Mårbacka

About the museum

The farm Mårbacka in Östra Ämtervik is mentioned in the land register as early as 1609, and has been a peasant farm, a vicarage and a manor house. The building in which Selma Lagerlöf was born was erected in 1755, and a garden was laid out at the same time. The Lagerlöf family owned the farm from 1801, but after her father's death in 1889 it had to be sold.

Selma Lagerlöf bought Mårbacka back in 1907 and acquired the land two years later, after she had received the Nobel Prize. At first she used the farm as a summer residence. Between 1921 and 1923 she had the main building converted into a representative manor house to designs by the architect Isak Gustaf Clason.

In her will she decided that Mårbacka should be preserved as a memorial estate and shown to the public in the condition in which she left it. The estate is run by a private foundation in accordance with her wishes. Today visitors can take guided tours of the home, visit the garden with its restored plant habitats, and see exhibitions in the older farm buildings.

Highlights

• Selma Lagerlöf's home with its preserved interior, shown on guided tours
• The kitchen with the AGA stove, a gift from Gustaf Dalén
• The restored garden and park with the peacocks Farao and Sara
• Exhibitions in the Gamla sädesmagasinet (old granary) and the cowshed
• A café with home baking made to traditions from Selma Lagerlöf's time

Permanent exhibition

• Selma Lagerlöfs hem (Minnesgården) – Guided tour of the preserved home that Selma Lagerlöf had remodelled in 1921–1923, including the kitchen and the AGA stove.

Founded

1796

Operated by

Mårbackastiftelsen

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Everyone wearing a hat gets in free to the grounds on Selma's name day, 27 June. The Family Day on 20 July and Apple Day on 5 September have a special grounds entrance (SEK 100 per adult), with children up to 15 free.

The prices apply to 2026. The guided tour of the home includes admission to the grounds from May to September. Payment by Swish, card or cash at the ticket window or in the shop.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

There is a ramp to the Minnesgården (memorial estate) on the east gable, but no lift; the upper floor is reached only by stairs, and there are thresholds between the rooms on the lower floor, where the longest part of the tour (about 30 minutes) takes place. Most other buildings can be reached with a standard wheelchair, and the café and shop have ramps. Gravel paths and hilly terrain can be hard going, especially for powered wheelchairs. Two disabled parking spaces at the ticket hut. Dogs may not be taken into the buildings. Light folding stools can be borrowed during the tours.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 7+

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Special children's tours and school tours (about 30 minutes, from age 9), and a family day with free admission for children. Treasure hunt, picnic area and barbecue area on the grounds; the peacocks in the garden are popular. Changing tables are in the women's and the accessible toilets.

Getting there & parking

Mårbacka lies about 10 km south-east of Sunne on the eastern side of Lake Fryken. A car is the best way to get there; distances include 65 km to Karlstad and 63 km to Arvika.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

Mårbacka Café (about 50 seats indoors and as many outside) serves home baking, sandwiches and lighter lunches, including gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan options. Mårbacka Handel sells books, crafts and souvenirs. Larger bags, rucksacks and umbrellas may not be taken into the Minnesgården, and there is no storage.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit