Our Story
A Family-run B&B in Värmland
Born from a Bold Dream
Wärdshuset Klarälvdalen is a cozy family-run B&B in Värmland, located in the village of Sysslebäck. After moving from the Netherlands to Sweden at the end of 2018, our family of four (plus our dog Abbey) began a new chapter here.
We took over this historic building, which dates back to 1929. In March 2019—exactly 90 years after it first opened—we gave the house a fresh start by transforming it into the welcoming Bed and Breakfast it is today.
As a small, family-run B&B, we believe in continuous improvement and actively listening to our guests’ feedback, ensuring every stay is special.
Our Story
Our Story: A Bold Leap into the Heart of Värmland
For years, we shared a dream of starting a business abroad. Our search for a place where nature and hospitality meet eventually led us to the Klarälven valley in Värmland. In Sysslebäck, we found more than just a business; we found a home. We fell in love with the vast forests and the peaceful pace of life in the Swedish countryside. Today, we—Karin and Peter—are proud to run Wärdshuset Klarälvdalen, our cozy family-run B&B in Värmland.
If you would like to know more about our journey, our family, and how our beloved B&B came to be, you can read our full story below.
Chasing a Dream
The Three-Month Leap (2018)
Before taking the big leap, Sweden had already been our favorite holiday destination for six years. We spent countless vacations here during all four seasons, testing the waters and falling deeper in love with the landscape each time. Back in the Netherlands, life felt fast-paced and crowded. We wanted to slow down, break away from the daily rush, and find a place where we could truly feel alive.
There are always plenty of practical reasons not to move abroad. However, after a series of life events lined up, we decided it was time to turn our long-held dream into reality.
At the end of 2018, the opportunity arose. Peter managed to arrange a three-month leave from his IT career at the GVB (the public transport company) in Amsterdam. Our mission for those three months was clear: pack up with our children, Christian (14) and Anna (13), drive to Sweden, and find a small hotel, B&B, or holiday park to take over.
From ‘Wärdshuset Spader 2’ to Our New Home
Shortly after arriving, Karin got in touch with the owner of a charming, small-scale hotel in Sysslebäck, then called Wärdshuset Spader 2. The owner was looking for temporary help to run the place and mentioned it was actually up for sale.
While Karin jumped into the daily operations of the hotel, Peter used his hands to help renovate an old farmhouse in the area, and he regularly stopped by the hotel to look at its potential. The Torsby municipality was incredibly welcoming, allowing Christian and Anna to attend the local school in Sysslebäck for those trial months.
We quickly realized that we didn’t just see a business opportunity here—we saw our future. The three months flew by, and we decided we were never going back. In March 2019—exactly 90 years after the building first opened its doors—we officially took over the hotel.
The school in Sysslebäck was fantastic during this transition, providing a dedicated teacher to help Christian and Anna learn the Swedish language. They adapted beautifully and within just six weeks, they were already participating in most of the regular classes.
Fast forward to today: both Christian and Anna are now studying at Karlstad University. They have grown into independent, happy, and mature adults, speaking fluent Swedish and feeling completely at home here in our new homeland.
Preserving History with Modern Comfort
Our building originally served as a large family home before it was converted into a “Pensionat” in the early 1940s. Over the years, we have carried out several renovations to update the comfort of the house while staying true to its original character.
Today, our traditional family-run B&B in Värmland offers 7 guest rooms that combine this historic charm with modern updates. Our Swedish guests often tell us they appreciate the authentic atmosphere we’ve kept alive, while international travelers enjoy our cozy common space, complete with a coffee corner, satellite TV, and site-wide WIFI.
Renovations and Sustainability
The property required significant restoration when we arrived, a labor of love we handle ourselves while remaining open. In September 2019, we completed a major, sustainable upgrade by replacing the old oil boiler with an eco-friendly pellet system, supported by family members running a heating company.
Personal Pride and Home-Baked Breakfast
We run Wärdshuset Klarälvdalen ourselves, personally taking care of everything from the cleaning to the ongoing renovations. The positive reactions we receive from our guests make us very proud of the work we do.
We believe a good day starts with a solid breakfast, featuring our organic home-baked bread and Multi-Seed Crispbread. In the evenings, we also offer a small dinner menu exclusively for our guests, prepared with fresh products right here in our kitchen. You can find more details on our Dinner and Breakfast page.
Whether you speak English, Dutch, or German, we are here to help—and we are also steadily improving our Swedish along the way.
Traveling with Dogs and Local Amenities
Since our dog Abbey is a core part of our family, we understand that your holiday is only complete if your four-legged friend can join. In our family-run B&B in Värmland we have 2 specific dog-friendly family rooms available in our annex building, located behind the main house.
Within walking distance of our B&B, you can find the Klarälven river with its hiking trails, as well as local restaurants, a supermarket, and EV charging stations. For a local treat, visit Naturpralinen to enjoy Italian coffee, handmade ice cream, or even book a workshop to create your own chocolates. For extra relaxation, the Sysslebäcksbadet (renovated in 2024) offers a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub.
Experience the Peace of Sysslebäck
We invite you to experience the peaceful atmosphere of our B&B for yourself. Feel free to explore our rooms, read about our journey on our blog, or follow us on Instagram for regular updates.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sysslebäck!
– Karin & Peter
