History
“Brattlandsgården” was a farmhouse, which Oskar and Louise (Lova) Fors bought from Richard Richardsson and ran guest houses for about 50 guests during the 1920s—1960s. Historically, there are indications that as early as 1897 accommodation activities were carried out.
Women came here for nursing education and the farm was one of the largest in Åredalen with a wonderful view of Åreskutan. Since then, several actors have operated it as a destination with lodging and food in various variants for several generations, later also as STF hostels. The original owners, the Fors family, have been influential in the operation and their traces can still be seen in the house which is the old guest house.
Old records from the farm are kept at the National Archives in Östersund, where receipts from the early 1920s show that local food and accommodation were offered to the last guests. But it was a hard job during this time to work on the farm's operation. A neighbour in Brattland tells me that his aunt worked in the '30s and although she had only 500 m home, she only came home once or twice a winter. There was no talk of any salary, they lived on the drinks from the guests. In 1950 — 1960, according to villagers in Brattland, the most “hollow” and activity was at the guest house.
Brattlandsgården was spread in artistic circles and regular summer guests came to let creativity flourish. Guests got off the train at the stop in Brattland to walk on foot up to the farm, a ride of some miles. In addition to recreation and food, sleigh rides on horseback through the forests to the north were offered and then also tours with weasels across Åresjön up to Renfjället in winter. In addition to the skiing, this was appreciated feature of the holiday. Summertime was promoted fishing in pristine waters, hiking and proximity to Norway where own passport on the trip was a reminder in these black and white brochures.
Guest books in the dining room of the guest house from the 1990s tell us about a time with STF hostels and a large number of international guests from Australia, Germany and Switzerland, among others. History leads us to the present day, with a focus on the least possible climate impact, Brattlandsgården will live on as an obvious place to visit.
