongly influenced by the proximity to Västergötland, but also with its western neighbour
Norway. When Sweden was in war with Norway, it had a strong effect on Värmland too. In 1225,
Haakon IV of Norway (
Haakon the Old) invaded Sweden and burnt down all villages if they did not pay a ransom. This feud was eventually settled in 1249.
Värmland was originally considered a part of
Götaland, and had a strong connection to its southern neighbour
Västergötland. In 1815 it was counted into
Svealand. Eastern Värmland traditionally belongs to the
Bergslagen area, Sweden's central mining district.
In
1582, Värmland was granted its first city,
Kristinehamn, but had its privilege revoked. Värmland was granted its second city,
Karlstad, in
1584, on the northern shore of lake
Vänern. The third city was
Filipstad in
1611; however, its privilege was revoked in 1694 after a devastating fire.
The early 17th century marked the beginning of a substantial immigration from
Finland. The areas were they centred were known as
Finnmark. They kept their Finn customs and language until the late 19th century.
Heraldry
Arms were granted in
1560, when it depicted a beaver. This was however too similar to that of
Medelpad. In
1567 it was revised into an
eagle. In the late
17th century the eagle was black. In 1936 it got its current
blazon, when the eagle became blue. Blazon: "Argent, an Eagle displayed Azure beaked, langued and membered Gules."
Dukes
Since
1772, Sweden's Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces in Sweden. This is solely a nominal title.
* Prince Carl Adolf (
1798)
*
Crown Prince Gustaf (from his birth in
1858 until he became King in
1907)
*
Prince Carl Philip (
1979-)
The largest lake is
Vänern. Most streams of importance lead to Vänern. However, the province is rich in small lakes, ponds and streams. The scenic nature with mountains and lakes is usually regarded among the most picturesque in Sweden, and has inspired painters and writers since the
19th century.
Before the term "Swedish city" were discontinued in 1971, seven towns had been given that distinction, by being granted a
royal charter. These were:
Arvika (charter in
1911),
Filipstad (
1611),
Hagfors (
1950),
Karlskoga (
1940),
Karlstad (
1584),
Kristinehamn (
1642),
Säffle (
1951).
Western Värmland
There are several mountain plateaus in the western part of Värmland, which is in the
Scandinavian mountain range. The highest elevations are found in the northern parts, with plateaus of 500-700 meters. Here is also the highest mountain top found, the
Granberget at Höljes, 701
meters.
Eastern Värmland
The eastern parts of Värmland is counted into the
Bergslagen, the
Central Swedish Mining District. Its terrain is rather hilly, but a few high altitude hills are present:
Hvitklinten (414 m.),
Dalkarlsberget (450 m.) and
Vålbergsrös (476 m.). This part of Värmland is rich on minerals, most notably
iron ore which exists in large quantities. Some notable sites in this area are around
Långban and
Nordmark Hundred. In the south-east, the ridge of
Kilsbergen marks the border to
Närke.
Some notable natives:
*
Sven-Göran Eriksson, football (soccer) coach
*
Tage Erlander, prime minister
*
Nils Ferlin, poet
*
Gustaf Fröding, poet
*
Selma Lagerlöf, author
*
Monica Zetterlund, singer actress
*
Andrew L. Skoog, Hymn Composer
Sweden's provinces were sub-divided into
hundreds or districts. Värmland was historically divided into
chartered cities and districts. One district formed part of
Bergslagen and was a mountain district, and all the other districts were
hundreds.
*
Värmland - Tourist site
