Heading our for an evening on the lake, on our single SUP tour

Group fun on one of our MEGA SUPs!

A full moon SUP experience is not to be missed.

Enjoy the quiet magic of an SUP experience on Sövdesjön.

Fun for friends on our MEGA SUP at Sövdesjön

The post SUP and group SUP Experience first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

Of course, here in Skåne we only represent 3% of the total area of Sweden as a whole, and as the southernmost region of this vast country, what happens in Skåne will be quite different to the far North. But many things that are intrinsically Swedish will be found, wherever you visit, in this beautiful country.

So in reply, to question number 1, No!

We often have mild winters with warm, sunny – but can be windy – springtime and regularly experience summer days of temperatures in the high 20’s and often 30C. Autumn is usually very warm, and so picturesque. Swimming temperatures in the water at our local lake hover around 23C on average in summer. Here we are warmed by the Gulf Stream, and protected by land masses of Denmark, the northern coastline of Europe and Finland in the east.

Nearby Snogeholm Lake, in Winter

Question number 2 – “Aren’t the winters always dark?” again is a No, absolutely not here in Skåne! We are the southernmost county, so on a par with the rest of Europe, and in the absolute midwinter, darkness falls at around 4pm. But the fact that there are parts of Sweden for whom the residents don’t get any sun during the 3 winter months, it means that the rest of Sweden acts like it’s dark everywhere, and in solidarity with their Northern fellows, will light up their homes and gardens accordingly. This smaller region of the Österlen launches the winter festivities with Österlen Lyser, a coming-together and celebration of illuminating the winter darkness, with the lighting of bonfires, braziers, lanterns and candles everywhere! There are hundreds of cosy events, big and small. scattered all across the towns and villages, with many artists’ studios, galleries, shops and restaurants opening late to welcome visitors and enjoy the companionship of gatherings in the dark. This follows just a few days after one of Sweden’s most moving traditions  – All Saints Day. Families visit churchyards and burial grounds en masse, placing candles in memory of their relatives and friends who have passed. A graveyard full of thousands of small, flickering flames in the dark night on the first evening of November is a poignant, reflective and quietly beautiful sight. This time generally is also taken to mark the first days of Winter.

All Saints Day

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the theme of light is still very prevalent. With the marking of Advent, candles are lit every Sunday for the Christmas countdown, and the festival of Lucia on December 13th also heralds the coming of light, with white-clad girls wearing a crown of candles or bearing a solitary candle in procession with others enter to the sound of the Lucia song, itself an ode to darkness and light.

The night treads heavily
around yards and dwellings
In places unreached by sun,
the shadows brood
Into our dark house she comes,
bearing lighted candles,
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia

With all homes, shops and municipal buildings lit by masses of lights, stars and candles throughout the winter months, it really is a magical time of year as the billions of points of light pierce the daily darkness. It is the polar opposite to Midsommar and should be welcomed, embraced and enjoyed for that very reason.

At the end of Winter we look forward to the coming of Spring, and usher it in with a rousing goodbye to the winter’s dark days & nights. The celebration of Valborgs has truly tangible Pagan roots, with the lighting of village bonfires across the country, where happy groups of friends and families gather for singsongs – and maybe a few snaps! The following day, May 1st, really does feel like the start of a new period in the calendar, as we notice the buds bursting on the May trees and shrubs and the gardens and countryside coming into bloom. Yet more pinpricks of bright white emerging from the dark stems.

May Blossom at Red Bird Farm

With the love of traditions, the marking of the flow of the seasons and the embracing of the changes that each period brings, it is how we best survive the wintertime. Light masses of candles, wrap up warm and get outside, standing around a bonfire or with the close companionship of others to warm the soul. See … the answer to the third question is a resounding yes! Experiences, holidays and life isn’t just about sunshine and beaches, it’s about enjoying everything that this wonderful region has to offer, the warmth of summer and the cold of winter, the long days around Midsummer with only a few hours of darkness and the shortest of winter days, with more darkness than light! Cosy cafes, streets a-glow with light and snuggling under blankets – and if you are lucky, a blanket of snow to create the perfect Winter light.

