Weekend at Hennickehammar Manor

We realised early on in our relationship that we have a common interest in eating and drinking well in pleasant surroundings. We have since been to countless mansions and restaurants around the country, but our very first weekend together was spent at Hennickehammar Manor. Since we had such good memories from here, we decided to celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary here.

Henrik surprised me by booking the same room we stayed in on our first weekend, a very cosy suite with a hot tub at the top of the main building. The manor is not very big and the rooms are scattered in the main building and a couple of smaller houses. There is also a holiday village with basic rooms adjacent to the manor. In the main building you will also find a relaxation area that you can book and get all to yourself.

The first time we were here, the food was incredibly good, we had really high expectations. Maybe it was because they had managed to include everything we really like. I got my favourite beef fillet, chanterelles, asparagus and potato gratin for the main course while Henrik got meringue for dessert. This time it was perhaps not as perfect but it was still very good. Especially the starters were absolutely fantastic. I got an air-dried beef fillet with chanterelles and truffles (pretty spot on anyway 🙂 ) and Henrik got scallops. To this we got a really good Valpolicella and a fresh Riesling. The main course consisted of a sirloin steak that may not have been to my taste, but which Henrik appreciated and which went down well with a glass of full-bodied Barbera.

When it came to dessert, we had a hard time deciding, but the choice fell on a blueberry panacotta for Henrik and a chocolate cake with coconut for me. I got a wine I had never tried before, a red, pearly Brachetto and Henrik got a classic, a Moscato d'Asti. As so often, we thought the starters and desserts were the best. It feels like you often take the turns a little more for these dishes.

Full and satisfied after dinner, we strolled around the beautiful parlours of the mansion and then curled up on a sofa with a big cup of tea. Last time we were here there was a piano concert which was a great way to end the evening. This time we weren't so lucky but I think they have musicians who turn up every so often.

The next morning we woke up and went down to a huge breakfast table. Why is it that you're more hungry after a big dinner than after a normal meal? How strange! Anyway, we munched away in peace and quiet and then ended our stay with a little walk. Unfortunately, it was raining and quite bitter so the walk was not quite as cosy as we had hoped. The area around Hennickehammar is otherwise very beautiful and there is a nice loop around the lake.

On the way from Hennickehammar we took the opportunity to visit John Ericsson's mausoleum. John Ericsson may not be well known to us Swedes but ask any American and they will know straight away. He was the man behind the Monitor armoured boat that helped the North win the American Civil War. On his death, Ericsson's remains were transported to his hometown of Filipstad and a large mausoleum was built to honour the inventor. There is also a memorial statue in Manhattan's Battery Park to honour Ericsson's contributions to the United States.

If you want to take the opportunity to do Filipstad to the fullest, you should of course visit Snacksbutiken, which is OLW's outlet store. If you are more into pasta or crackers, you will otherwise also find Wasabrød's and Barilla's outlet store in the centre of Filipstad. However, this had to be postponed until another time.