For Eva Eriksson, that’s exactly how it began, on that day 17 years ago. The dream of the countryside had begun to take root. That seed blossomed into a visit to the 18th-century farmstead about 20 kilometers north of Örebro.
– I fell in love with it right away. The charm of the lush garden, the surrounding nature, and the barns really stood out. The fact that it had once been a trading post—albeit a long time ago—also made me feel a pleasant sense of history. There really wasn’t much to think about.
No sooner said than done. Eva, who at the time ran an interior design shop in downtown Örebro, also opened a farm shop—which came to be known as Smultrongården. And before long, the farm became a favorite spot for many.
– We had a lot of visitors right from the first summer. It quickly became inspiring to develop the concept.
A popular shrimp sandwich with a little something extra
The concept, yes. In Smultrongården’s case, there isn’t just one concept; here, several elements come together to create the farm’s appeal. The shop, where carefully curated antiques are mixed with designer brands, and the café, featuring homemade baked goods made from original recipes and French dresses not found on the shelves of streamlined retail chains, are just some of the ingredients in Smultrongården’s recipe for success. Along with the universally acclaimed shrimp sandwich.
“The secret—if you can call it that—is really high-quality ingredients and our homemade mayonnaise. We often hear that our guests, just like us, appreciate the little details. The silver onion and Västerbotten cheese on top add that little extra touch, says Adam Eriksson, who runs the café at Smultrongården and who also came up with the dish’s name, Adam’s Luxury Shrimp Sandwich.
A slow travel destination
The food is one thing. But the overall atmosphere and experience are what keep many visitors around much longer than just for a quick shrimp sandwich on the go. Many people come to the family-owned Smultrongården—run by Adam (son) and Eva (mother)—simply to relax and slow down for a while.
“It’s not uncommon for people to sit in the garden and enjoy coffee and snacks for hours. They might start with a morning coffee, followed by a trip to the store, then lunch, and finally a rest in one of our hammocks into the afternoon. That’s exactly the kind of ‘slow travel’ destination we want to be,” says Eva.
A vibrant store that highlights what’s unique and authentic
Just a short distance from Smultrongården’s sweets, there are more discoveries that help visitors unwind. The gravel path right outside the farm is a walking trail that exudes rural charm, and for those who love swimming, both Norsebäcksbadet and Lake Lången are within easy reach. The hiking paradise of Mogetorp, cycling along the Dyltaslingan trail, the fascinating Frövifors Paper Mill Museum, and the small-scale production at Svalbo Café and Ceramics are also standout rural experiences in the area, perfect for a longer excursion into the region. With Smultrongården as the crowning jewel of the “take-it-easy” experience. There, more than just pastries are baked. New ideas are kneaded and brought to life, time and time again.
… rural experiences in the area that really stand out, and are perfect for a longer trip to the region. With Smultrongården as the crowning jewel of the laid-back experience.
“Relaxation is super important. But so is the fact that we can inspire people. Whether you’re a regular who visits us every week or you’re stopping by for the very first time, it should be an exciting experience. We want to be a vibrant store where, in addition to the latest trends, we hand-pick unique and authentic products you won’t find anywhere else,” says Adam.
One thing, however, has remained unchanged at Smultrongården. All these years. The soda tree, where the children of the family once gathered to hand out soft drinks, still stands firmly in the middle of the garden. And it is certainly a symbol. For Smultrongården, it is precisely this sense of family, this enduring authenticity, and this closeness to nature that make everything flourish.
