Between the rugged coast of Bohuslän and the deep forests of Dalsland, Ulkeröds Gård is surrounded Malin Norman | by a vibrant open landscape with meadows and pastures. The estate operates as a hotel, restaurant and conference venue, but is also a working farm. Here, nature, food and people are intertwined – this is farm to table at its best.

In northeastern Bohuslän, just outside Hedekas, lies Ulkeröds Gård. The estate offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxing atmosphere, with delicious food from the farm’s crops, game pens and sheep pastures, as well as a range of activities.

The farm has been a place of residence for over 600 years, and the buildings bear traces from the 17th century. The Lyrdal family took over the farm in 2003, after almost ten years of searching.

“Through careful development, the family has preserved the feeling of what once was, whilst creating something new and lasting,” says Lars Olof Lyrdal, CEO. “History and the present meet in an environment where everything is allowed to take its time. What started as a refuge for the family and their friends has become a calm oasis for guests from near and afar, yet with that ‘feel at home’ atmosphere still present.”

Ulkeröds Gård: A culinary destination in the countryside

Come and stay at the farm

Ulkeröds Gård is not a backdrop. This is a working farm where life goes on, every day. When visiting, you will see that the animals, the land and the production are a natural part of the whole. In addition to lambs, deer, Linderö pigs and Highland Cattle, this year the family takes the next step with egg production.

“The setting at Ulkeröds Gård is amazing and as a guest, you will experience the real countryside,” says Lyrdal. “The most common comment we get from guests is ‘this is so much more beautiful than you think’ and that’s quite something.”

For those who want to stay the night, 25 comfortable guest rooms are available in two buildings, Hotell Ängslyckan and Hotell Björkhagen, each with uniquely decorated rooms and beautiful views – a place for rest, with closeness to nature and time to just be. Wake up to peace and quiet, go for a walk on the grounds and let the experience continue at its own pace.

From farm to table, for real

The beating heart of Ulkeröds Gård is the restaurant Ekbacken, which opened in 2018 and in recent years has been put on the map as a culinary destination. Under the leadership of head chef Jonas Blomstervall, world-class food is served all year round, both two-course farm lunches and six-course tasting menus in the evenings. During summer, the restaurant moves to Paviljongen, where the food is prepared in the outdoor kitchen right next to the pastures.

Ulkeröds Gård: A culinary destination in the countryside

Restaurant Ekbacken is part of the network Smaka på Västsverige, which brings together restaurants and cafés that, in close collaboration with local producers, offer Western Swedish food experiences based on seasonal local ingredients.

“Our passionate kitchen team continuously creates dishes where the season, the farm and the local produce set the tone,” says the CEO. “This is honest cooking with a deep foundation in craftsmanship and the surrounding landscape.”

Ulkeröds Gård: A culinary destination in the countryside

Creative meetings and hunting

The beautiful surroundings and the tranquillity of the farm are ideal for inspiring and creative meetings, and Ulkeröds Gård is a popular venue for conferences. “We have modern conference rooms tailored to your needs and nature as your closest neighbour,” says Lyrdal.

Just a few steps from the meeting rooms, exciting activities await including clay pigeon shooting – this is considered to be one of Sweden’s coolest ranges – with a variety of shooting stations and professional instructors. Ulkeröds Gård also has an outdoor gym and trails for cycling, walking and running, and a wood-fired sauna and hot tub by the lake.

“At the farm, you will find that the air is clearer, the pace is calmer and the tranquillity is palpable,” adds Lyrdal. “It’s a place to come to, and a place to long to return to – for the food, the closeness to nature, and the feeling of experiencing something real.”

Ulkeröds Gård: A culinary destination in the countryside

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Ulkeröds Gård is located in northern Bohuslän, just an hour’s drive from Gothenburg and Oslo.

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