The Strömarån runs through the eastern part of Skärplinge, while a flat agricultural landscape stretches out to the north and south. The village brings together a riverside setting and open fields with a long history of markets and buildings. This makes Skärplinge an interesting destination if you would like to include landscape and local history in your travel plans.

Villagescape and Orientation

Today’s centre is clustered around a square at the intersection of Tierpsvägen and Gävlevägen. National Road 76 runs through Skärplinge, providing good commuter connections to Gävle and Östhammar. Together with the river’s location and the agricultural landscape, this creates a clearly defined village setting: a central square, a river to the east, and open countryside to the north and south.

Cultural History Across the Centuries

Skärplinge is of considerable cultural-historical value and has developed continuously from a medieval marketplace to a historic large village and, finally, today’s commercial centre. The medieval marketplace, Köpstaden, was located in the northern part of the village, east of the Strömarån. Its location gives the early history of the market a tangible connection to today’s village setting.

Built of brick, Österlövsta Church was consecrated in 1451 and has a nave and choir. In 1719, it was burned down by the Russians; it was not completed again until 1726. Another chapter in its history is the burial chapel, built between 1731 and 1733 for Charles De Geer, the church’s patron. These dates tell a story of construction, destruction and rebuilding over several centuries.

The mill on the Strömarån is also part of Skärplinge’s architectural history: it was built of brick in 1888 on a slagstone foundation. The brick construction links the mill and the church, while the slagstone foundation is an additional distinguishing feature of the mill’s construction. Gammelgården, the parish local history museum, is located in the northwest of Skärplinge. Near the Hembygdsgården, a burial ground lies outside the cultural heritage area; today, only three graves are visible.

River and Activities

In the eastern part of the village, the Strömarån widens into a millpond and a weir with a drop. The river is therefore not only part of the landscape, but also a defining feature of the village’s history and built environment.

Sätravallen has an outdoor gym and training trails. This means two different ways to exercise are available in one place during your stay. Public ice skating is also a seasonal option: everyone is welcome during public skating sessions at the PEK Hall, and skating is free. After the seasonal closure, the ice rinks will reopen in autumn 2026. Check current skating times before planning a visit.

Library and Dining

Skärplinge Library is located at Ol Andersskolan and serves both the school and the public. Its collection includes children’s and young adult books, non-fiction, audiobooks and much more. If you plan to visit the library, check its current opening hours in advance.

For a meal, try Nang Kitchen, a new food truck in Skärplinge serving authentic Thai dishes. As opening hours may change, it is worth checking them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Söderfors, Karlholmsbruk, Tierp, Lövstabruk.

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