The hotel operations at the beautiful Korstäppans Herrgård date back over 100 years, having hosted royalty and authors throughout the decades. At Korstäppan, you can truly feel the presence of history.
It all began with the entrepreneur Ester Hanngren
In the vicarage of Leksand lived Reverend Pehr Hanngren and his wife Hilda af Ekenstam. Their youngest daughter, Ester, was born on July 25, 1872. Highly educated, she became both a certified teacher and nurse. In the late 19th century, high society tourists began visiting Leksand. As a child, Ester experienced a memorable event when King Oscar II and his family visited Leksand and stayed at their vicarage.
A guesthouse since 1906
Ester Hanngren eventually connected with Miss Joanna Heijkenskjöld at Korstäppan, which was then a small manor. In 1905, Ester leased Korstäppan, and together with Miss Heijkenskjöld, they undertook extensive renovations and expansions. By Christmas 1906, Korstäppan opened as a private retreat and rest home.
Cold baths in lake Siljan drew visitors
Despite never advertising, Korstäppan quickly became one of the most popular guesthouses in Leksand. By 1916, Ester was able to purchase the entire property with her savings. At the turn of the century, tourists were most drawn to the proximity of pine forests and the allure of cold baths in Lake Siljan – both of which Korstäppan offered.
Collaboration with Hilda Munthe
Hilda Munthe, wife of Axel Munthe – Queen Victoria’s physician at nearby Hildasholm – designed Korstäppan’s garden terraces, inspired by English gardens, overlooking the lake. Today, the Hildasholm museum and its beautiful gardens are open to visitors during the summer, offering a glimpse into the era when Ester Hanngren thrived as a pioneering female entrepreneur.
