Food & Drink
The Edible Country
Enjoy outstanding outdoor dining experiences in Småland
Here, local and organic food is cherished and Småland’s nature is often used to inspire local menus. Taste the flavours outdoors or at a local restaurants.
What is the Edible Country?
In 2019, Visit Sweden showcased the incredible nature in Sweden and Småland through the lens of it being the ‘Edible Country’. Foraging has long been a part of Swedish culture, thanks to how clean our nature is. Finding edible food in the wilderness is part of our everyday life, and we enjoy cooking outdoors too. That’s why you’ll find rustic tables in scenic locations around Sweden.
There are many places where you can book an outdoor dining experience (and all the cooking facilities you’ll need). You will forage for your own food and cook it yourself in the wilderness.
DIY or book a chef
DIY. You’ll get recipe ideas and advice about which raw ingredients you’ll need to get before you head out into forests and fields. You can also book a guide for these experiences. They’ll teach you about the food available for foraging and can help you cook the food over an open fire. Having an experienced and knowledgeable chef on hand to help guarantees your food will be divine.
Hire a chef so you can cook your food over an open fire
The Edible Country tables in Småland
There are three places known for their outstanding dining experiences in nature. You’ll find one deep in the forest surrounded by moss near the Asa Herrgård manor and Stufvenäs Gästgifveri. At each of these places, you cook your meal on-site after finding seasonal ingredients in the nearby nature. Mushrooms, berries, herbs and fish are some of the delicacies you’ll find – with any other ingredients coming from the chef’s kitchen. Book a guide, a chef, a canoe or even a horse to take you to your rustic table. Once you’re there, you can bring chefs, servers, and even sommeliers to your table in the woods for a completely unique culinary experience.
The Table at Asa Herrgård
The table where you’ll enjoy your meal at Asa Herrård is in a scenic glade reminisce of fairy tales. The floor is coral-green moss, while the pine trees form your ceiling – with each nearby stone harbouring more edible treats. To reach this fabled table, you’ll need to travel a few km from Asa Herrård through a tranquil forest along a mossy path – where the whispering trees are the loudest sounds you’ll hear. On the way, you’ll forage for seasonal herbs, nuts and mushrooms. Once you arrive, it’s time to make your feast. If you’ve booked a guide and chef, you’ll get help preparing a three-course meal over an open fire. Local crayfish are offered when they’re in season. Asa Herrgård offers high-quality accommodation and dining experiences
The Table at Stufvenäs Country Hotel
Stufvenäs Country Hotel welcomes you to take a seat at a very special table, under the oak trees and right next to the glittering Kalmar Strait. A short distance from Stufvenäs country hotel you will find this table, set on a scenic and historic land. Here, right by the sea, underneath one of the most beautiful oak trees, among windswept juniper bushes and blooming sloe bushes, and with only the sky above you, you will sit down and enjoy the flavours of the county of Småland. Accompanied only by the sea breeze, the seabirds’ song and the whisper of the reed.
Visit Sweden - The Edible Country
To create an accessible alternative to unhealthy foods and an inactive lifestyle we transformed together with restaurants the whole country into a do-it-yourself gourmet restaurant. Because in Sweden, delicious healthy food is just around the corner – in our nature. Reservation is closed for now but the Edible Country tables will be open for bookings again in spring 2020.
Stay in the midst of nature and eat like royalty
Food experiences
In Småland we make a habit of enjoying nature as often as possible and very often combined with a meal. Food always taste better outside!
Accomodation close to nature
Stay at hotels, B&B, manors and visit countryside restaurants. Here you can enjoy the nature and eat great food at the same time.
Activities close to nature
Anyone is free to explore in our nature, but we've made it a bit easier for you - here are some nice tips to check out for great nature experiences.
Our tips on Småland delights and specialties
Flavours of Småland
The flavours of Småland include the traditional specialties ostkaka, isterband and lingonsylt. Here you can learn more about them!
Natural food
In Småland, green food is at the centre. Locally grown produce is preferred and you can find urban cultivations as well as farm shops on the countryside.
Småland Beverages
The crystal glass from Småland is known all over the world. A little less known, perhaps, is what local drinks we pour into the glass