ABOUT US
Our history
In 1910, Tällgården is built.
Dalecarlia Hotel & Spa was originally called Tällgården and was built in 1910 by Professor Gösta Mittag-Leffler, based on designs by Norwegian-born architect Güttler. The house was constructed from unplaned timber. Tällgården included a 30-acre farm, which was mainly run by tenants. Professor Leffler was one of the greatest mathematicians of our time. He donated SEK 1 million to the Academy of Sciences, and soon the Leffler Mathematical Foundation was established in Djursholm, with one of the world's largest mathematical libraries.
After his death, Professor Leffler donated Tällgården to Stockholm University as a vacation home. Unfortunately, there were insufficient funds to realize his wish, and Tällgården stood empty for two years. In 1929, Major Birger Delin took over Tällgården. This marked the beginning of a new period of prosperity. A barn, stables, tennis court, etc. were built. The garden was redesigned by landscape architect Rudolf Abelin. Artist Jerk Werkmäster decorated the walls of the Knights' Hall.
IN 1944
Tällgården becomes a hotel
In 1944, Tällgården was sold to Hugo Malmborg, who converted it into a hotel. The Solleröstugan cottage from the time of Gustaf Vasa, which had previously been a separate building, was joined to the main building. In 1949, director Martin Åmark bought Tällgården and gave the hotel its current name, Dalecarlia. Director Åmark died in 1954, and the hotel was run as an estate until 1973, when director Gunnar Ekelöf took over the business. Ekelöf renovated the entire hotel and built Dalecarliabyn, which consists of 21 holiday villas. In 1978, an indoor facility with a sauna, pool, gym, etc. was built, which was then converted into a spa in 1995, one of the first in Sweden.
In 1989, Dalecarlia was purchased by builder Göran Lövgren, who immediately began an extensive renovation and expansion project. Fifty-eight new rooms, a new reception area, and new conference facilities were added to the old building. In the old part, the rooms have been carefully renovated, and the original interior, the cozy creaking floors, and the low ceilings have been preserved. The renovation and extension of the restaurant area and the construction of a new kitchen were completed in 2002. In 2013, the spa was expanded to include a relaxation room, a communal sauna, and an outdoor hot spring with a soothing view of Lake Siljan.
In 2018, the hotel became a Premier Collection by Best Western.
Professor Gösta Mittag-Leffler
It can be said that Mittag-Leffler enjoyed socializing in Stockholm's finer circles; he even considered himself a personal friend of Oscar II. Mittag-Leffler was "tall and stately, broad-shouldered, with a large head and flowing curls. His demeanor is described as impressive, with a touch of the ridiculous." Gösta Mittag-Leffler was an extravagant man who loved banquets and being seen.
For many years, he invited each year's Nobel Prize winners to his own ball. There is a rumor that Mittag-Leffler had an affair with Alfred Nobel's mistress, and that this is the reason why there is no Nobel Prize in mathematics today. But there are also those who say that it is simply because he could not bear the thought of Mittag-Leffler winning the prize...
The exciting history of Tällberg
The pine-covered mountain of Tällberg has a long history. Thanks to well-preserved documentation, we can say with certainty that in 1541 there were seven active farmers here, and that the number steadily increased. In 1825, the village had 31 farms, all of which were self-sufficient. Hunting and fishing played an important role at this time, not least because the land in Tällberg was dry and therefore did not produce particularly large harvests. Side jobs, such as logging, winter driving, home work, or work in other locations, were also common at this time. Families often lived in cramped conditions, with bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms in the same space, especially since heating required it.
In 1911, the village was supplied with electricity, at the same time as agriculture was at its peak. In 1915, there were 35 horses, 71 cows, 31 young cattle, around 30 sheep and goats, one bull, 14 pigs, and 157 hens. A few years later, agriculture declined and the population of the village decreased. By 1950, the number of active farmers had more than halved. During the same period, the number of retail and hotel employees increased from three to 68 as a result of the growth of the tourism industry.
Thanks to the railway and steamboat traffic, Tällberg became easily accessible to tourists. The magnificent view was one of the reasons why many were drawn to the village, and the first summer visitors settled here in the early 1900s. In the years that followed, even more people moved to the village, to newly built or transported homes.
With the ever-increasing influx of tourists, there was also a need for accommodation. The first overnight accommodations were ready in 1908. The village then expanded its capacity to receive tourists, especially since demand showed no signs of abating. Between 1908 and 1960, no fewer than eight hotels were built, all of which are still standing today. This makes Tällberg the village with the highest concentration of hotels in Sweden. And probably also the most loyal to the Dalarna region.
ACTIVITIES
Discover and be inspired by everything Tällberg has to offer
Dalecarlia Hotel & Spa has something for all ages. Spend a relaxing day at Dalecarlia Spa or enjoy an action-packed adventure in the forest and countryside. We offer a wide range of options for the whole family.