Mårbacka
Värmlands län
Mårbacka is a distinguished manor house located in Östra Ämtervik, Sunne Municipality, Värmland County, Sweden. It is famously known as the childhood home of Selma Lagerlöf, the first female Nobel Prize in Literature laureate. The main building was originally constructed in 1793 and underwent a significant transformation between 1921 and 1923, designed by architect Isak Gustaf Clason, turning it into a grand manor in the Carolingian style. After losing the estate due to family financial difficulties, Selma Lagerlöf repurchased Mårbacka in 1907 and fully reclaimed it in 1910 using her Nobel Prize money. Today, Mårbacka operates as a memorial estate preserved according to Lagerlöf's testament, offering guided tours that immerse visitors in her literary legacy and personal history. The estate also features a garden being restored to its historical state, a café, a bookstore with her works, and exhibitions in the barn dedicated to her life and authorship. Mårbacka uniquely combines literary heritage with architectural grandeur and serene natural surroundings, making it a culturally rich destination for visitors interested in Swedish literature and history.
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Tip: Visitors are advised to pre-book guided tours due to limited availability, especially on Saturdays in March and during spring holidays. The best time to visit is from May onward when the estate is open on weekends between 12 PM and 4 PM, and the garden is most vibrant. Discounted tickets may be available for certain groups; check the official website for details. Combining the tour with a visit to the café and bookstore enhances the experience. Winter months have limited opening hours, so planning ahead is recommended.
Interesting facts
- •Selma Lagerlöf was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909.
- •The manor was redesigned by renowned architect Isak Gustaf Clason in the early 20th century.
- •Mårbacka was repurchased by Selma Lagerlöf using her Nobel Prize money.
- •The estate includes a memorial exhibition dedicated to Lagerlöf’s life and works.
- •The garden is being restored to reflect its appearance during Selma Lagerlöf's time.
History
Mårbacka's main building was constructed in 1793 and originally owned by the Morell family from about 1720.
It passed into the Lagerlöf family in 1801 but was lost due to bankruptcy in 1889.
Selma Lagerlöf bought back the main house in 1907 and the entire estate in 1910 using her Nobel Prize money.
Between 1921 and 1923, the manor was remodeled by Isak Gustaf Clason, transforming it into a stately home.
Upon her death, Lagerlöf stipulated that Mårbacka be preserved and open to the public, ensuring its status as a cultural heritage site.
Place Guide
Main Manor House1793; remodeled 1921-1923
The central building of Mårbacka, originally built in 1793 and extensively remodeled in the 1920s by architect Isak Gustaf Clason. It showcases Carolingian architectural style and houses the rooms where Selma Lagerlöf lived and worked.
Memorial Exhibition in the Barn
A dedicated exhibition space located in the estate’s barn, featuring displays about Selma Lagerlöf’s life, her literary career, and her cultural impact.
Historical Garden
The garden surrounding Mårbacka is being gradually restored to resemble its state during Selma Lagerlöf’s lifetime, offering a peaceful setting for reflection and inspiration.
Mårbacka Café and Bookstore
Located near the manor, the café offers local treats and a place to relax, while the bookstore features Selma Lagerlöf’s classic stories and contemporary literature about her.
Contact
Phone: 0565-310 27
