We drove up to Krusenberg Herrgård’s historic yellow manor house on a hot May day. Already 26 degrees (80 for my fellow Americans), we got the keys to our room and I immediately changed into my swimsuit.
I’m obsessed with swimming and one of the reasons I booked this historic manor house hotel near Uppsala was precisely because it’s by a lake. I practically sprinted down the gravel path, past the main manor house and gardens to the sauna spa deck where swimming was allowed.
After a few dips in Lake Ekoln’s cold water, I sprawled out on the deck to dry off in the sun. I knew I had nothing to do between now and a 5pm happy hour in the manor house bar. In pursuit of luxury in nature, I knew I found a truly special hotel in Sweden.
Escape the city bustle at Krusenberg Herrgård, a luxurious Swedish retreat near Uppsala. This historic 17th-century manor seamlessly blends modern comfort with its grand past. Relax in the spa, savor local cuisine, or unwind with a book in the beautifully decorated living rooms. Nestled by a lake, Krusenberg Herrgård offers an unforgettable Swedish experience.
Unwind In Historic Luxury at Krusenberg Herrgård in Uppsala
My husband, Robin, loves Viking history and all things Old Norse. We came to Uppsala to visit the Royal Mounds, the supposed burial mounds of Odin, Thor, and Freyr. I’ve always been captivated by Sweden’s lush countryside and was thrilled when I discovered that just outside town is a beautiful 17th-century manor house converted to a luxury hotel.
I was already ready to book but couldn’t hit “pay now” fast enough when I saw it also has a sauna that overlooks the lake.
Beyond the luxurious and very Scandi amenities is the rich history of the manor house itself. There once was a limestone castle here, which burned down in 1717, but the famous yellow manor house was completed in 1802.
Its best claim to fame is playing host to Swedish painter Gustaf Cederström, who painted “Karl XII’s Likfärd” (translated to Bringing Home the Body of King Charles XII). This is a famous painting that we actually saw the day before in Gripsholm Slott, which houses the Sweden National Portrait Gallery.
And, like all old buildings in the world, the manor house comes with its own ghost: Vita Frun, aka The White Lady. Don’t worry she’s friendly and likes to watch over the manor. I didn’t see her during my visit but maybe one winter I’ll have to return and see if I can spot her during the long dark Swedish nights…
Enjoy All 3 Meals At Krusenberg Herrgård
I had a ton of restaurants on my Uppsala list, but the second we checked into the manor house, neither of us wanted to leave. So we didn’t. We stayed on the property for our 2 nights and was thrilled to discover the restaurant here is fantastic.
Breakfast is included in the nightly rate and is a standard breakfast buffet including items like cheeses, breads, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit and granola. The manor serves lunch daily and they change the menu up frequently to serve seasonal ingredients.
We had a delightful white fish fillet with a spring salad that hit the spot on a sunny day.
Make sure to make dinner reservations each evening here. The menu is absolutely divine. We had smoked deer, deep-fried goat cheese, steak, roasted cauliflower with chimichurri sauce, classic toast Skagen and rhubarb desserts.
I highly recommend you take advantage of the wine pairing menu where, at each course, you’ll be served the perfect wine pairing to compliment the dish.
Unwind At The Manor House
When not stuffing our faces with cheeses in the dining room, we found so many corners of the estate to escape to during the day.
The grounds are large, with plenty of garden strolls to take. There’s multiple docks and piers to relax on next to the water, and I even say someone launched a kayak off from the small beach one day.
The highlight of my wellness journey was undoubtedly securing a private hour in the sauna. This large sauna house has lockers, a bathroom, water on tap and a huge sauna room facing the lake. I adored heating up in the sauna, then jumping in the cold water and repeating.
Cold plunging and saunas are a traditional Nordic wellness ritual that has many health benefits as alternating between the heat of the sauna and the invigorating chill of a cold plunge improves circulation, boosts the immune system, and leaves you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
After a refreshing swim or a relaxing sauna session, I’d unwind with a good book in one of the manor house’s second-floor living rooms. Guests have access to the entire upstairs, which is decorated with beautiful historic furniture.
It was hard to resist curling up in these comfortable chairs and couches with a cup of tea (always readily available downstairs in the lobby). In the evenings, these rooms transformed into a social space. We’d gather there for happy hour and some friendly competition – a game of pool or one of the board games the hotel provides.
Things To Do Near Krusenberg Herrgård
We found it hard to leave the manor house, but Uppsala offers a lot of unique activities to see during the daytime. It’s only 45 minutes from Stockholm but feels like a world away
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Unveil Uppsala’s History:
- Uppsala Cathedral: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Scandinavia’s largest Gothic cathedral, boasting towering spires, intricate carvings, and the tomb of King Gustav Vasa. Open daily for tours.
- Uppsala Castle (Slottet): Explore the imposing Uppsala Castle, a captivating blend of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, housing fascinating museums and offering panoramic city views.
- Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala: Step back in time and explore the ancient burial mounds of Gamla Uppsala, a significant Viking settlement and early capital of Sweden. They have a fantastic restaurant here where you can drink mead out of a Viking horn!
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Beyond the Walls:
- Uppsala Botanical Garden: Meander through the tranquil Uppsala Botanical Garden, a haven of diverse flora and fauna with a historic greenhouse complex.
- Linnéträdgården: Visit the charming Linnéträdgården, a botanical garden designed by the famed botanist Carl Linnaeus, featuring medicinal plants and historical significance.
- Sigtuna: Embark on a day trip to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, boasting quaint streets, medieval charm, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s full of runestones and Viking history!
- Grippsholm Slott: about 1.5 hours drive away is the National Portrait Gallery and the castle where ABBA shot their waterloo cover!
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Embrace the Outdoors:
- Lake Mälaren: Enjoy a scenic boat trip on majestic Lake Mälaren, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and historical landmarks.
- Hiking & Biking Trails: Explore the picturesque network of hiking and biking trails around Uppsala, perfect for immersing yourself in nature.
- Canoeing or Kayaking: Paddle your way through the calm waters near Krusenberg Herrgård, enjoying a peaceful and active experience on the lake.
If you are looking for the ultimate romantic getaway in Sweden, you need to book Krusenberg Herrgård. They constantly have deals – for instance, right now they have a 40% off June booking deal which is a steal. I recommend 2 nights for the perfect balance of relaxation and fun.
Escape the city bustle at Krusenberg Herrgård, a luxurious Swedish retreat near Uppsala. This historic 17th-century manor seamlessly blends modern comfort with its grand past. Relax in the spa, savor local cuisine, or unwind with a book in the beautifully decorated living rooms. Nestled by a lake, Krusenberg Herrgård offers an unforgettable Swedish experience.
