Music in Uppland
Lövstabruk Manor
We start off from Stockholm and after two hours drive the marvellous iron works community of Lövstabruk. The community dates back to the 16th century and is home to one of Sweden’s best-preserved Walloon manors. ‘Vallonbruken’ is a collective name for iron works communities established in the 17th century in northern Uppland. Lövstabruk Manor and iron works were owned by the de Geer family from the beginning of the 17th century until 1986, when they were donated to the Leufsta Foundation. In 1997, the manor passed into the ownership of the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV), and the Leufsta Foundation is responsible for operations and service.
It is a well-preserved and beautiful 18th-century environment, including a magnificent manor and an orangery. We have lunch at Lövstabruk restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the manor and its surroundings.
Cahman organ from 1728
Having seen the manor, it is time to listen to some music. We enter Lövstabruk’s church, where the organist tells us about the world-famous Cahman pipe organ. The organ was built in 1728 by the Swedish organist and organ builder Johan Niclas Cahman. It is one of Sweden’s best-preserved baroque organs, as well as being one of Europe’s most valuable instruments. Many works have been recorded on the organ. We enjoy a short concert.
Folk music with the Hogmark family
The afternoon is spent listening to the tones of the nyckelharpa (keyed fiddle). We make an exclusive visit to the home of Åsa and Esbjörn Hogmark in Gyllby, outside Örbyhus. Åsa and Esbjörn have both received the highest folk music honour in Sweden and are National Folk Musicians specialised in the nyckelharpa. Esbjörn is also one of Sweden’s most skilled nyckelharpa builders, having built hundreds of these instruments over the years. Åsa, who is also a professional folk dance teacher, is a driving force in the region’s cultural life.
At the home of Åsa and Esbjörn, we are served coffee, tea and cake. They talk about Swedish folk music, the nyckelharpa as intangible cultural heritage and play examples of typically Swedish tunes. Dancing is also an option if people request it. We end the afternoon by looking at Esbjörn’s workshop. At 5.30 pm we say goodbye to the Hogmarks, keeping the musical memories close to our hearts.
This trip can be tailored to your requests.
Schedule (full programme)
Approx. time
9.30 am Set out from Stockholm
11 am: Klaverens Hus
12 noon: Lövstabruk
- Lunch
- Guided tour of the iron works, manor and surroundings
- Church with organ
2.30 pm Nyckelharpa at the Hogmarks
5 pm: Bus to Stockholm
7 pm: arrival in Stockholm
Start: Central Station, Stockholm, at 9 am.
End: Central Station, Stockholm, at 7 pm.
Price: Please contact me for information.
Accessibility: Bus tour. At Klaverens Hus there is a ramp for wheelchairs. Lövstabruk Manor is fully accessible. The house of the Hogmark family is a private home with stairs up to the floor where we will be sitting for the talks and dancing. If you find climbing stairs difficult, just tell me in advance and we will make adjustments.
Included (full trip): Bus, tour guide, entrance and guided tour of Lövstabruk, lunch at Lövstabruk, visit to the home of Åsa and Esbjörn Hogmark, Örbyhus, coffee and cake at the Hogmarks, music performances at the Hogmarks.
