Dag Hammarskjölds Backåkra

About the museum

Backåkra is a four-wing farm on Österlen in south-eastern Skåne, built in the 1840s. Dag Hammarskjöld, Secretary-General of the UN, bought the farm in 1957 to save a piece of nature for posterity. The farm was renovated after the purchase, and he intended to settle here when his UN assignment was over. As early as 1953 he had bought a first house in the area near the sea, the so-called Fiskestugan (fisherman’s cottage), where he lived in the summers.

Today the activities are run by Stiftelsen Dag Hammarskjölds Backåkra (the Dag Hammarskjöld Backåkra Foundation). On the farm there is an exhibition on Hammarskjöld’s life, from his childhood at Uppsala Castle to his work for the UN in New York. Parts of his furniture, his art collection and gifts from his time as Secretary-General are shown, and his private study is furnished as it was in his home on 73rd Street in New York.

The visit also includes a café and a shop, and the nature reserve around the farm with a meditation place on the heath. The foundation receives school classes and groups and runs the programme PAX Backåkra for schools in Skåne.

Highlights

• The exhibition From Uppsala Castle to East 73nd Street
• Hammarskjöld’s study recreated as it was in New York
• Four-wing farm from the 1840s
• The nature reserve and the meditation place on the heath
• Café and shop in the inner courtyard

Permanent exhibition

• Från Uppsala slott till East 73nd Street – The museum’s main exhibition on Dag Hammarskjöld, from his childhood at Uppsala Castle to his work for the UN, with parts of his furniture, art collection and gifts, and his study furnished as in New York.

Operated by

Stiftelsen Dag Hammarskjölds Backåkra

Admission & discounts

The museum is cashless. Prices for groups and guided tours are available from info@dhbackakra.se.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users can visit the whole museum except the residential part of the farm, which has a few steps. Dogs are welcome outside the house and in the inner courtyard, but not in the exhibitions.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

A pushchair can be taken around the museum, and a changing table is in one of the toilets.

Getting there & parking

Backåkra lies on the Skåneleden trail, section SL 4 (Österlenleden), and is a short detour from the Sydostleden (South-East Trail), stage 1. Parking is available at the farm.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Small café with freshly brewed coffee and home-baked cakes from the baker at nearby Backagården; seating in the foyer and in the inner courtyard. The shop sells books about Dag Hammarskjöld, his diary Vägmärken (Markings), postcards and magnets.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit