Björnlunda is a small locality in the province of Södermanland in eastern Sweden. This was once the center of the local parish with the settlement experiencing major development with the arrival of the railway at the end of the 19th century. It has today a population of around 830 inhabitants and lies within Gnesta Municipality.
A Short History of Björnlunda
Björnlunda’s history is split into two parts. The first part began during the Middle Ages when it became the center of the local parish. The parish church was built in the 12th century and included a smaller settlement.
We have to go to 1862 for the second part. At this time, the railway station in Björnlunda opened. The new station received its name from the parish and nearby settlement around the church. The railway brought with it further development and Björnlunda grew to the locality that we know today. The trains are, however, no longer stopping in Björnlunda.
What happened with the parish? It survived until the Swedish municipal reform of 1862 when it was split into the local government of Björnlunda Municipality and the church congregation. In 1952, the municipality became a part of Daga Municipality, which in 1974 was incorporated into Nyköping Municipality. The area is since 1992 a part of Gnesta Municipality, a municipality that was split from Nyköping. The church congregation is since 2006 a part of Daga Congregation.
Things to Do and See
The center of Björnlunda is quite small but it does offer the possibility to stop for a rest at one of the park benches or visit the local restaurant or convenience store.
Lake Kyrksjön
Kyrksjön is the lake by the church. It offers both the possibility of swimming as well as just enjoying the view out over the water. There is also a playground nearby, where kids can play.
Björnlunda Church
Björnlunda Church is a stone church dating back to the 12th century. Its clock tower was built in the 15th century and watches out over Lake Kyrksjön.
Björnlunda Sword
The Björnlunda Sword, or Björnlundasvärdet as it is known as in Swedish, is a find from the Bronze Age. A farmer discovered the artefact in 1976. It is believed to be from around the year 1496 BC. It is, however, not possible to see the sword in Björnlunda anymore, as it is currently stored at the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm.
How to Get to Björnlunda
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport, only 47 kilometers to the south. From here there are a few international flights to other cities in Europe. To Sweden’s main international airport, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the distance is 113 kilometers.
- Car: Björnlunda is on Road 57 between Stjärnhov and Gnesta and at the northern end of Road 223 that goes south towards Nyköping.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Björnlunda with the surrounding region.
- Train: There are no trains stopping here even though the railway passes through the area. Instead, the closest train station is in nearby Gnesta.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 77 kilometers (1 h 5 min)
- Gothenburg – 411 kilometers (4 h 52 min)
- Malmö – 555 kilometers (6 h 23 min)
- Linköping – 142 kilometers (1 h 49 min)
- Kiruna – 1308 kilometers (15 h 30 min)
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