Dine with the priests Mogens & Lena in a historical mansion
Culture & History
The Story.
Imagine you are driving through the deep, enchanting forests of Sweden. You have got your best friends with you, and there’s a mischievous glint in the air, a premonition that something thrilling is about to happen. Perhaps it’s the atmospheric fog lingering below the treeline, or the surreal setting of the myths and legends of Lapland. All of a sudden, you stop in front of a great historic mansion. Today the mansion stands frozen in time; a glorious relic of the notorious era of the roaring twenties.
Curious, you step inside the imposing front door and are immediately thrown back in time. Clothes are exchanged for authentic 1920’s attire and you are handed a Mary Pickford cocktail to enjoy whilst your charming host gives you a tour of the residence. You explore the property and its enigmatic atmosphere, each room revealing something more spectacular than the last and finally in an unexpected plot twist you are introduced to your two chefs for the evening a Priest couple, Lena and Mogens.
Delight in the wild and outlandish stories regaled by your local hosts over a sumptuous three-course feast, with dishes hand selected from a legendary cookbook that’s over 100 years old. Finish the evening in true flapper style in the glamorous salon where you will enjoy listening to gramophone music from the 1920s and 30s while Mogens, Lena and your host reveal incredible secrets about life in the village and the surrounding wilderness. Relish these thrilling stories you won’t read in any book. Perhaps Lena or Mogens will ask you to dance?
If you are interested in meeting genuine locals to take a “once in a lifetime” story to home with you then you will not be disappointed, although perhaps the tale will be so outrageous that no one will believe you when you attempt to share it…
The Profile.
This is the story of two priests who found the perfect place to combine work, family life and wilderness activities.
Lena who was born and raised on a farm outside Hudiksvall was an active scout growing up. She began her religious studies in 1994 in Umeå and was ordained a priest for Luleå diocese in 2000. She first met her future husband Mogens at a priest meeting in Skellefteå in 2003 and two years later she moved to the village where they would also marry. Even though Lena looks like an innocent female priest she has a licence to kill – moose! She is active in the village’s hunting team and anyone who doesn’t think priests love dancing should watch out for her hidden talents.
Mogens was born into the Danish minority in northern Germany, an educated theologian from Aarhus University in Denmark, he studied his Masters in Kyoto, Japan. During his studies he got the opportunity to work on development projects in East Africa. After his exams he worked in the student parish of Aarhus and in 2003 he became a priest in the village where he later married Lena. Mogens has been working as a mobile priest for the Swedish Church abroad since 2015 so has lots of interesting stories from his travels. He has travelled to various places including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea, Japan and the Philippines. As a “flying priest”, he is a celebrant for worship, performs baptisms, weddings and confirmations. He also participates at various events organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Swedish companies or embassies. Less glamourous work is when he visits imprisoned Swedes who wish to make confession and these stories of course are the only ones he cannot divulge.
Story includes:
- Private access to a historical Swedish mansion
- A welcome artisan cocktail & meet & greet with hosts
- Guided tour of the Art Deco property
- 1920´s / 30´s outfits to borrow for the evening
- 3 course menu including drink
- Personal stories from Mogens, Lena and your charming host for you to bring home
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
sleep over in the mansion, excursions, wilderness safari, adventure, hunting, workshop
Price Range:
from €€€
A Stockholm design tour with Trend Stefan
Culture & History
The Story.
Sign up for the ultimate design tour with Sweden’s most famous style expert – Trend Stefan –experience the best Swedish fashion, interiors, industrial and graphic designs, including local artisan crafts. On this tour he will point out the most interesting highlights of design and lifestyle in the two contrasting neighbourhoods of Östermalm and Södermalm. The day will begin at the internationally revered traditional design store Svensk Tenn where you will experience unique design classics, explore Swedish aesthetics and learn about design heritage. From here you will explore a variety of shops featuring 1950´s style, famous Swedish rugs, vintage inspired designs, contemporary style interior, and original antiques. While you meander around Trend Stefan will enlighten you with stories about Stockholm and its trends. Including the history of Folkhemmet and IKEA, and why in 2000 Wallpaper magazine named Stockholm the “world’s coolest city”.
