Stufvenäs is an old settlement with a long and exciting history. People were living on this site as long as 5,000 years ago. The region around has belonged to the nationally famous Värnanäs Manor for several hundred years. The establishment became independent of Wärnanäs about 30 years ago.
Värnanäs Manor was inhabited as early as the 10th century by Swedish dynasties: Bonde, Trolle, Sture and Grip. Worst of all was the greedy financier Bo Jonsson Grip, who in the middle of the 14th century owned, in practice, the complete county of Kalmar, including the Kalmar Castle, after the ravages of the plague.
Värnanäs Manor came into Gustav Vasa’s possession at the beginning of the 16th century. He was personally involved in running the estate. His second wife, Margaretha Leijonhufvud, was often at Värnanäs, as was Gustav Vasa’s son, later to be King Erik XIV. The Danes torched the manor in 1564 during the Seven-Year’s War, but it was rebuilt by Johan III. After peace was signed in Brömsebro in 1645, Värnanäs became the principal manor in the county of Södra Möre, and was endowed by Queen Kristina onto Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna. He was awarded the manor for his significant contributions to the peace.
Stufvenäs became part of the Värnanäs estate in 1545, when the John Firsze family was living here. The main building was built in 1798 as guest lodgings for Värnanäs Manor, located only 200 metres from the sea.
The magnificent manor house is well-preserved, as are the dining rooms with their original floors, doors and tiled stoves. Stufvenäs has also an interesting history in more modern times. As the era of ship-building came to an end at Värnanäs Manor, the inn was leased to Axel Hemmingsson as a farm in 1830. Buildings that have been preserved from that time include the farmhands’ lodging and the brewery.
A walk or a day out in the Stufvenäs surroundings is an experience. The region is of national interest due to its unique natural life and geological history. Conifer forests dominate the west. The Kalmar plain with its fertile regions lies along the coastline. There is also a unique natural region here – an archipelago with many small islands and long, sandy beaches. The visitor can view Svartö from the inn, which is the centre of the largest cormorant colony in the Nordic region. Some of the islands are home to a protected seal colony.
In addition, there is the Örarevet nature reserve, with its varied plant cover and a rich bird life. The low skerries of the nature reserve provide nesting sites for Canada geese, and other birds. The vegetation is unique with proliferating juniper and pine trees, together with oaks that are reputed to be 600 years old. The water is warm along the shallow beaches in the summer and autumn, stretching several hundred metres out into the Kalmar Strait. The view over Öland is magnificent.
We have carried out extensive renovation at Stufvenäs Gästgifveri in order to preserve the cultural values here for posterity. Its beautiful atmosphere of another world, the best possible comfort and
service, together with a kitchen that provides wonderful food.
Welcome!
