Glanshammar: Church, Rune Stones and Cultural Landscape

Glanshammar combines a rich church history with archaeological sites; nearby, there are also nature reserves, a marked circular trail and a longer cycling route. These themes can help guide your search for a hotel for a trip to Glanshammar: architecture, archaeology, nature and cycling offer different areas of focus.

Church and architectural history

There was probably a small wooden church on the site as early as the 11th century, before the present-day church in Glanshammar. By the end of the Middle Ages, the church had been transformed into a two-nave building with decorative stellar vaults. It is one of the most culturally and historically significant churches in Örebro County and features rare vault and wall paintings from the 16th century. Well-preserved ceiling and wall paintings by Anders Jordansson Ryttare date from 1589. Thus, a possible early history, a medieval renovation and later paintings all coexist here.

Burial ground and rune finds

The Glanshammar burial ground dates from the Late Iron Age, approximately 400 to 1050 AD. It comprises three burial mounds, three stone settings and a stone ship setting with nine upright stones. A stone ship setting is a group of stones arranged in the shape of a ship; in this case, nine upright stones make up the monument. The burial ground is beside the road north of the town centre.

The cultural landscape next to the church also includes a significant archaeological site from the Late Iron Age, as well as remains of older settlements in the village of Glanshammar. Eight of the approximately 30 known rune stones in Närke were found at or near the church. Together, these details illustrate different aspects of the area's history: burial monuments, traces of settlements and rune finds are distinct clues, not a single type of find.

Another rune stone lies northwest of Glanshammar: the two-metre-high Nä 34 Nasta stands on the country road between Fellingsbro and Örebro, just over three kilometres from the town. Its inscription dates from the 11th century. Unlike the finds at or near the church, this stone is a separate landmark for navigating the surrounding area.

Nature areas and circular trails

The burial ground is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the rare pasqueflower. Its flowering varies by season, so this feature is not equally prominent at every time of year. The nearby Tåsta Nature Reserve is home to many demanding plant and fungi species thanks to its calcareous soil. A marked circular trail of about 2.2 kilometres runs through the eastern part of the reserve. Local conditions may change, so check the route details before setting out. West of the reserve, Bus 322 stops at Hagaby skola or Backa; check the service before travelling, as route details may change.

Löreskogen Nature Reserve is a municipal protected area and part of a larger recreation area near the village of Glanshammar. Calcareous coniferous and deciduous forests grow there on marble bedrock, and the forest is rich in various plant and fungi species. The area is intended for recreation and leisure activities. In contrast, the focus here is on the forest and its diversity of plants and fungi, while Tåsta is also described as having a marked circular trail of approximately a certain length.

Cycling and swimming

Hemfjärden runt is a 42-kilometre cycling route around the western part of Lake Hjälmaren and passes through Glanshammar. This is a much longer distance than the approximately 2.2-kilometre circular trail in Tåsta Nature Reserve; the two figures refer to different activities and places. Cycling is not permitted on the training tracks or circuits in Skölvboslätt/Glanshammar. Rules may change; check what currently applies before cycling.

Another option in the area is Tjugestasjön, a swimming area in Örebro Municipality. If you plan to swim there, check the water conditions beforehand.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Örebro.