Glanshammar combines a long church history with an archaeological cultural landscape and natural areas nearby. A small wooden church probably stood here as early as the 11th century, preceding the church of Glanshammar. By the end of the Middle Ages, it had been converted into a two-aisled church with decorative star vaults. The ceiling and wall paintings by Anders Jordansson Ryttare, dating from 1589, are well preserved. The historical story thus stretches from the presumed early church building to the colourful paintings of the late 16th century.

Church, Runestones and Traces of Settlement

The church is among the most culturally and historically significant churches in Örebro County and features rare 16th-century vault and wall paintings. Archaeological finds also form part of the cultural landscape: eight of the approximately 30 known runestones in Närke were found at or near Glanshammar Church. A significant archaeological site from the Late Iron Age lies beside the church; the cultural landscape also includes remains of older settlements in the village of Glanshammar.

Another runestone in the area is Nä 34 Nasta. The two-metre-high stone stands beside the country road between Fellingsbro and Örebro, just over three kilometres northwest of Glanshammar. Its inscription dates from the 11th century. It is a separate landmark and should not be confused with the runestones found at or near the church.

The Burial Ground North of the Town Centre

Glanshammar’s burial ground lies beside the road north of the town centre. It dates from the Late Iron Age, approximately from 400 to 1050 AD. Its features include three burial mounds, three stone settings and a ship setting made up of nine upright stones. The different forms also make the site interesting to travellers who want to explore the region’s archaeological traces alongside its church history.

The burial ground is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant life. One notable feature is the rare pasqueflower, which blooms seasonally. Here, archaeological evidence and remarkable plant life come together, without the need to confuse separate destinations.

Natural Areas Nearby

In the nearby Tåsta Nature Reserve, the calcareous soil supports a wide variety of demanding plant and fungal species. A marked circular trail of about 2.2 kilometres runs through the eastern part of the reserve. Silver ore was mined at Evighetsgruvan there in the 18th century. For travel by bus, route 322 stops west of the reserve at Hagaby skola or Backa. As route details may change, check the connection before travelling; you should also consider local trail conditions before setting out.

Nearby Löreskogen offers a different natural setting. This municipal nature reserve forms part of a larger recreational area near the village of Glanshammar. Calcareous coniferous and deciduous forests grow there on marble bedrock, with an abundance of different herbs and fungi. A comparison with Tåsta reveals two distinct natural features in the area: calcareous soil and biodiversity on the one hand, marble bedrock and diverse forest vegetation on the other.

Cycling and Other Excursions

Hemfjärden runt is a 42-kilometre cycling route around the western part of Lake Hjälmaren that passes through Glanshammar. It offers a different focus from the marked circular trail in Tåsta: here, the emphasis is on a longer route, while there, it is on a loop within a nature reserve. Cycling is not permitted on the training tracks or circuits in Skölvboslätt/Glanshammar. As rules may change, check the current regulations before cycling there.

Tjugestasjön is a bathing spot in Örebro Municipality. If you plan to swim there, check the water conditions beforehand. Together, these places offer different themes for planning a trip: church and settlement history, archaeological sites, plant and fungal diversity, as well as a cycling route and bathing spot. Which of these matters most for your stay depends on whether your focus is cultural history, nature or a specific activity.

Discover more destinations: Hampetorp, Gunnarsökna, Blacksta, Vintrosa, Ervalla, Garphyttan, Kilsmo, Örebro.

Go to the main travel overview: Örebro.