Scan Magazine, Issue 104, September 2017

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Sweden’s Top Spa and Wellness Destinations

Photo: Björn Olfenius

Modern gastronomy served in the deep Swedish forest Between two lakes, in the middle of the lichen-draped forest, lies a very special Manor House – a place to indulge in award-winning gastronomy sustainably made in tune with nature; a haven where you can watch the starry sky from the hot spring or spot for beavers, black-throated divers or even moose from the water.

By Ulrika Kuoppa-Jones | Photos: Anette Andersson

Färna Herrgård & Spa (Färna Manor House & Spa) in the highly acclaimed beauty of Bergslagen, northwest of Stockholm in Sweden, is the ideal romantic getaway or stop for an energy-boosting conference or relaxing weekend. The manor house dates back to 1776 and its grounds have seen both iron and wood being refined. In 1994, it was turned into a hotel and conference centre with food certified

by Swedish organic label KRAV, listed

by Chaine des Rotisseurs and the White Guide.

“We are passionate about slow food and base the menu on sustainable and seasonal local ingredients,” says head chef and sommelier Inga-Lena Eriksson. “We have our own kitchen garden where we grow veggies and herbs. We also hold taster sessions of beverages, and serve a very popular afternoon tea. Everything is cooked and baked on our premises.”

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Färna Manor House & Spa works closely with local farmers, and Eriksson has spent ten years sourcing high-quality producers of food in the neighbourhood.

She jumps in the car to pick up cheese and other local produce directly from the farmers, which helps to build up a precious personal network.

says Sofie Andersson, director of marketing, with a big smile.

A shop is also found in a big barn on the premises, with hand-picked modern Scandinavian design items, interior design and clothes. “What overseas visitors seem to appreciate more than anything else is how pure and untouched nature is here,” says Andersson. “That you can walk in the forests for an hour without seeing another human being – and then come back to an exciting, hearty meal!”

Pure, untouched nature But there is more than good food to be enjoyed here. The Manor House is situated in an eco-park, which brings visitors a unique sense of closeness to nature. Any guest can go for a stroll in the deep forest, enjoying the unique Swedish foraging bylaws and picking local berries and mushrooms. “We offer a safari on a quiet boat, slowly moving up the lake and into the river. Sitting right by the water’s edge like this enables us to come up close and personal to wildlife like beaver, deer and black-throated divers – even moose!”

Web: www.farnaherrgard.se/en Facebook: www.facebook.com/ farnaherrgard