Selma Lagerlöf, one of the most famous authors in the world, was born and grew up at Mårbacka. Her debut novel, Gösta Berling's Saga, was a tremendous success when published in 1891. So were Jerusalem in 1902 and The Wonderful Adventures of Nils in 1906. To crown these achievements, she became both the first woman and the first Swede to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1909. This was followed in 1914 by her election, as the first woman, to the prestigious Swedish Academy. She was also a businesswoman, a farmer and an active local politician.
The Memorial Estate
In her last will and testament, Selma Lagerlöf wrote that Mårbacka should be preserved as a memorial estate and be shown to the public after her death. When you accompany the guides around the house, you will learn all about the author and Nobel Laureate Selma Lagerlöf. The exquisite original furniture, fittings and paintings are the perfect setting to create the feeling and atmosphere she was surrounded by. Selma Lagerlöf had the present building renovated and added to between 1921–1923
The Garden
Selma Lagerlöf had a keen interest in gardening. Together with horticulturist Ruth Brandberg she created a beautiful garden comprising a wide variety of bushes, shrubs, fruit trees, vegetable and flower plantations. In the present garden the estate garderner has attempted to re-create Selma Lagerlöf's original ideas. Take a walk in Selma Lagerlöf´s garden and enjoy all the beautiful flowers, aromatic plants and fruit trees. Here is also the "toddy grove" from the 19th century, created by Selma Lagerlöf's father, Lieutenant Erik Gustaf Lagerlöf.
For opening hours, fees and more information, please visit Mårbacka's website.
Mårbacka is open daily between June 6 to August 23, 2020. Guided tours in Swedish every hour between 11 am and 3 pm. Contact Mårbacka for information about tours in other languages.
The café is open between 11 am and 4:30 pm.
The souvenir shop is open between noon and 4:30 pm (from June 22, 11 am to 4:30 pm).
Mårbacka memorial estate follows all current health and safety recommendations due to Covid-19.
Mårbacka is also open during many weekends, bank holidays, and for special occasions around the year. Please visit www.marbacka.com for complete opening hours, tour schedules and price information!
MÅRBACKA, 42, 68696 Östra Ämtervik
