Grill kota
A grill kota refers to a hut (mostly polygonal) made of wood, in different sizes, in which there is a fire or grill place in the middle. Grillkota is derived from the traditional name, but it can also be called a Finnish grill hut, grill pavilion, fire kota or simply grill house.
History and origin
The term Kota (Kåta, Swedish; Kåt Norwegian;) comes from the Scandinavian region and actually describes the traditional tents of the Sami, the indigenous people of Lapland. Even then, people cooked on an open fire in the middle of the tents. In German, the term “Kothe” - a larger group tent - was derived from it. Kotas made of wood are mostly polygonal and not rectangular, as it was forbidden for the Sami to build their wooden huts rectangular until the early 20th century. The floor was traditionally covered with birch or other brushwood, which was changed regularly. Reindeer or other animal skins were placed on top. The household items were hung from the ceiling. People, dogs and other domestic animals used to live in Kåta.
The grill kota today
What has long been normal in Scandinavian countries is now also popular internationally: the grill kota as a barbecue hut in the gardens at home. Kotas now come in many sizes and shapes. As in the past, all species still share the central fireplace, which used to be made of stones, and a smoke hole in the middle. For a few thousand euros you can buy the wooden grill kotas and assemble them yourself.
Web links
- norwegenerlebnisse.de about the Grillkota