Gåsinge is a small settlement and former parish in the historical province of Södermanland. It neighbors the small settlements of Söderby and Österby, all of which watch out over Lake Storsjön. The area of the parish is today a part of Gnesta Municipality in eastern Sweden. The settlement and its church are a short drive north of Gnesta.
A Short History of Gåsinge
Gåsinge Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages and its church is from the 13th century. The parish church was the center of social and religious life in the area up until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when its responsibilities were split between the local government of Gåsinge Municipality and the church congregation.
The municipality became a part of Gåsinge-Dillnäs Municipality in 1941, which in turn was incorporated into Daga Municipality in 1952. That only lasted until 1974 when Daga Municipality became a part of Nyköping Municipality. Nyköping was in 1992 split and Gnesta Municipality was established covering several former parishes in the vicinity of the locality of Gnesta.
In regards to the church congregation. It is since 2006 a part of Daga Congregation.
Things to Do and See
The stone church is the most prominent building but it is the setting with farmland, small forests, and lakes that makes the area well worth a visit. Hiking or cycling along the small countryside roads is one possibility, but just enjoying the sights around the church can be considered enough for some.
Gåsinge Church
The parish church was inaugurated in the 13th century and was for centuries the center of social and religious life within the parish. This stone church received its current appearance at the end of the 18th century when it underwent large alterations. The church is today one of the churches making up Daga Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Runestone Sö 14
At the church enclosure stands a tall stone. This is the runestone known as Sö 14 and is joined by the small fragments known as Sö 15. The stone tells of Sven who traveled to the west. It was raised by his wife Ragna and his children Säva and Ragnborg.
How to Get to Gåsinge
- Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) which is 61 kilometers to the southwest.
- Car: Gåsinge is along countryside roads north of Gnesta.
- Train: The nearest train stations are in Gnesta.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 78 kilometers (1 h 6 min)
- Gothenburg – 422 kilometers (4 h 37 min)
- Malmö – 566 kilometers (6 h 6 min)
- Linköping – 157 kilometers (1 h 51 min)
- Kiruna – 1290 kilometers (14 h 23 min)
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