Börstorp Slott

The hosts were amazing, and I had one of the best breakfasts I've ever had, with so much care put into it. The old castle is beautiful too. Absolutely wonderful!

The homemade apple juice was very good, and it's the one thing here I'd recommend. We couldn't get coffee or Coke Zero because they were out of both. I ordered salmon and cheese sandwiches, but got two tiny ones, so it seemed like there wasn't much else available in the kitchen. Eat somewhere else.

I'd been passing this place on road 26 for over 60 years without ever going in. Then I spotted a Bed & Breakfast and Café sign about 10 km south of Sjötorp, pulled in for coffee and maybe cake, and found a place that felt like stepping into a dream. The castle and grounds are beautiful, and everyone was welcoming. A woman came out to show me in, and another very friendly lady answered all my questions and let me choose between sitting indoors or outside. The coffee was great, the cake was good, and I took home some of their freshly baked bread. It tasted really good and seemed healthy. I also learned they have a hotel, breakfast, lunch, a bakery and café, and spaces people can book for weddings, meetings, and conferences. They sell a large range of Essential oils and offer massage too. There's a lot going on! The owner is a German Foundation, Aurea Arcadia, and they live and work there as a collective. Börstorp is only a few km from E20, off road 26, and has a sign by the road. It's a must visit if you're near Mariestad, travelling between Gothenburg and Stockholm, or heading for Kristinehamn or Karlstad. I won't drive past without stopping again.

We were really cold at night, but the breakfast was awesome and the tea time spot had real charm. The place has a lovely feel and a friendly, lively community. There's also a swamp area right by the lake, where you can get a good swim in summer.