A beautiful winter’s image of the drive up to Red Bird Farm

The post Lighting Up the Dark first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

How are you approaching this New Year? This new decade? Is it time for a change … small changes, major overhauls, or just a new approach to the path on which you are already committed?

It’s a natural time to reassess, and whilst the days are short, cold and wet, spend the down time thinking of the year – and more – ahead. Traditionally at this time, we think of our health, fitness and lifestyle. Collectively joining gyms that we soon tire of; giving up smoking, drinking, eating meat …. culling that which we’d like to do less of, and how to adjust to include more of what we know is good for us

.

Most of us could do more. Move more. Experience more. Step away from the desk, the daily chores, the bills and the distractions and take a great, deep breath. Give yourself time. Andas …. breathe.

We need to add daily new motivations to walk instead of using transport, where we can. Spend time out of doors, amongst nature. A park, a river walk, or even a garden allows you to absorb the scents, sounds, colours and movements of nature, soaking up those fractals into your brain. It is scientifically proven that being outdoors is good for your health. Good for the soul. 

These are simple changes we can all make. Eat lunch outside, even under an umbrella if the weather isn’t great. Enjoy the smell of the rain and the sounds, and absorb those rays and D vits when the sun is shining. Our bodies really do need to be outside. We suffer and get sick – physically and mentally – when we lose that connection with nature. If we are to make small shift changes to improve our health and well-being, from this point forwards, it should be a commitment to get outside and get active, but in a way that is pleasurable to you the individual so that you commit to it, it becomes ‘your thing’ and you continue to rack up those rewards long after a well-intentioned gym membership has run out. It only takes 3 weeks for something new to become a habit. By the end of January, you’ll be looking for the next challenge – extending the time spent , or adding in something extra. A new route, a new variation – instead of walking, perhaps hit up a gear and make it a run. If you’re already running, increase the distance. Or get out on a bike instead. Find ways to continue to push and motivate yourself, but importantly keep that outdoor connection. Outdoor yoga? Include some time meditating under a tree? It can be simple and easy on the body, it can be a greater challenge – you decide. But do continue to grow. Where will this new path take you? Involve friends, colleagues, family perhaps. A regular, scheduled-in fixed activity or a free-flowing  pastime that works around your work. An active holiday, or short break where you can reward your body and mind with more of the outdoors, living saturated amongst nature where your only choices are which route do you take, what activities to choose today, what food will you be eating outside , be that in the forest, beside a gentle river or wide, still lake …. can you picture it? Doesn’t that just make you relax and feel healthier just thinking about it? 

The post A 2020 Vision first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

Every house – from the smallest apartment to grand country villa – is lit with an abundance of stars in all the windows, chains of bright white lights and light nets decoarating any plant, tree or flagpole that is available. Swedes love to chase away the darkness of midwinter, and even have a specific festival of Sankt Lucia that is performed in all schools and churches which embraces that concept. Blonde girls in white dresses, adorned with candles in their hair or carried in procession could not symbolise the love of the light any more. Inside the home, candles are everywhere, and coupled with a log fire create such a cosy ambience that you cannot fail to actually love and be warmed by this time of year, however much you actually think that you hate the ‘bleak midwinter’. Whether the weather be rain, blowing a gale or hopefully snow you will bask in the glow of warmth & contentment. Burning braziers and flaming torches will light up the streets and pathways, and welcome you into your Swedish hosts home.

Shopping for food around the region for your ‘Julbord’ (literally, Christmas Table) is delightful, as there is an abundance of artisan food producers, and even the local supermarkets will stock regional independent products. Cafes are welcoming with masses of lights & candles, smells of warm foods, spices and hot coffee. Visit Olof Viktors, Österlen Choklad, Kåseberga cafe, Soderberg och Sara, Byavägen 35 och Byavägen Simrishamn for a wide and delightful highest quality offering, with many of these establishments being featured in Sweden’s White Guide – the annual collation of the country’s best restaurants and cafes.

