The birthplace of Gustaf Fröding

Alsters Herrgård is the countryside estate where Gustaf Fröding, one of Sweden’s most beloved national poets, was born in 1850. The estate consists of a 19th century new-classical style mansion house and several other earlier buildings set in verdant Värmland countryside. It lies 8 km east of Karlstad and is easy to get to by car, local and regional buses and even by bicycle.

In Sweden Gustaf Fröding is mentioned in the same breath as Selma Lagerlöf and August Strindberg; a pointer to his importance as a poet and his influence on the literary scene in Sweden during his lifetime. On the second floor of the main building you can follow the life history of the great poet, from his birth to his passing in 1911.

Fröding spent his childhood at Alsters Herrgård which was purchased by grandfather in 1837. The building you can visit today, which is a memorial to the poet, was completely renovated in 1839 and is a fabulous example of its type and architectural style of the time. In and around the estate there are various exhibitions that present the history of the estate from the 14th century to present day, as well as musical and cultural events. Don’t miss the guided tour if you want an insight into the environs that shaped Fröding’s later life. We might add that you can spend a perfect summer’s day here with lunch on the lawn and views across Lake Vänern from Alsters Herrgårdscafé. Although Alsters Herrgård is mainly a summertime attraction it puts on wonderful autumn and Xmas markets, that are well worth visiting.

 

Published date: 2010-03-03