Swedish Michelin-starred forest restaurant Knystaforsen reopens with renewed focus on local ingredients and open-fire cooking

Knystaforsen, a Michelin-starred restaurant located in a former sawmill by a river in Halland, Sweden, reopened its doors this week for a new season. Led by Eva and Nicolai Tram, the restaurant is resuming its distinctive approach of preparing meals exclusively over open flames with a new seasonal menu shaped by ingredients that can be foraged, hunted, fished or grown in the surrounding forests and lakes, reflecting the establishment’s ongoing commitment to hyper-local sourcing and traditional Nordic cooking methods.

Located deep within the Swedish forest, the restaurant has built a reputation for its dedication to sustainability and its unique culinary identity, which centres on the themes of Forest. Lake. Fire. Their seasonal refresh aims to further deepen their engagement with the local landscape, with a particular focus on freshwater fish, game, roots and preserved ingredients, intended to showcase the natural resources and culinary heritage of the Halland region. The current menu features dishes such as Moose Tartare, Trout with Lingonberries and Duck Hearts with Wild Garlic. 

Knystaforsen operates with a single seating per night, offering what the team describes as an experience that “unfolds slowly”. This format is designed to reflect the rhythms of the surrounding environment, with the sounds of the river and the woodland forming part of the dining experience. The use of open fire for all cooking continues to set the restaurant apart from other fine dining establishments, with the flames serving both as a practical tool and a symbol of their unique philosophy. The setting, described as intimate and rustic, allows guests to experience the crackle of fire and the scent of burning wood alongside their meal, with Eva Tram’s wine pairings designed to complement the bold, smoky flavours of Nicolai Tram’s cuisine.

The approach has earned Knystaforsen a Michelin star, a Michelin Green Star for sustainability and responsible sourcing, and further international recognition including Two Knives from The Best Chef Awards in 2024. According to the Michelin Guide, “A meal at Knystaforsen is truly a delight and staying the night further enhances the experience”. With its reopening, the restaurant continues to offer its interpretation of Sweden’s forest cuisine, shaped by the elements and the changing seasons of Halland.

Food Desk

To book a table at Knystaforsen, Rydöforsvägen 4, 314 42 Rydöbruk, Sweden, visit the restaurant’s website here.