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About us

About us

Ekegården, located in southern Gotland, 60km from Visby, is a place where peacefulness and joy await. Loads of people find their way here, and many feel like they’ve found a second home, a real escape from their everyday hustle. Originally built for community, it continues to serve that purpose today. Whether it’s for educational activities, retreats, or camps with a touch of deeper meaning, or even concerts, corporate events, sports camps, and co-living vacations., we’ve got it all. Summing up Ekegården? It’s a joyful hideaway where everyone’s welcome and feels right at home.

Our Vision

A meaningful connected community.

 

Our Mission

To create a chill place where everyone can grow, heal, and build real connections.

Per Appelqvist

Per Appelqvist

Food & development

Here at Ekegården, among my various duties, I am primarily responsible for the food, as well as the maintenance and development of the buildings.

After many years in the business world, where I held leadership roles in media, IT, and staffing, I have also worked as a leadership coach with Therese in our joint business. 

However since more than ten years, Ekegården’s kitchen has been my home, serving both groups and our restaurant. My passion for traditional cooking, suitable for both celebrations and everyday meals, is both my profession and my hobby. After numerous trips and experimenting with outdoor cooking and smokers, Texas BBQ has become a specialty here at the farm. It’s also a focus of one of our side business, smokehousegotland.com.

Personally, I like to always be on the move and evolve in everything I do, maintaining a positive attitude. I hope to see you soon!

Therese Appelqvist

Therese Appelqvist

Customer relations & coordination

Here at Ekegården, among my various duties, I primarily handle coordination and customer relations.

With a Master’s degree in Sociology and a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Didactics, I bring values from my experiences and the importance of open-hearted relationships to our community.

My personal journey through healing severe autoimmune hypothyroidism has deeply influenced my approach to wellness, emphasizing the crucial balance between mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach is at the core of everything we offer here at Ekegården. 

For over 15 years, I have used my expertise in leadership and communication. Here at Ekegården, I also lead meditation practices, circles, and retreats, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds who seek a retreat and a mindful break from their daily lives.

Feel free to visit my side business. thereseappelqvist.com

History

In 1962, Ekegården was inaugurated primarily as a training facility for Christian youth. It was intended to be a place for community, conversation, and teaching. Initially, the operation was confined to the older limestone house with tents.

Over time, it expanded, and in 1972, a significant addition was made with assembly halls, a dining hall, fireplaces, and rooms. Per and Therese Appelqvist took over in 2014 and have since both maintained and developed the operation. The buildings and rooms have been renovated and improved, new facilities and rooms have been added along with new activities, and many people continue to visit year after year.

The images below are from the construction of the main building in 1972.

Welcome to our community too.

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