After a trip in Fjärdhundraland, Sweden by Bike had the privilege of cycling to Brunnsta farm one summer evening for an overnight stay last summer. The room was as fresh as the reception was cordial. Ahead of the upcoming season, we take the opportunity to ask some questions to Lena Glantz Eriksson, who runs Brunnsta with her husband Göran.
If I am out cycling and would decide to sleep two nights with you at Brunnsta Gård, what do you suggest I do during my stay?
Brunnsta Gård is a perfect starting point for many activities. You can swim and fish in Lake Mälaren, then there are great opportunities for bird watching in Hjälstaviken. Not far away are visitor destinations such as Skokloster castle and in Bålsta there is Lasse Åberg's MusEum. Then you can easily walk in the woods and in the fields, Upplandsleden is close by.
You were early cyclists as a target group and have been turning to cyclists for decades. Why do you think cycling tourism in Sweden has started in earnest right now?
Cycling is a great way to experience nature and culture while keeping your own body in shape. Increased interest in the environment and climate as well as the growth of an increasing number of bicycle routes contribute.
At Brunnsta, a number of houses are close to each other as a "Bullerby". Can you tell us a short story about the farm's history?
When the ice age was over, the ground was raised and hills and heights formed islands in the sea. About 3000 years ago people started to settle here. In Brunnsta and its vicinity there are rock carvings, including a rock cave with 22 engraved ships. From the Viking age there is a great man's tomb, several tombs and many rune stones. The village of Brunnsta itself is a so-called row village with originally nine farms close to each other. In the township's ownership there is a map from 1680 with the houses inscribed as they are today. Each farm has many houses, which is why the character of Bullerbyn is reinforced.
You have experience in cycling tourism in other countries. Something we Swedes can learn?
We have traveled extensively in Italy. A bus company we ride a lot with arranging weekend trips for cyclists. The bus takes the group to some nice area and then acts as a companion car. In appropriate places, the driver shows up lunches and snacks. Food is important for Italians.
Daniel Bergstrand
daniel@swedenbybike.com