Grythyttan - Culinary Culture and beyond

TEXT: FREDRIK LINDSTÅL
PHOTO: : THOMAS CARLGREN

Few cultural centres have succeeded in combining old with new, tradition with innovation. Sites of historic signifi cance are often exploited for economic purposes, thus losing their charm along the way. But some regions have developed and innovated while walking hand in hand with tradition. They have safeguarded their cultural legacy and maintained harmony with the natural environment. The 17th century village of Grythyttan in southwest Sweden is a fi ne example of such a commendable effort.

     Grythyttan is located in Hällefors County in the region of Västmanland. The village was originally involved in the mining and metals and with the additional discovery of silver it was offi cially put on the map. But with the decline of this industry, activities shifted toward new areas like metal and furniture design and agriculture.
      Slate-quarries were also popular employers and Grythytte-slate is still a prestigious material within the construction community. Today, while there is little industrial activity in the area, the village remains intact with houses dating back to the 17th century and onwards. The beautiful wooden buildings with their slateclad rooftops and the cobbled street of Prästgatan which runs through the village have become an important cultural legacy and continue to mesmerize visitors.
      But when you hear the name Grythyttan today you think of something far removed from mining : you think of food! Thanks to the local entrepreneurial efforts Grythyttan is today Sweden’s most important culinary centre and home to several food related establishments like restaurant academies, museums, preservation organizations, and wonderful restaurants of course.
      To help you plan your fi rst trip to this remarkable place we have put together a list of some of the attractions and activities that we recommend. We have also included their websites which are predominately available in English. If you wish to read about general information or need help with directions, accommodation, etc. we recommend the village’s offi cial website www.grythyttan.se.

GRYTHYTTANS GÄSTGIVERI – GRYTHYTTAN INN
Perhaps most famous of all the establishments at Grythyttan is its inn which dates back to 1640. Since its re-opening some 30 years ago the inn has been a leading exponent of food and wine culture in Sweden and is reputed as a “temple of gastronomy”. Rumour has it that the wine cellar is one of the best stocked in the country. In addition to the restaurant it is an excellent hotel and conference venue situated in centre of the picturesque village. If you’re thinking of coming to Grythyttan, this is the place to stay!
For more information please visit: www.grythyttan.com.

THE NORDIC HOUSE OF CULINARY ARTS The Nordic House of Culinary Arts hosts the spectacular building that represented Sweden at the World’s Fair in Seville in 1992. After the fair it was moved to Grythyttan and today the pavilion has been transformed into a centre for food, drink and the composition and science of meals. The Nordic House of Culinary Arts is home to the Restaurant Academy and Culinary Library, the Bergslagens Skafferi dining shop, exhibitions and the Gastronomic Theatre. There is also a restaurant, Kantinen Hyttblecket, and a cookbook museum displaying the legendary Swedish chef Tore Wretman’s unique collection of cookery books.
For more information please visit: www.maltidenshus.com

THE COOK BOOK MUSEUM
This is Scandinavia’s fi rst Cookbook Museum known as the The Wretman Collection. Here you can fi nd just about any cookbook ever released in Sweden together with an impressive assortment of international gastronomic literature. The interior of the museum has been inspired by traditional solid Swedish materials such as cast iron, fragrant birchwood and a richly stuccoed ceiling, and put together by prominent architects and artists.
For more information please visit: www.maltidenshus.com

LO KA B R U N N
Situated beautifully between two lakes, the historic royal Loka Spa has traditions stretching back to the 18 th century. It was here that King Adolf Fredrik was cured of his migraine. Today Loka Spa is one of Sweden’s best renowned spa-retreats and also hold additional activities like the conference and rehabilitation centre. The springs of Loka brunn are also home to the water in the Loka mineral water bottles.
For more information please visit: www.lokabrunn.se


OTHER PLACES TO VISIT:

Sweden’s spa museum
The Spa Museum at Loka brunn is the only one of its kind in Scandinavia. The Museum is housed in four 18th-century buildings and recounts total spa history from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Lustans Köksträdgård - The Bergslagen Kitchen Garden of Pleasures.
Designed by landscape gardener Simon Irvine, the Kitchen Garden of Pleasures is a combination of lecture hall and relaxation areas ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Björskogsnäs
This a natural reserve just outside Grythyttan where you will come across a variety of flowers and plants, including wild orchids. Birds and other wildlife have also found refuge here. It is a good retreat to exercise away all that wonderful food you’ve probably feasted on at Grythyttan.