Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland

A Hälsingehof is a courtyard or a former farm in the Swedish countryside Hälsingland. Today there are around 1,000 of Hälsingland with cultural and historical value. Seven of them - Kristofers in Stene, Gästgivars Vallsta, Jon- Lars and Pallars in Långhed, Fågelsjö Gammelgård, Bommars in Letsbo and Erik -Anders in Asta - were included as Swedish cultural monument in the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in July 2012.

The farms are examples of a timber construction based on folk building traditions of the country. Noteworthy is the size of the buildings, which were often performed on two levels with ample embellishments. They served several generations at the same time as a residence. The result are the courtyards in the style of the 18th century.

The home jewelry shows, for example, in profiled roof feet, carved or profilgesägtem window lining and ornate doorways. The interiors are partially well preserved wall paintings, stencil paintings and tapestries. The pictures show biblical themes, translated into Hälsingemilieu or funny stories, mixed with Kurbitsmalereien with flowers and ribbons.

Many communities had their own type, and the various features usually came to the doorways expressed, especially at the outlets. In some communities, especially on the coast, lacked the Vortreppen, instead it was more expensive stairs and door lining.

The courts were also farm buildings, placed anywhere outside of the courtyard. Each building had its own function. Barns, stables forging, wash houses and homes for dry cereal.