Bjästa brings together notable sites from church and settlement history with alpine skiing at Bjästabacken. Nätra kyrka, a medieval church ruin and the finds from Bjästamon tell of different historical periods. Those interested in winter activities will find another point of interest at Bjästabacken.
Church Art and Historical Building Phases
Today’s Nätra kyrka stands near the village of Bjästa, on a rise east of the Nätraån. Construction began in 1805, and the church was put into use in 1807. Olof Hofrén designed and painted the choir wall decorations in 1847–1848, with support from G M Kjellström. Four decades separate the church’s opening from this decoration: the building and wall paintings mark two distinct stages.
The medieval church ruin of Nätra lies about 700 metres southeast of today’s Nätra kyrka. Built of grey stone, the single-nave church survives as a ruin. It was restored in 1937 on the initiative of Nätra Hembygdsförening. The ruin thus represents a much earlier phase of church history than the present-day building.
Archaeological Traces at Bjästamon
A 4,700-year-old grave at Bjästamon contained the burial of an adult. Its only grave offering was a slate spearhead. This specific find can be distinguished from the broader evidence of life at the site: burnt bones and charred seeds point to food remains from winter and summer. This supports the cautious interpretation that Bjästamon may have been inhabited year-round. The archaeological investigation carried out in 2001–2002 was, at the time, the largest archaeological investigation in Norrland to date.
Local Heritage Farm and Outdoor Art
Nätra Hembygdsgård was moved from Näske to its present location at Prästbordet in Bjästa in 1940–1941. It includes a traditional watermill of the Skvaltkvarn type. The carriage shed displays carts, Risslas and sleds. Nätra Hembygdsgård’s Bagarstuga is rented to interested visitors for courses and traditional baking of Tunnbröd in a wood-fired oven. If you would like to plan a course or a baking session, ask in advance about available dates.
Near Bjästa, Arch stands in an open field beside the E4: a group of five stone sculptures signed by Claes Hake. Arch is part of High Coast Art Valley and offers a distinct point of interest alongside the churches and archaeological sites: contemporary sculpture takes centre stage here.
Skiing and Seasonal Activities
Bjästabacken is located beside the E4 in Bjästa. Alpine skiing is available there, and the facility welcomes everyone who wants to go downhill skiing. Opening conditions may vary by season, so check them before your trip. Other offerings include ski school, ski rental, food and drink, café service and a kiosk. Check in advance which of these are available during your visit.
Bjästa ishall is used for ice hockey, figure skating and school sports. Together with alpine skiing, this broadens the sporting activities associated with Bjästa, while church art, archaeology and the local heritage farm form the cultural and historical focus.
Discover more destinations: Kantsjö, Husum, Örnsköldsvik, Domsjö, Ulvöhamn, Mellansel, Själevad, Solberg
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