Älvpromenaden

Stretching between Stadshotellet and Sandgrundsparken, the long quays of central Karlstad tell the story of both past and present. Once a bustling marketplace, the area had gradually turned into asphalt, car parks, and tourist bus stops. Now, the Älvpromenaden was about to reclaim its charm—roads and parking spaces would make way for public squares and pedestrian-friendly streets.

A place to pause and unwind

Our goal was to bring people back to this beautiful waterfront. We wanted to create a space where anyone could stop and enjoy the surroundings—at sunrise or sunset, whether arriving by foot, bike, or car. A peaceful setting that works just as well for quiet moments alone as for spontaneous gatherings.

The piers encourage visitors to get close to the water, while the pergolas offer a sense of shelter and a place to socialise. The seating islands? They’re yours to use however you like.

We put people back at the heart of Museigatan and brought history into the present

Inspired by timber rafting

The history of timber rafting and the former marketplace—where uniform paving once stretched from the building façades to the quays—served as the foundation for Älvpromenaden’s design.

A cohesive surface was created, unifying cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles under the same conditions, with a shared speed limit of 5 km/h. Square timber beams were incorporated into the paving, piers, pergolas, and seating areas, symbolising the floating logs of Karlstad’s past. Seen from a distance, they almost appear to drift across the shimmering stone surface.

Bringing stone to life

Speaking of shimmer — the team selected granite paving in varying sizes and finishes to reflect light and mirror the movement of the river. High-fired brick restored the pavement, creating a link to old Karlstad. This material choice seamlessly connects the Stadshotellet with the early 20th-century villas along the quay while also defining the boundary between the residential area and public spaces.

History, reimagined

Cultural heritage requires care and consideration. Preserving the biotope-protected pyramidal elms, originally planted in the 1930s, was a key aspect of the Älvpromenaden’s design. The historic cast-iron water pump, once a vital water source for the community, was reimagined as a modern feature. Now, it serves as a playful element for children.

And the statue of Sola i Karlstad? She was given a new, more dignified location.

The story doesn’t end here. We’ve also designed an extension for the historic Karlstad Stadshotell, currently under construction. And just like with the waterfront, the ambition is the same—to honour history while shaping it for today.