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 are 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 at
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 incorporated 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 The third city was Filipstad in 1611; however, its privilege was revoked in 1694 after a devastating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 where they centred were known as
Finnmark. They kept their
Finn customs and language until the late 19th century.
; "Värmland")
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