The Local Heritage Guide on the Internet
Come and visit one of the Swedish local heritage societies. Admission to most local heritage centres is free, though there is often a donation box for contributions to the local heritage society. The local heritage societies generally charge an admission fee for special events.
Some heritage centres even have buildings in several locations. Other local heritage societies do not have heritage centres, but provide public activities such as guided tours and lectures.
Opening hours may vary
The local heritage societies are run on a purely voluntary basis. Opening hours may therefore vary. If you are travelling far, phone in advance to make sure the local heritage centre is open.
The information in the Local Heritage Guide is based on information submitted by the local heritage societies to the Swedish Local Heritage Federation.
Overnight
accomodation
Sometimes it is possible to stay overnight at local heritage centres "Bo på hembygdsgård", get a cup of coffee and find out about local tourist
attractions.
Sweden - the Land of a Thousand Heritage Centres
There are local heritage societies in the countryside, in villages, suburbs and towns. In rural areas, the local heritage society is often a hub in cultural life. Most local heritage societies play an important role in maintaining Swedish traditions.
Food is one such tradition. Local Heritage societies often serve local or regional specialities at major events such as midsummer ("Midsommar") and heritage days.
The societies organise guided tours in the countryside or town. They screen films, hold talks and folklore evenings at which participants can discuss old times, organise dances, lectures and music events. Markets and village plays are two further common activities.
A heritage centre is primarily a museum for the local culture with a host of artefacts from pre-industrial society. Most local heritage centres are also a vibrant place, where people meet, work on the buildings and exhibitions, and gather for festivities and public occasions such as village plays, heritage days, markets and
concerts.
The buildings at local heritage centres provide an excellent insight into Swedish architectural history. There are roughly 1,400 centres, and thus a very wide variety of buildings and styles.
The oldest structures are often from the 17th century, though most common are red-painted log buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries: large farmhouses, small farm cottages, stables, barns, raised storehouses and shielings.
The local heritage societies’ preservation of these old buildings on a voluntary basis is unique – there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world.
Back to www.hembygdsguiden.se.