You will be shown some of Östermalm’s more up-scaled eateries and the coolest hang-outs including a visit to the legendary food court Saluhallen. You will get the opportunity to discover the newest emerging fashion designers around Biblioteksgatan too. Then we go to Södermalm where Trend Stefan will take you on a “behind-the-scenes” experience along Götgatan and SoFo. You will have the opportunity to dive into Stockholm’s hipster scene, to get inspiration from the diverse boho-chic people and to discover some cool boutiques, cafes and bars. We will end the tour with your choice of an Italian coffee, a freshly pressed juice or a yummy cocktail with an opportunity to sum up your insider design experiences – amazing inspirational design stories to bring home!
The Profile.
Trend Stefan is recognized as one of the foremost trend scouts of Sweden, listed by Swedish magazine Rum, as one of the most influential people in the design industry. He regularly lends his expertise to TV, radio and magazines where he uncovers the latest trends for interior design and shopping. Trend Stefan is constantly seeking out new phenomena in interior, design, lifestyle, fashion, food and living. He also travels the world to keep up with international trends in retail and shopping habits too.
Trend Stefan has solid foundations in the trend and design industry. Before he founded the Trendgruppen PR agency, Trend Stefan ran his own design store on Sveavägen, worked with computer games during the IT boom and spent time at Svensk Form as marketing manager. His media career began as a trend scout on Radio Stockholm and later as one of the guys of Swedish version of Fab 5 (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy).
Trend Stefan is also the initiator behind the the gallery “Designgalleriet”. Today, Stefan has reoccurring assignments as a trend analyst on TV4 Nyhetsmorgon and writes for magazines such as QX, DN Bostad and Hus & Hem. In his spare time, Trend Stefan enjoys playing computer games and walking his beagle dog.
How do you become a trendguru anyway? What did Trend Stefan do with the Lemurs at Skansen? Who did Trend Stefan train to give better media interviews? How did he end up in Japan with “America’s Best Housewife” Martha Stewart? Where in Stockholm do you find the real design coops? What’s hot and will be in fashion for next year?
Story includes:
- Private walking tour in central stockholm
- In-depth knowledge about Swedish design heritage
- “behind the scene” visits to selected design shops
- Subway ticket
- Coffee break
- Wrap up drink
- Personal stories to bring home from Trend Stefan
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
Design & craft workshop, home styling workshop, flower and plant workshop
Price Range:
from €
Paranormal activities with Andreas Österlund & LaxTon
Culture & History
The Story.
This Paranormal happening is not another generic experience! We offer you a unique opportunity to step into the paranormal world in collaboration with Sweden’s foremost specialists in the field. This is your chance to experience something supernatural up close. If that is not enough, this rare activity opens the door to some of Sweden´s most famous and mystic addresses. Your metaphysical phenomenon will occur in one of many possible locations; including perhaps an ancient manor house, an historic castle, an old rectory, or an abandoned building no longer accessible to the public. The evening begins with a briefing about the property´s dark history and once inside, you will get to test the latest equipment to see what is actually hiding in the darkness. Using EMF readers and Spirit Boxes through to more modern devices used on classic “ghost hunts”.
Your role will be to place cameras and instruments to measure electromagnetic and static fields. Observing movements and temperature changes you will to wander around to feel the atmosphere of the haunted place. Don´t be surprised if the team sends you down alone into the cellar with one of the gadgets. While you wait for the first signs of paranormal activity Andreas will introduce you to the Ouija board and share with you more about his life as a medium.
Your private metaphysical evening will be an adventure of a lifetime. Anything is possible if you open you just open up your senses. The most skeptical people will have their worldview shaken in a crazy mix of adrenaline, fear, humour, warmth and love. This is your chance to explore some exciting, thrilling and historical places including those that exist beyond our known reality – a paranormal story to bring home.
The Profile.
Behind the paranormal activity experience, you will find a dream team of Swedish ghost hunters, mediums and producers.
