Want to participate in a one-of-a-kind foodie experience in Sweden? Look no further. Here are nine pioneers offering holistic food and drink experiences that aim to educate and inspire in equal parts, by way of local produce and keen collaborations with like-minded talents.
An organically certified cider farm, Köpings Musteri makes cider and juice with apples from Sweden's oldest commercial organic orchard. Take a 1.5-hour tasting tour of this fruity wonderland to learn about the orchard’s close to 40 apple varieties and drinks production – and how the climate, soil and other factors affect the taste. Enjoy a juice or cider tasting with a platter of cheese, cured meats and bread.
Set in beautiful nature by Lake Mälaren, Osprey Farm & Studio's ‘Long lunch' (långlunch)' concept centres on the farm’s diversity of vegetables, herbs and flowers, with which guest chefs create unique menus with sustainable principles at the forefront. Educational in style while celebrating creativity and craft beyond the art of cooking, this foodie experience includes a tour of Osprey's own ceramics studio and architecture.
This experience will have you re-evaluate many common garden weeds as delicious and sustainable ingredients. Guided by herbalist and wild food enthusiast Lisen Sundgren, you'll learn how to forage and cook edible plants. The Eat the Weeds ('Ät upp ogräset') excursions take place in beautiful settings such as Rosendals Trädgård – a much-loved green oasis in central Stockholm – and Osprey Farm & Studio, as well as other inspiring spots across Sweden.
Defining itself as a ‘Back to Nature’ break, Swedish Country Living offers experiences set in the beautiful nature of Dalsland. With accommodation in spacious country houses or off-grid cabins, packages include farmhouse breakfasts, lunch and dinner. Since you'll spend much of your time hiking or canoeing, packed lunches of the local variety are also on the menu. Sustainability is a crucial factor here and guests are given a guided tour to learn about Swedish Country Living's holistic approach to food, sustainable buildings and regenerative agriculture.
As the name suggests, Forest, food & fire ('Skog, mat & eld') is an experience focused on local produce cooked in the forest over an open fire. Hosted by Naturlogi, with accommodation in the form of cosy cottages, you'll be provided with locally sourced and home-grown ingredients. In tune with the seasons, the menu is ever-changing, with fuss-free recipes that allow quality produce to take centre stage.
Join the sustainable Swedish restaurant Musselbaren on a boat trip to west Sweden's Lyckorna fjord and its vast mussel bank. During this 4.5-hour adventure, you’ll learn everything about mussels and harvest your own catch. Back on land, participate in preparing the shellfish, and enjoy your ‘moules frites’ with fresh bread and aioli.
A hike to savour on the Gotaleden Trail ('Njutvandra Gotaleden') is an idyllic weekend hike and local food experience rolled into one. You’ll explore the Gotaleden Trail – running from Gothenburg to Alingsås – along with a string of small-scale food producers and restaurants on the way. As you reach Floda, lunch is served at Garveriet – a much-loved foodie destination celebrated for its focus on local produce. Nääs Fabriker Hotel & Restaurang is another highlight situated close to lake Sävelången in a 19th century cotton mill, with several shops in the area selling everything from cheese, bread and beer to clothes and design objects.
Eco-minded surf hub Surflogiet – situated by the sea on the island of Gotland – is keen to share and educate guests about the culinary heritage of the region. Throughout your beachside stay – between SUP and wave surfing sessions – you'll be invited to sample food cooked with locally sourced ingredients, from asparagus to lamb. Even the milkshakes are local, handmade with ice cream from the island.
Immersed in the beautiful nature of Skåne, Nyrups Naturhotell is much more than a hotel with good food. A stay here involves open-fire cooking with seasonal ingredients, locally sourced and delivered for you to prepare with friends or fellow guests. As you relax in these peaceful and hiking-friendly surroundings, you'll feel at one with nature, experiencing sustainable living and outdoor cooking – all giving you a confidence boost and a new set of life skills.
These nine pioneers were all nominees in the 2021 edition of the 360° Eat Guide ‘Experience’ category. 360° Eat Guide supports and rewards Nordic cuisine and food experiences that achieve culinary excellence in combination with sustainable practices. The nominees in the ‘Experience’ category cover a broad spectrum of food and drink experiences in Sweden. Scattered across the country, they all share a collaborative spirit and passion for inspiring and educating their guests with experiences that engage on a culinary and sustainable level.
