Mårbacka in Sunne – a visit to Selma Lagerlöf's world

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Stepping into Mårbacka is like taking a journey back in time – while also taking part in an incredibly fascinating story. This is where Selma Lagerlöf lived, worked and wrote for much of her life. Today, visitors can take a guided tour through her home, learn about the author’s extraordinary life and discover the place where some of Sweden’s most beloved books were created.

Selma Lagerlöf – a fascinating woman

When Selma Lagerlöf was eight years old, she decided that she would become a writer – and that she would become famous and rich. Goal-oriented and talented as she was, things went exactly as she planned.

Selma Lagerlöf became the first woman ever to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. With the help of the prize money, she also managed to buy back her beloved Mårbacka – the manor house where she grew up, which was forced to be sold due to her parents' failing finances.

Selma Lagerlöf wrote a number of classics that are still read around the world. Some of the most famous are:

• Nils Holgersson's wonderful journey through Sweden
• The Saga of Gösta Berling
• Jerusalem
• The Emperor of Portugal
• Mr. Arne's money

Guided tour of Mårbacka

Mårbacka, which today functions as a memorial garden and museum, is located in Sunne in Värmland.

The best way to experience Mårbacka is undoubtedly to go on a guided tour, where you get to see the rooms inside the mansion, while Selma almost strangely comes alive through the guide's stories.

We were able to take some photos inside for this report – but please note that you are not usually allowed to take photos inside the Memorial Garden.

The furniture is original from Selma's time and the home is full of exciting objects: paintings, gifts from all corners of the world and a lot of technical "novelties", such as the latest versions of the radio, stove and much more.

At the end of the screening, you can enter Selma's study, where several of her great novels were written. Here you can also hear her own voice through a historic radio recording – an unexpectedly powerful experience.

More to discover – garden, café and exhibitions

In addition to the manor house and the guided tour, there is a lot more to discover. The area includes a garden, a café and other buildings, such as the workers' residence.

There are exhibitions that tell the story of Selma Lagerlöf, various temporary art exhibitions and a permanent exhibition about elementary schools through the ages.

We liked the exhibition about the school – interesting and also a bit nostalgic at times.

Our experience

We had high expectations before the visit, but Mårbacka exceeded them. The committed guidance, the authentic environments and the stories about Selma's life meant that we left the farm with a completely new picture of her. This is a destination we highly recommend – even for those who don't usually read classical literature. For opening hours and booking see here.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Would you like more tips on attractions and nice places to visit nearby? Here you will find more inspiring reports:

• Rottneros Park in Sunne
• 3 museums in Karlstad
• Things to do in Arvika
• Things to do in Kristinehamn
• Borgvik and Glaskogen