Andreas Österlund is one of Sweden’s most respected mediums, known from the famous TV series The Unknown (Det Okända), his own YouTube series The Creeps (Kalla Kårar) and Dplay’s success story of Ghost Hunt (Spökjakt). On his side you will find his girlfriend and fellow medium Jenny Hamren. They are always on the road together to visit haunted places.
The LaxTon was founded by brothers Tony Martinsson and Niclas Laaksonen in 2014. The duo make up Sweden´s leading paranormal investigating team. They search for paranormal phenomena, supernatural events that cannot be explained by science, that take place in Sweden and the rest of the world.
Their interest in the paranormal was aroused in the 1980’s when they were involved in a tragic family event and a series of unexplained activities took place. They became ghost hunters and not a medium team because their investigations use the latest technology. They have published a book, they visit the most haunted places, they participate in a tv series with the eminent Jocke and Jonna and most recently you will see them in the Dplay´s series “Ghost Hunt” (Spökjakt).
Lastly Fred Andersson is a feature producer and editor of The Unknown and Ghost Hunt. Part of his job is to detect haunted houses in Sweden and dig into their dark background story. He also works as occultist and author. He has plenty of knowledge and expertise from TV productions and a personal involvement in the esoteric sphere so he is the perfect companion to experience this with you.
Story includes:
- Introduction of the activity and background story to the haunted plot
- Private access to a haunted property
- Use of paranormal equipment
- Skill building activities on ghost hunting techniques
- Beverage and snacks during the workshop
- Personal “scary” stories to bring home
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
private dinner, readings, workshops
Price Range:
from €€
Magic Tornedalen with cultural entrepreneur Gunhild Stensmyr
Culture & History
The Story.
Gunhild and her team will host you for at least two nights at the private Arthotel beside the Torneälven river. Her place is a treasure for art lovers and design enthusiasts alike. Her private art collection includes works by some of the most well-known Swedish artists living today, and the interior design is a perfect blend between contemporary and modern and antique. As soon as you have settled in here you will feel your pace of life change. Tornedalen is an exciting place right on the border between Sweden and Finland with a rich history and a fantastic cultural heritage where Swedish, Finnish, Tornedalian and Sami culture are combined – both in language, business, culture and gastronomy. During your stay, you will get the opportunity to experience parts of this secluded place, to meet and learn from local producers and to taste some of the fantastic ingredients Tornedalen has to offer.
Gunhild wants to show the richness of Nordic and Scandinavian food with its connection to the wild origins. The food is all locally produced. Gunhild´s relatives and friends hunt and fish, they pick mushrooms and berries, the villagers bake bread, pitch honey and your housekeeper Simmi cooks your fresh meals every day. Between the home-made meals we will take you on different wildlife excursions and adventures in the surrounding wilderness. Depending on season and weather Gunhild offers plenty of activities, everything from a river boat trip and hunting to dog sledding. She will offer a guided cultural tour around Torneälv, where you will learn about Tornedalen’s history and lifestyle. Our aim is to bring you really close to the local life, introduce you to the villagers and people who value their local traditions. One thing we can promise you is that the moment you leave you will be craving to return and to create more stories to bring home with you!
The Profile.
Gunhild Stensmyr is a well-known cultural entrepreneur in Sweden. She has been active in the art scene around Sweden for many years and has been praised several times for her work and engagement. She was born and raised in Tornedalen with a bachelor’s degree in Archeology, Ethnology and Art History from Lund University. Her early career started as curator and art gallery manager at Bildmuseet and Norrtälje Konsthall. In 1997 she created her own education and consulting company: NICE – NETWORK IN CULTURE. With a talent for culture and art she has been hired as an expert by the EU, state, regions, and municipalities to perform consulting assignments for different municipalities and county councils. Between 2002 and 2012 Gunhild built and managed Skärets konsthall in Höganäs municipality but the strong roots in Tornedalen made her return to her home village for her current project – the Artvillage that has a hotel and art exhibition space.
