What is a Härbre?

A härbre is a traditional Swedish building originally used to store grain and other foods that needed to be kept dry and protected from rodents. Härbren were common in the northern parts of Sweden, especially in Dalarna.

Härbre common in Dalarna

The Härbret is often a small, detached wooden building raised from the ground on stones or logs to prevent moisture and pests from entering. It is often built using a technique called knot-timing, where the wooden logs are joined at the corners with special cuts and hooks without using nails or screws.

The interior of a hearth is usually divided into a number of smaller compartments or shelves to facilitate the storage and organization of different products.

Today herbaria are often used for other purposes, such as summer cottages, storage rooms or museums. They are also important as cultural and historical monuments and are common in Swedish homes.

Question: What is a härbre?

Answer: A härbre is a traditional Swedish building originally used to store grain and other foodstuffs. It is a small, freestanding wooden building that is raised off the ground to protect against moisture and pests.

Question: Where is hearthwood most common?

Answer: Härbren are common in the northern parts of Sweden, especially in Dalarna.

Question: How is a härbre constructed?

Answer: The interior of a härbre is usually divided into a number of smaller compartments or shelves to facilitate the storage and organization of different products. The building is usually constructed using a technique called knottimbering.

Question: What is hardwood used for today?

Answer: Today, hearths are often used for other purposes, such as summer cottages, storage rooms or museums. They are also important as cultural and historical monuments.

Question: What is knotted timbering?

Answer: Knotted timbering is a building technique in which wooden logs are joined at the corners with special cuts and hooks without using nails or screws. This technique is commonly used in bridge construction.

Question: How does a herbarium protect against pests?

Answer: The shelter is raised from the ground on stones or logs. This prevents rodents and other pests from entering the building and damaging the warehouse.