Discover the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland – World Heritage
Step into the heart of Sweden, where painted walls tell stories of festivity, pride, and craftsmanship. The Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, or Världsarvet Hälsingegårdar, includes seven extraordinary wooden farmhouses in Hälsingland, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2012.
Why do they enchant visitors from around the globe?
- A 0ne-of-a-kind legacy: Today, around a thousand well-preserved Hälsingland farmhouses still stand, but seven of them have been chosen for the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to their exceptional interiors and remarkable craftsmanship.
- Built by independent farmers: What’s striking is that ordinary, prosperous farmers—not nobility—built these houses. Their pride and cultural identity shine through elaborately decorated rooms designed specifically for celebrations.
- Artistry from wall to ceiling: Inside, you’ll discover hand-painted murals, stencilled patterns, imported wallpaper, and folk-art designs—floral motifs, biblical scenes given a local twist, and dainty ribbon ornamentation. Many were done by traveling painters, blending aristocratic style with rural materials.
- Grand architecture telling a story: Often two or three storeys tall, these homes housed multiple generations—or even hosted grand festivities. Separate ”party houses” were common, symbolizing a culture of celebration and independence.
The seven UNESCO-listed farmhouses
Many are privately owned but open to the public—some offer guided tours or even accommodation options. Seasonal visits are common, especially in summer.
Planning your visit
If you’re exploring Sweden’s UNESCO sites, make Hälsingegårdar a highlight. Nestled within 100 km of each other, these farmhouses can be a central theme of your Hälsingland itinerary—paired with deep forests, scenic valleys, and charming towns such as Hudiksvall, Söderhamn, Bollnäs, and Järvsö.
Immerse yourself in unique folk heritage
Hälsingegårdar aren’t just beautiful buildings—they’re giants of Swedish folk art. These homes represent the unique rural culture and history of Hälsingland’s independent farmers, and still the farmhouses painted rooms, grand structures, and memory-rich ambiance remain for the world to enjoy.
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