Her vision is to transform her village of Vitsaniemi-Risudden to a new cultural hotspot in Sweden. The unique hotel is the first development of the cultural destination, inaugurated in 2013. It consists of a variety of charming accommodations, ranging from sleek rooms and cozy cottages to old forest houses and a luxury villa. The art space “Konsthall Tornedalen” is still in progress. Gunhild loves to share her playground by Torneälv with her guests and showcase the best secrets of Tornedalen. Choose between enjoying magical summer nights with the midnight sun or the spectacular Northern Lights during constant darkness of winter. Gunhild´s hotel is one of the most remarkable hideaways of Northern Sweden, no matter the season.
What does moose or reindeer meat taste like? What did princess Victoria and Prince Daniel do at Gunhild´s hotel? What famous artwork hangs on the walls in the hotel? What dramas are going on inbetween the Swedish and Finnish border region? Where is Gunhild´s secret place in Tornedalen?
Story includes:
- Minimum two nights in a room or house category of your choice
- Welcome drink & Tornedals tapas
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, evening meal, supper
- Introduction to the art collection and property´s background with Gunhild
- Excursion to the Luppioberget, a viewpoint overlooking the “Amazon of Sweden”
- Visit to the lookout tower
- Meet the locals with fika
- Sauna experience
- Local give away gift
- Personal stories to bring home from Gunhild Stensmyr
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
dine with the locals, private dinner in a scenic place, outdoor cooking, food workshop, boat trip, nature bath, art & craft workshop, Nordic skiing, hiking, dog sledding, snow mobile, canoeing, ice fishing, river fishing, old time fishing, wildlife hunting, bird hunting, bear watching, reindeer herding, picking berries and mushrooms, guided culture tours, arctic night forest our, midnight sun tour, northern light tour, do it twice new year celebration, Santa Claus excursion
Price Range:
from €€
Privé dinner with Kajsa Bergqvist & Josefin Holmqvist
Culture & History
The Story.
Kajsa Bergqvist has always had a passion for fine wine and gourmet cooking and Josefin Holmqvist has a wealth of experience from working in the restaurant and bars of Stockholm. With this perfect combination of skills, they will host a magnificent supper experience in their turn-of-the-century villa on an island nearby Lidingö. The evening begins with a wonderful boat journey from Stockholm to Lidingö and upon arrival you will be welcomed by your hosts. Whilst you walk around their beautiful garden savouring champagne and snacks the couple will introduce you to the history of the island. Answering as to why there are so many oaks and no pine trees? Why the island became well-known as the “Opera island”.
Once inside, you will get a private tour around the villa and listen to insider stories about the decadent parties in 40´s when the tenor Conny Söderström and his wife lived here. Conny’s oil portrait still hangs in a place of honour to perfectly connect the past with the present. Your dinner takes place in the spectacular salon in a warm atmosphere, surrounded by lush plants, interior design accessories and vintage furniture. This place looks like it is a feature in Vogue Living magazine. The exclusive 3-5 course menu and selected wines will be served by the hosts themselves and Kajsa and Josefin will entertain you throughout the evening with their personal stories, small happenings and surprises. After coffee and dessert the boat will sail you back to the mainland again. Sign up for this exclusive privé dinner and bring home the insider stories from the charming “Opera island”.
The Profile.
Most will know Kajsa Bergqvist as the Swedish high jumper hero at many international sporting events. She had her international breakthrough at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, where she won the bronze medal. Since then the medals have kept coming with, amongst others, one gold and two bronze medals in the World Championships in Athletics and one gold and one bronze in the European Championships. In 2002 she had her strongest season to date with a total of 14 wins from 17 competitions, and she became European champion and vice world champion. In 2008 she announced that she would retire from high jumping, after being ranked the number one female high jumper in the world. She then found her life entering “a new phase” and the motivation to keep competing was no longer there.
She has a degree in Advertising from Dallas university, she lived in Monaco in her hey-days and works currently as tv presenter for Swedish sport tv channels. Today Kajsa is happily married with Josefin Holmqvist, a woman who works at one of the most famous restaurants in Stockholm. Josefin´s passion is to mix cocktails like the female version of Tom Cruise in “Top Gun”. Together they have created a unique privé dinner concept in Stockholm, where guests dine behind closed doors at their private villa overlooking the beautiful archipelago of Stockholm.
What peculiar things happened when Kajsa purchased the villa? Why did sailors visit the islands frequently in the 18th century? Why did almost every oak disappear on the island? Which drink will Josefin shake like Tom Cruise for you? And what surprise has Kajsa prepared?
Story includes:
- Welcome drink & snacks
- Private home visit with property tour
- 3 to 5 course menu
- Selected wines and beverages
- Coffee and avec
- Lots of insider stories and history about the place
- Personal stories from Kajsa and Josefin
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
Boat transfer, Archipelago excursion, Cocktail or Wine workshop
Price Range:
from €€€
Culinary farm life experience with Christer & Eva
Culture & History
The Story.
When in Rome…, nothing could be more authentic than pulling up to an ancient manor house in a horse drawn carriage what a spectacular first impression of countryside life. Travelling with pure horse power you will pass the fields and hills which make this farm so picturesque. When you arrive at the farmhouse Christer and Eva will give you a warm welcome by serving an antipasti of their best farm products to satisfy your initial hunger. Then Christer will take you on a short walk around the barns, stables and other historical buildings to explain how an ecological farm works today. You will also meet the main protagonists of the farm – the red hill cattle – and get an in-depth explanation on their history. You will see a glimpse of animal farming behind closed doors.
Now laden with more knowledge about the red hill cows you are led into the restaurant´s kitchen. Together with your private chef you will help to prepare dinner and learn more about the local products and cooking methods. Your table will be set in the historical private manor and while the food is served you will listen to stories from the past from your hosts. Be prepared for some surprises and spontaneous activities during the dinner. At an old manor from the 19th century anything can happen. This experience might remind you of the classic television episode of “Dinner for One” but Christer and Eva conduct the dinner with lots of care, authenticity, and passion. They will make sure you won´t leave their estate without having had a exceptional experience – with a unique farming story to bring home.
The Profile.
Christer is an entrepreneurial farmer who is carrying on an eight-hundred-year tradition of breeding cows and cultivating the soil at Magda Manor. After almost two decades as an air force pilot he completed a further education in farming in order to follow his passion for agriculture and nature. He began his new rural life at the farm back in 2011 and his ambition is for sustainable farming, the exceptional care of Red Hill cows and to produce local organic food.
By his side is his life partner Eva, born and raised at Magda Manor, completes the ideology of a family farm. Even though Eva´s mother Monica is the actual owner of the estate, Eva makes sure to maintain the inherited traditions from her grandparents who once purchased the land. Eva used to work as a gardener at Julita Gård but today you will find her somewhere in the farm´s beautiful oak groves, where flowers, fruit trees and a variety of herbs and orchids grow. She also has a passion for antiques and you will find a mix of vintage furniture, home accessories and restored items in her storehouse shop.
Together they run a charming delicatessen shop and cafe and have now added a gourmet restaurant too by converting a former horse stable. Most meals are prepared from their own locally produced Red Hill beef, but you will also find a “catch of the day” from the nearby lake Hjälmaren. The farm restaurant is a tranquil oasis and rural getaway just 2 hours drive from Stockholm.
Discover why this farm is a pioneer in Sweden for organic farming? Hear how crazy it sounds when Christer calls his Red Hill cows in when it is time for dinner? How come Eva is known as the “apple queen”? What are Emil and Arvid doing in the fridge? And why does the singer Plura always return to stay at Magda?
Story includes:
- Welcome drink & local snacks
- Horse carriage
- Tour around the estate
- Meet the Red hill cattle
- Food workshop in the restaurant
- 3 course menu in a private manor
- Personal stories to bring home
When?
All the year around
Additional Activities:
Fishing, bird watching, digger drive, squad drive, boat trip, historical highlight tour in the area, rental of timbered historical cottage, farming workshop (be a farmer for a day), helicopter trip
Price Range:
from €€