At Tolfta Gård, which is run by the Jägerup family, you get straight out into nature. The farm is located next to a small lake surrounded by forest, oak pastures and open fields. Despite the coronavirus, it’s easy to socialise safely here.
There are five cottages for rent on the farm. They are separated from each other and guests look after themselves in their accommodation.
“Most of the people who come here book our riding tour packages. They give you the chance to do something together, outdoors. The tours are conducted with a safe distance from each other. There will, after all, always be at least one horse length,” says Katrin Jägerup, laughing.
There are nice bridleways around the farm that run through forests and fields. We welcome both experienced riders and beginners. The riding packages can be booked for one day or several days with overnight stays.
“Experienced riders can ride out by themselves. We go through the map beforehand. When you return, we serve coffee with homemade biscuits and cake in the garden pavilion, which is usually much appreciated.”
Less experienced riders can book a riding tour with a guide.
“We adapt the tours to the skill level of the participants and we are very safety conscious. Families, groups of friends to girls who’ve taken up riding again after a few years’ break all come here.”
Katrin says that all seasons have their charm.
“One autumn weekend on a guided tour we saw both sea eagles and wild boar. A spring day when nature is coming to life, the tender greenery is starting to sprout and the first butterflies appear is very special. And of course summer, with the warm breeze in your hair and the buzz of the worker bees in the flowering lupins.”
There’s lots to see and experience around Tolfta Gård also for those who don’t want to ride.
“It could be, for example, a family with a mother and daughter who share an interest in horses, while the father and son prefer to row out on the lake and fish,” says Katrin.
“Most of the people who come here book our riding tour packages. They give you the chance to do something together, outdoors.” says Katrin Jägerup, laughing.
Why not take a trip to the nearby Stone Age village of Vrå. Tolfta Gård is located in the heart of Sörmland, close to several major attractions such as Stockholm, Kolmården Wildlife Park and Parken Zoo in Eskilstuna. But people mainly come here to experience life in the country.
“We run a farm with cows, horses, chickens and ducks. We also have sheep, a goat and rabbits. It’s usually popular, especially with children, to pet and cuddle the animals in the petting pen.”
Tolfta Gård’s rental cottages vary in size from 2 to 7 beds. The standard differs, but they all have full kitchen equipment. The larger cottages also have a shower and toilet, while the smaller ones share a shower area in the grounds. All the cottages overlook the small lake Täljaren.
Ridled Sörmland bridleway
Tolfta Gård is part of the bridleway Ridled Sörmland. The bridleway is almost 400 km long and consists of minor roads that meander through forests, open landscape and past small lakes. The bridleway is also suitable for hiking and cycling. There is overnight accommodation for both horses and riders along the bridleway.
“You can bring your own horse or rent our Icelandic horses. We care greatly about our animals and want people to think about adapting the pace to the surface and the planned day stage. It’s not about proceeding at high speed. I like to compare it with going on a ski excursion: you make your way at a leisurely pace and have time to experience the nature around you.”
A gift to look forward to
Katrin Jägerup concludes by suggesting buying a gift card from Tolfta Gård – a perfect gift.
“With the difficulties that has been with planning long trips or large gatherings, it can be a wonderful experience to look forward to.”
