Julita Gård

Manor House Legacy

Nestled beside Lake Öljaren in western Södermanland, Julita Gård stands as a remarkably intact manor estate capturing rural life at the dawn of the 20th century. Donated to Nordiska Museet by its last private owner, Arthur Bäckström, in 1941, the property preserves original buildings, interiors, and landscapes that evoke the era's aristocratic countryside living. The main manor house, flanked by stables, carriage houses, and farm structures, forms a cohesive ensemble of red-painted wooden architecture typical of Swedish gentry estates.

The estate's layout reflects self-sufficient gentry operations, with spaces dedicated to agriculture, horticulture, and daily management. Visitors wander through rooms frozen in time, from grand salons to utilitarian kitchens, offering glimpses into the social hierarchies and domestic routines of the period.

Expansive Park and Lakeside Setting

The estate's park unfolds across expansive grounds sloping gently toward Lake Öljaren, blending manicured lawns, winding paths, and mature trees for leisurely strolls. Open year-round with free access, it serves as a serene outdoor haven even in off-seasons when indoor facilities close. Towering oaks and lindens frame vistas of the water, creating a picturesque backdrop that shifts with the seasons—from spring blossoms to autumn foliage.

Picnic spots abound amid the greenery, inviting visitors to linger with packed lunches amid the tranquil ambiance. The park's design emphasizes harmony between cultivated nature and wilder edges, embodying 19th-century landscape ideals.

Diverse Specialty Gardens

Julita Gård boasts an array of culture-historical gardens, each curated to showcase heritage horticulture. The kitchen garden supplies fresh produce in geometric plots, while the hop yard recalls brewing traditions. The rose garden bursts with heirloom varieties, and the peony garden features rare cultivars in vibrant displays during peak bloom.

The orchard spans over 300 fruit trees, including clone archive varieties preserved for genetic diversity. The orangery houses a prized collection of antique pelargoniums, their scents perfuming the air. These gardens highlight sustainable cultivation practices rooted in Sweden's agrarian past, with plants available for purchase during summer.

Seasonal Activities and Farm Life Exhibits

Summer brings guided tours through preserved interiors, revealing artifacts from daily manor operations. Exhibits in former barns display Nordiska Museet's vast agricultural collection, spanning from the 1500s to modern times with tools, vehicles, and archival materials. Family zones include play landscapes inspired by Pettson and Findus, blending education with recreation.

Events tied to the growing season—such as apple days and craft markets—animate the grounds, complemented by a museum shop offering sustainable country living goods and a café with local flavors.

Adjacent Culinary Haven

Julita Wärdshus, helmed by acclaimed chef Tommy Myllymäki, anchors the estate's gastronomic side. This inn serves seasonal lunches and dinners using regional ingredients, with reservations required for evenings. It extends the manor's hospitality tradition, pairing farm-fresh produce with innovative Swedish cuisine amid elegant surroundings.