From November there are also many Christmas markets (Julmarknad) to explore, most often set in grand country houses and church-like barns, offering local crafts and gifts alongside tiny local food producers with plenty to sample and enjoy! They will undoubtedly put you in the Christmas frame of mind!

Shopping for the julbord will include local pickled herring, such as Branteviks or Käseberga Fisks own blends, with sliced herring steeped in vinegar with added herbs, spices and onions, sometimes mustard or perhaps creamier sauces. Eaten from the jar, on fresh sourdough or dark Skänsk Kavring bread, or crisp ‘knäckebröd’ from Olof Viktors the taste cannot be beaten! Top with a slice or two of hard boiled egg and some fish roe – Kalles, in a tube, if you’re a purist – perfect!

Include a slice or two on your plate of ‘jul skinka’ … Christmas ham that is cured and often quite smoky for a seasonal flavour, with the top quality local supplier at Tolonga farm being one of the most popular. Here they breed their own cattle and pigs, and have an amazing farm shop on site. Meatballs, mini sausages and salmon complete the meat offering, rounded off with a hot potatoe gratin and warm cheese pie. Johnsson Fretålse and Västerbotten päj are eaten all over Sweden, and usually made at home, although many supermarkets will sell a very good one from their delikatssen. Vegans need not panic! Christmas in Sweden has you catered for too, with many restaurants having plenty of options. Supermarkets also offer plenty for your home ‘julbord’ … tofu pieces prepared in the same way as the pickled herring, topped with some caviar that is produced from seaweed is a perfect alternative. Sliced ham or beef replacements are easily found, made from either tofu or pea protein and with the vegan mini sausages -‘Prins korv’- and vegan meatballs, your Julbord will not be falling short.

You cannot escape a pepparkakor or a cup or more of glögg at Christmas, anywhere in Sweden! Shops, cafes, offices, garages and any business that you choose to walk into throughout December will have boxes of the delicious thin spicy biscuits, tasting of clove, cinnammon & ginger   and in rounds, heart or christmas tree shapes on every desk and till point! In our first year here, we could get through a whole box in one sitting! Thankfully, we have now manged to temper our pepparkakor habit! We sell a delightful assortment from the local famous bakery and cafe Olof Viktors in our on-site butik, so the tempation is always close. A unique way to enjoy this sweet biscuit is with a topping of crumbly blue cheese or one that is squeezed form the tube … a taste to be experienced to be believed, but one that works. Try it yourself! With a warm cup of spiced apple juice or fruity mildly alcholic red wine, in which you can spoon in an almond and raisin or two, sat by the fire with candles all around and the weather doing it’s thing outside, you have Christmas in Sweden all wrapped up. Så mysigt!  How cosy!

The post Candles, pepparkakor & Christmas in the Österlen first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

Seasonal lunch included, made by ourselves at Red Bird Farm and served out to you en route or at one of our carefully selected locations where local producers provide exceptionally high quality foods in a fantastic setting amongst nature.

An experience not to miss!

The post Hiking first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

Knowing that we wanted to open a luxury bed & breakfast, that offered unique and special places to stay whether for one night or for a two week-long family holiday, our mission was to find a traditional red & white painted old Swedish farm, close to beaches but located outside of the town centre, for the opportunity that guests can stay amongst the beautiful natural environment in peace & quiet, where children can safely and happily run about or you can sit outside and eat, have a drink and just relax whilst watching the birds of prey flying overhead and deer wandering across the meadow.

Having found this place we set about renovating the outbuildings and upgrading rooms to include all services, and set about with pots & pots of white paint, to create that authentic ‘Scandi Style’ of white painted beams, walls & wooden floorboards. Furnishings in soft tones of beige, white or grey, with artistic Swedish details make for a stylish retreat, but one that is totally family friendly! We didn’t want our accommodation to be too formal, so these are all family-focused homes where you can have a hassle-free time after visiting the local beaches, exploring the woods & nature reserves which are literally on our doorstep, or visiting the historic cultural town of Ystad that is just 7km away. It totally is a place to relax, with absolutely quiet nights, star-filled skies, and really comfortable beds (as reported to us by many of our guests)!

