Årdala is a small settlement and former parish in what is today Flen Municipality in Södermanland County. This settlement with its origins in the Middle Ages lies near both farmland and forests in eastern Sweden. It has the former parish church at its center.
A Short History of Årdala
Årdala Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages and its church was probably built already in the 12th century. The parish existed up until the Swedish municipal reform of 1862 when it was split between the local government of Årdala Municipality and the church congregation.
The municipality was 1952 incorporated into Sparreholm Municipality, which in turn became a part of Flen Municipality in 1965. The church congregation became a part of Bettna Congregation in 2010.
Things to Do and See
This is the countryside of Södermanland, with forests and farmland along the small narrow roads. Hiking or cycling through the area is a good possibility to explore what lies outside the urban areas in the region and these roads are perfect for that. Otherwise, it is the church that most likely attracts the most visitors, be it for baptisms or weddings.
Årdala Church
Årdala Church is the most prominent building here as it watches out over the surrounding farmland. The church, which was once the center of the local parish is believed to have been built in the 12th century. Well, at least parts of his white stone church. Many alterations have been made to the church over the centuries. The church is today a part of Bettna Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
How to Get to Årdala
- Flights: Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) can be found 33 kilometers to the south.
- Car: Årdala is located along Road 53 just south of Sparreholm.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Årdala with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 109 kilometers (1 h 32 min)
- Gothenburg – 403 kilometers (4 h 53 min)
- Malmö – 545 kilometers (6 h 7 min)
- Linköping – 134 kilometers (1 h 35 min)
- Kiruna – 1308 kilometers (15 h 26 min)
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