Medevi Brunn is Scandinavia's oldest health spa, located on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, in north-west Östergötland, Sweden.
The spa was founded in 1678 by baron Gustaf Soop (the owner of the estate back then) and the physician Urban Hjärne, who examined the water from the spring and found it to be of the same mineral water quality as other popular health spas in Europe at the time. In 1679 the dowager queen Hedwig Eleonora came here for a cure, which probably contributed to the spa’s status and reputation growing.
Most of the buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The health center was closed in 1982, but the buildings are still used as hotel/hostel; for tourists in the summer, and for conferences and camps etc. Water from the spring is still served to visitors, and certain other traditions also kept up - like a brass orchestra band playing in the summer evenings, including a ceremonial march down to the building where the water is served. The buildings are listed (as being of historical interest) - but sadly, to me, some of them look a bit run down now. (I have been there once before, but that was back in the early/mid 1980s.
The Inn
Bust of the founder, Urban Hjärne
Gifts are welcome…
The spa building where the magic water is still found
We had a drink from the well, of course.
This may look like a church or a town hall, but it is not…
Have a guess, before you read the sign beneath the next photo!
This is the church! (Popular for weddings, I understand.)
12 comments:
what a lovely place! Thanks!
I'm imagining what all those buildings would look like buried in snow!
One would think that the purpose of the last two buildings would be switched! The spa has a lovely little flower garden, and beautiful roofs. The cafe is adorable! Is it still in use? That might be a menu in the front. It looks like something from a fairy story. Lovely little church.
the buildings are beautiful, I love the trim around the windows and the bell tower looks like a church and the church looks like a building that would have billiards in it on the outside but is beautiful on the inside.. why is there a tall ship in the church? a beautiful place
I've often wondered what it would have been like to have visited a spa in its heyday.
Thanks for visiting! :)
Mhmm... I really think I prefer visiting in summer... :)
Ginny, the café does still seem to be in use, yes. At least in summer. And the Inn (restaurant) as well (1st picture).
Sandra, your question about the ship inspired a whole separate blog post today! :)
I imagine it was quite "fashionable", Janet! We had several of these kinds of places in Sweden, both inland and at the coast.
My guesses were wildly far from the correct use. The buildings do look very attractive but it is possible to discern some tattyness in places. I imagine that their upkeep must be difficult and costly/
I think you have the correct impression about the upkeep of the buildings, Graham. And keeping a whole village of old wooden houses in good condition is no doubt a never-ending and costly job.
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