Aspö is a small settlement, a church, a former parish, as well as a part of the fairly large island of Tosterön in Lake Mälaren. The church and its nearby settlement make up the former center with a new small center located along the road Road 55 offering a resting stop for travelers between Enköping and Strängnäs. Aspö is today a part of Strängnäs Municipality in Södermanland County in eastern Sweden. It offers easy access to Lake Mälaren, the third-largest lake in Sweden.
A Short History of Aspö
Aspö Parish had its origins in the Middle Ages with its church being inaugurated in the 12th century. The parish was in operation until the Swedish municipal reform of 1862. This was when its operations were split between the local government of Aspö Municipality and the church congregation. The new municipality was independent up until 1952 when it was incorporated into Tosterö Municipality, which in turn became a part of Strängnäs Municipality in 1971. The church congregation is since 2002 a part of Strängnäs domkyrkoförsamling med Aspö, a congregation that includes the Strängnäs Cathedral and Aspö Church.
Things to Do and See
Welcome to the countryside of Södermanland, a region with many runestones and stone churches. Aspö is no exception, even though it is only the runestones that come in plural here. Farmlands and smaller forests are also in plenty in this part of the island Tosterön. Not to mention that Lake Mälaren is never far away. This means that a swim in Sweden’s third-largest lake is within easy reach.
Aspö Church
The parish church is a white stone church dating back to the Middle Ages. It was inaugurated already at the end of the 12th century but has since seen several both small and large alterations. It is today a part of the congregation Strängnäs domkyrkoförsamling med Aspö, which is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Chuch of Sweden.
Runestone Sö 174
Runestone Sö 174 is inside the church and is also known as the Aspö Stone. It is a Viking Age runestone that was raised in memory of Upp-Lum’s son Björn who was murdered on the island of Gotland.
Runestone Sö 175
Runestone Sö 175, also known as “Gislesten” or the Gisle Stone, is located a bit south of the church. It is a rune inscription on a larger rock surface that tells of Gislög and that he raised the stone, which was made by Slode, in memory of Tord.
How to Get to Aspö
- Flights: Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) is 41 kilometers to the northwest and Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 100 kilometers to the northeast.
- Car: Aspö is along Road 55 between Enköping and Strängnäs.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Aspö with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 99 kilometers (1 h 9 min)
- Gothenburg – 412 kilometers (4 h 49 min)
- Malmö – 595 kilometers (6 h 42 min)
- Linköping – 182 kilometers (2 h 20 min)
- Kiruna – 1236 kilometers (14 h 49 min)
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