Åsens by

Visit Sweden’s first cultural reserve

  • Cultural Heritage reserve
  • Free
  • Outdoor
  • Gränna

The village where time stood still

Experience what life was like in the early 1900s at Åsens By. Here, you can witness horse-powered farming, feed the animals, and stack hay just as it was done in days gone by.

Since the Bronze Age, Åsens By has been a hub of farming activity. During the 1700s, land consolidation reforms were implemented across Sweden, merging small farming plots. However, Åsens By remained untouched by these changes. As a result, the village you see today is preserved as it was in the early 1900s. In 2000, Åsens By became Sweden’s first cultural heritage reserve.

Horse and wagon rides

During the summer months, you can tour Åsens By in a horse-drawn wagon. The Ardennes horses pulling the wagon also work on the farm. Tickets for the ride, which lasts about 15 minutes, can be purchased at the general store. Private bookings are also available for larger groups.

General store and café

The General Store offers a selection of historically inspired products and farm-raised meats. You’ll also find a café serving seasonal treats and waffles. Visitors can purchase picnic baskets to enjoy on the village lawns or in the barn, where ample seating is available.

Hostel accommodations

Åsens By also features a hostel nestled in the heart of the village. Surrounded by lush forests and open fields, guests often wake to the sound of cows lowing or roosters crowing. Accommodation options include rooms, cottages, or exclusive rental of all the houses for larger groups.

The hostel consists of charming, traditional buildings such as Prästgården, Lillstugan, Brygghuset, and Undantaget. It’s open year-round. Guests manage their own meals but can pre-order breakfast baskets for groups.

Food around Gränna

Åsens by is part of Food around Gränna (Mat runt Gränna). An initiative created by local producers and entrepreneurs who want to preserve a vibrant countryside and locally produced ingredients.

The shops, farm cafés, and restaurants are open year-round and are happy to show you how they make their delicacies.

Every year during the Ascension weekend, all businesses invite you to the food tour, where the participants have the same opening hours and offer tastings and fun activities for all ages.

See all participants that are part of Food around Gränna

Good to know

  • Accessibility: Yes, the area is accessible in some parts.
  • Parking: Yes, available just outside of Åsens by.

How to get here


Drive to Haurida and follow the brown-and-white signs for the reserve or the white signs for the hostel.

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