STORIES OF VÄRMLAND
Svea Landschoof’s gut feeling and pursuit of tranquility led her from Flensburg, via Ottawa, Berlin, and Stockholm, to finally settle in Deje. Thanks to her journey from city life to the nature-rich region of Värmland, her passion for photography and storytelling can truly flourish.
“Värmland Truly Is the Heart of Sweden. I hope more people discover this wonderful place and everything it has to offer. There’s so much to tell, and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.”
It all began in Flensburg, Germany, near the Danish border, when thirteen-year-old Svea declared she wanted to become a photographer. The old, slow digital camera she hadn’t been allowed to play with as a child suddenly opened up an entirely new world.
From Canada and Berlin to Sweden
Svea loves getting to know new people, places, and cultures. But after working as an au pair in Canada and studying photography in Berlin for many years, she found the noise overwhelming and didn’t feel at home.
“As soon as I could, I’d leave Berlin to walk in the forest or hike in the mountains. I knew I wanted to move, but not where to – and then I visited a friend in Stockholm in 2019 and immediately felt a warm, welcoming vibe.”
Värmland Truly Is the Heart of Sweden. I hope more people discover this wonderful place and everything it has to offer. There’s so much to tell, and I feel like I’ve only just scratched the surface.
Svea Landschoof
Photographer & Influencer
Back in Germany, she began studying Swedish, learning everything she could about Swedish culture, saving money, and gathering information about moving to Sweden. A weekend in Stockholm wasn’t enough, so Svea planned a month-long road trip to truly get to know the country.
As a teenager, she had met a Swedish guy online, and when Facebook came along, he became one of her first friends. They kept in touch once a year and had never met in person – until she moved to Stockholm and he reached out. The rest is history.
“It wasn’t David who made me move – it was my love for Sweden. But he turned out to be a pretty nice bonus.”
They wanted to buy a house but didn’t feel it was financially possible in Stockholm. David didn’t want to move back to northern Sweden, and Svea didn’t want to go south – so they started looking sideways. Suddenly, the perfect house appeared.
“We had no real connection to Värmland, but when we came to the viewing, my gut feeling was so strong that the first house we looked at became the one we bought. We really love it here – forest on two sides, a beautiful lake, and a field with moose outside the window. We can be private or social, depending on what we feel like.”
Feeling at Home from Day One
Svea has felt at home from the very beginning, with daily access to nature and the ability to use the location as a practical hub for her freelance life. As both a photographer and content creator, being close to Oslo, Stockholm, and Gothenburg is important.
“As a photographer, you need to be able to work with people. I’m friendly and can help others feel safe and relaxed. It’s fascinating to freeze time and preserve a moment forever.”
Instagram is my way of showing the world how amazing Värmland is. Every photo I take and every story I share is part of my love letter to this place. The nature, of course – but also the culture, the kind people, and the great weather.
Svea Landschoof
Photographer & Influencer
Svea’s Instagram, where she shares her life and work, has become a tribute to Värmland. With over 40,000 followers, her stories and photos from the region have gained wide attention, and she’s become an unexpected ambassador for Värmland.
“Instagram is my way of showing the world how amazing Värmland is. Every photo I take and every story I share is part of my love letter to this place. The nature, of course – but also the culture, the kind people, and the great weather. When my followers reach out and say they’ve been inspired to book a trip, it makes me happy. Värmland is underrated!”
Svea’s Favorite Places in Värmland:
- Tossebergsklätten, Sunne
- Örtensborg, Molkom
- Hornkullens Silver Mine, Filipstad
- Storkasberget Viewpoint, Arvika
- Brattfallet, Hagfors
- Älvsbacka Beach, Molkom
- Wiksfors Bruk, Säffle
- Rotnäs Farm Shop, Karlstad
- Lurö Archipelago, Säffle
- Hammarö Southern Tip, Hammarö
Text: Joacim Lundin
Images: Svea Landschoof