Manor cycling with 18th century history and bird life
When we cycle, we like to seek that special meeting between nature and cultural landscape that stimulates both body and soul. The area around Malingsbo Herrgård in southern Dalarna is an excellent combination. Here Lotta von Schéele runs the farm together with her partner Leif Hernborg. A local bike ride can offer everything from kestrel to architectural monuments from the time of the ironworks. And do not miss the unique Grain Screw!
You run Malingsbo Herrgård, which is a bicycle-friendly accommodation along Strömsholm's canal. Why should you come and cycle?
For the beautiful nature, the rich wildlife you can see from the bike and for the many strawberry places along the way. We are located in an area that is rich in culture and cultural monuments, both along the roads and in the forests thanks to the fact that it is a rich old agricultural and railway area. When you come to us, you live in a historic place, where the beauty of buildings and parks has been preserved since the 18th century. In the summers we also have a café, art exhibitions and guided tours.
There is a special building on the manor called Kornskruven. Can you tell us a little about it?
Kornskruven is a grain magazine from 1849, unique in its kind, as it is the only one in Sweden that is so well preserved from the time when it was used. It was a revolution when this method of drying grain was brought to Sweden from Scotland, and few dared or could invest in the new technology. It resulted in strange new building types in the agricultural landscape. Our barley screw is both a technical innovation and a beautiful building. Every summer we open Kornskruven for tours and many people travel long distances to see it because it has never been available to the public before.
What is your favorite lap when you take a bike ride?
I love biking on the gravel roads between the villages in Malingsbo-Kloten. It’s a vast, unspoiled area—we’re located right in the middle of a 50,000-hectare nature reserve. These photos are from October of this year, when a group of us—friends from our college days—got together for a reunion at Malingsbo Herrgård. We cycled a loop between Kloten and Nyfors along a beautiful network of lakes. Both villages have amazing industrial landmarks right in the heart of the village! Along the way, we saw a tawny owl gliding between the tree trunks, as well as a sparrowhawk, a kestrel, and a whole group of rough-legged hawks. The experience was incredibly varied; we passed through dreamlike stretches of forest (think of the Tomtebo Children), babbling streams, historic buildings from the ironworks era, and magnificent vistas stretching for miles. We took a break at Nothusudden, where there’s a wind shelter, a fire pit, and an outhouse. We rented bikes from the very knowledgeable Micke Nilsson at Nordic Discovery/Wilderness Lodge in Kloten, where we were well taken care of. It was a perfect half-day trip for a cyclist who isn't in the best shape.
