An unusual cast-iron spire at Månsarps kyrka brings together sacred architectural history and local ironworking. Elsewhere in Månsarp, you can also encounter traces of this long industrial history. Paths by the water and nearby Taberg Nature Reserve add landscapes and nature to the picture.

Churches and places of remembrance

The present-day Månsarps kyrka was built in 1853–54. Before that, a wooden church dating from 1714 had been demolished; it had replaced a medieval wooden church. The exterior of the current church building remains unchanged. Its unusual cast-iron spire is especially striking: five teams from foundries in the surrounding area made and donated it. This detail brings church architecture and local industrial history together in a direct way.

Månsarps ödekyrkogård preserves the remains of a church and cemetery with medieval origins. The old 18th-century church was demolished after the new church was built in 1853. The final footpath to the site is partly worn. Parking is available at Månsarps kyrka, about 350 metres northeast of the cemetery. Check the condition of the path before your visit.

Månsarps kyrka can be entered when possible; visitors can take a church brochure from the information rack. The Utekyrka at Pärlängen, next to the church, is used during the summer half of the year. The barbecue area and boules court at Pärlängen can also be booked, provided the parish does not need them for its own activities.

Ironworking by the water

Månsarp has a long history of ironworking. One specific site is the Månsarps södra masugn complex at the northern end of Vederydssjön, in the area around the Tabergsån. The lower part of the blast furnace, dams and slag heaps remain. Stone arch bridges are also part of the former ironworking complex. The remains make the industrial past tangible as part of the local architectural and landscape history.

The Tabergs-å-leden runs along the Tabergsån through green, varied terrain. Its character is shaped by rippling water, winding paths and remains of early industry. At the start of the trail, there is a beautiful view of Månsarpasjön; a rest area lies on the lake’s north shore. If you want to fish in Månsarpasjön, note that it is managed by Tabergsåns fiskevårdsområdesförening, and check the local rules before fishing.

Explore nature and trails

Nearby Taberg Nature Reserve protects a scenic hill, varied forest and plant communities, rare species and abundant wildlife. There are viewpoints and hiking trails, and guided tours are offered through the mines. The reserve thus combines exploring the landscape with an insight into the area’s natural and industrial history.

In Månsarp itself, habitat management is also part of the nature experience: Biparadis includes an open sandy habitat that is regularly managed to support sand lizards. This management is part of the habitat’s design. Fishing in Månsarpasjön and the protected areas each offer a different focus; together, they show how varied nature experiences in the area can be.

For routes with several possible starting points, the Taberg-343 network has parking at Månsarps Idrottsplats, Månsarp station and Månsarps kyrka. Six loops run through Taberg, Månsarp, Norrahammar or Hovslätt, following surfaced, accessibility-oriented paths. The network also includes a wind shelter at Månsarps kyrka. The loops and the Tabergs-å-leden therefore differ in their described form: one offers several routes designed with accessibility in mind, while the other follows the river past early industrial remains. Check parking conditions before setting off, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Angerdshestra, Bondstorp, Aneby, Eksjö, Tranås, Sävsjö, Marieholmsbruk, Vaggeryd.

For the main travel overview: Jönköping.