Hidinge: Churches, Building History and Nature Reserve

If you are considering Hidinge as a destination, two themes take center stage: the architectural history of its churches and the landscape of the Lekeberga-Sälven Nature Reserve. Hidinge gamla kyrka and Hidinge nya kyrka differ considerably in when they were built. The reserve offers a different perspective: a ravine landscape, marked circular trails and remains of a former ironworks. This gives you a chance to weigh whether church architecture, nature or industrial history should shape your stay most.

Churches and Building History

Hidinge gamla kyrka was built sometime in the 12th or early 13th century. It stands in an open, flat agricultural landscape. Hidinge nya kyrka was built much later, between 1865 and 1869, replacing the smaller medieval church located a few kilometers farther east. The two churches therefore represent two distinctly different building periods: medieval church architecture and a replacement church from the 19th century.

A detail above the west portal of Hidinge nya kyrka provides another clue to its date: it bears the year 1867, within the construction period from 1865 to 1869. The origin of the materials is also part of the building’s history. The bricks were brought from Garphyttan and Lannafors; the slate for the exterior roof came from Hasselfors. This connects a detail of the building with the source of its bricks and roofing slate.

Part of Hidinge nya kyrka is used as a parish area for ongoing parish activities. If you are planning a visit, check the opening arrangements beforehand.

Ravine Landscape, Trails and Industrial History

The Lekeberga-Sälven Nature Reserve lies beside Hidinge kyrka. It is a ravine landscape where Garphytteån and Lekhytteån have cut into the layers of sand. Together, the rivers and the underlying material explain the shape of the landscape: the waterways have cut into this particular material. This makes the reserve’s geological focus distinct from the churches’ building history.

The reserve has several marked circular trails. In the southern part, there are a wind shelter, a toilet and a fire pit. Note the distinction in the location information: the circular trails describe the routes through the reserve, while the facilities mentioned are specifically in the south. This lets you consider the landscape and trails as one focus while also placing the facilities within the area.

Industrial history offers another perspective. Remains of the Lekebruket ironworks, also known as Lekeberga, are located in the northwestern part of the reserve. Duke Karl founded it in 1572. The ironworks’ history adds a specific historical reference to the reserve’s geological character. Lekeberga-Sälven is part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network, with site code SE0240110.

For planning your trip around particular interests, there are several options: at the churches, you can trace the transition from medieval construction to a church built in the 19th century. In the reserve, the ravine landscape, circular trails and history of the ironworks take center stage. This can help you tailor your stay to your interest in building history, nature or industrial history.

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