When people ask us how we set about opening a B&B, and self-catering holiday homes, we always tell them that it’s really quite simple! As travellers ourselves, we have always looked for independently run, unique, special places to stay. We have travelled as single travellers (for both business and pleasure), as a couple and as a family too. We love nature, we like design and luxury accommodation but we’ve never favoured over-priced corporate hotel rooms. The mantra that we have applied since day one – and one which we continually apply every time we are preparing rooms for our guests’ arrival – is TNT. Tiny, Noticeable Things. The little things that matter. The delightful scent after having a shower, from our Swedish-made organic soaps and shampoos that we provide for you to enjoy. The luxurious dish soap and natural, traditional linen dishcloths that we provide, to make washing up a little bit less of a chore! Delight in using local made, sustainable products. Perhaps it is the pillow spray that we use when making up the beds, that you might not consciously smell but which hopefully aids you towards that relaxing, good night’s sleep. Natural room scents … check! Slippers in a basket by the front door …. check! Free wi-fi …. check! Plentiful and easy parking? We’ve got that covered too! Extra blankets by the sofas, some welcome goodies on arrival, an extensive library of movies to suit all tastes and genres … all there for you to make use of to ensure that you have the best possible stay.

We have also created an on-site boutique where you can buy the fabulous toiletries & skincare, candles and dish soap from L:A Bruket that we provide for you in the apartments; the linen dishcloths & tea towels from Växbo Lin; delicious locally produced foods from Olof Viktors, which make wonderful gifts to take back home (although are equally tempting to eat of an evening whilst staying here)! We also have a selection of local apple juices, ciders and other drinks, chocolates, sweets and savoury foods.

We really believe that you can stay with us and have just the break that you need, be that a quiet place to wind down whilst in the area for business, a few nights mini-break or a annual summer family holiday, where you can enjoy the natural environment but with ample choice of activities for all ages, from the very young to the not quite as young anymore! Easy links to Malmö, Lund, Kivik and Copenhagen make for a great base to explore the entire Österlen region, and of course we have a number of activity breaks that we offer here, so there is no likelihood of boredom setting in. We really do hope to see you at Red Bird Farm soon!

The post The Little Things That Matter first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

The guided activity will allow you two hours on local large & scenic lakes where you will get to see little islands, lakeside properties and all the birds and creatures that the lake is home to.

The post Water Cycling first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

The routes take you alongside the river valley, with some woodland climbs and easy roads through quiet Swedish villages where you can grab many photos of churches, traditional old cottages and magnificent grand houses.

This fully guided Cycle Tour is suitable for all ages and abilities as there are many options on trails of various distances and degree of climbs.

The post Cycle Tour Fyledalen Nature first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.

It’s a magical site which makes us think of the timeless history, of people before us who have travelled here over the centuries and connects us in a way that many places just cannot. This is at the heart of this tour – an opportunity to tread in the footsteps of history, yet leaving little impact on the natural Swedish costal landscape. Includes a wonderful lunch, freshly prepared with local produce, in one of the exceptional restaurants in the harbour, looking out across the Baltic sea.

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With a guided tour on our Water Cycles you will get to see the lake from a different perspective as you glide effortlessly through the water, skirting around the small islands as fish jump around you and the birds look on inquisitively. Included in this tour is a visit to a fantastic outdoor kitchen for a freshly prepared lunch of homemade soup – a real delight!

Throughout the year this unique experience of a guided lake tour on Water Cycles will be included as an option for our fantastic guided activity breaks for those wishing to connect with nature. Available for groups of between 2-8 people our packages include accommodation in our award winning barn conversions, all equipment, a delicious breakfast, a choice of unique local guided activities and lunch.

The post A Guided Lake tour on Water Cycles! first appeared on Red Bird Farm Sweden.