The traditional red cottage is the typical postcard of rural Scandinavia. The red colour was not chosen for aesthetic reasons: this falu red preserves wood very efficiently and comes from the pigment from various copper mines in Sweden, such as the mine of Falun.

Used as far back as the 16th century, this treatment also has a very low environmental impact as its binders are starch glue and linseed oil, and its solvent water. The wood can breathe as it lets moisture in and it allows it to evaporate again equally quickly, minimizing the risk of rot.

Add a simple maintenance, and it is easy to understand why this coating is still as popular today in Scandinavia!

Close up of the well maintained Swedish houses, Old Gavle, Sweden

Claire Lessiau

Travel tips:

• Take a visual tour of Stockholm & Sweden!
• Check out this interactive map (short tutorial) for the specific details to help you plan your trip and more articles and photos (zoom out) about the area!
  

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