Medevi brunn, is Scandinavia

Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...

's oldest spa

Spa

The term spa is associated with water treatment which is also known as balneotherapy. Spa towns or spa resorts typically offer various health treatments. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are...

, located on the eastern shore of Lake Vättern, in north-west Östergötland

Östergötland

Östergötland, English exonym: East Gothland, is one of the traditional provinces of Sweden in the south of Sweden. It borders Småland, Västergötland, Närke, Södermanland, and the Baltic Sea. In older English literature, one might also encounter the Latinized version, Ostrogothia...

, Sweden

Sweden

Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....

.

History

The spa was founded in 1678 by count

Count

A count or countess is an aristocratic nobleman in European countries. The word count came into English from the French comte, itself from Latin comes—in its accusative comitem—meaning "companion", and later "companion of the emperor, delegate of the emperor". The adjective form of the word is...

 Gustaf Soop and the royal doctor Urban Hjärne. Queen Hedvig Eleonora had a summer residence built at Medevi säteri, on the hills overlooking the village, at the recommendation of Hjärne.

Since then, people have been coming to Medevi every summer, to cure themselves from ailments by drinking the mineral water

Mineral water

Mineral water is water containing minerals or other dissolved substances that alter its taste or give it therapeutic value, generally obtained from a naturally occurring mineral spring or source. Dissolved substances in the water may include various salts and sulfur compounds...

 and by covering themselves in mud wrap

Mud wrap

Mud wraps are spa treatments designed to slim and tone the body, hydrate or firm the skin, or relax and soothe the muscles. Some mud wraps are also thought to relieve tired and aching joints, ease inflammation, and help to flush out toxins through sweating....

s. Most buildings date back to 18th and 19th centuries. The health center was closed in 1982, but the water is still served to visitors in the summer.

Today

Medevi has become one of the most popular resorts to celebrate the Scandinavian summer holiday of midsummer

Midsummer

Midsummer may simply refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice, but more often refers to specific European celebrations that accompany the actual solstice, or that take place on a day between June 21 and June 24, and the preceding evening. The exact dates vary between different...

. During the midsummer weekend, daily visitors in the village often number over 10,000. The area surrounding Medevi has seen a dramatic increase in the construction of summer residences, some of which have been turned into year-round housing. The nearby beach village of Västanvik alone has over 500 such residences. Two confirmation camps are held every year, run by Hans Rhodin. Sweden's upper class 15 year olds come and involve in activities for three weeks.

Famous people from Medevi

Medevi is the birthplace of Swedish artist and philosopher Alexander Bard

Alexander Bard

Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard is a Swedish artist, music producer and writer.-Background and education:Bard was born Alexander Bengt Magnus Bard in Medevi, Motala Municipality, Sweden. After he had completed his upper secondary education, Bard studied in the United States and in Amsterdam, Netherlands...

, (born in 1961).

External links

• Official site (in Swedish)