This is Gladhammar, a small settlement in the vicinity of the local church in the countryside of the historical province of Småland in southeastern Sweden. On one side of Road E22 is the church that is at the center of what was once Gladhammar Parish, on the other side of the road is the neighboring settlement of Lunds By. Together these two settlements and their surroundings have a population today of around 70 inhabitants.
A Short History of Gladhammar
The parish has its origins in the Middle Ages. Its first wooden church is believed to have been built during the 15th century, but it was demolished in 1889. It had then been replaced by the current church that was inaugurated a few years earlier in 1886. On the location of the old wooden church, a chapel was built in 1938 with traits inspired by the old occupant of the spot.
Gladhammar Parish existed until the Swedish municipality reform of 1862. This was when the parish was split between the local government of Gladhammar Municipality and the church congregation. The municipality was 1967 incorporated into Västervik Municipality while the congregation was merged in 2006 forming Gladhammar-Västrum Congregation.
Things to Do and See
While driving along the road E22 it is the majestic red-brick church that will catch most people’s attention. It stands out in this countryside setting with the large fields around it. The church might be the main attraction for anyone making a stop, but there is more to explore. Just a short walk away is the famous village of Lunds By and if you are looking for a hike there are paths to the former mine of the area.
Gladhammar Church
Gladhammar Church was inaugurated in 1886 and replaced the old wooden church. This church is today a part of Bladhammar-Västrum Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Gladhammar Burial Chapel
At the location of the old church, a new chapel was built in 1938. The shape and size of the new chapel are based on its predecessor.
How to Get to Gladhammar
- Flights: The closest airport is Oskarshamn Airport (OSK), 43 kilometers away.
- Car: Gladhammar is on road E22 just south of Västervik.
- Bus: Buses from Kalmar Länstrafik connect Gladhammar with the surrounding area.
- Train: The closest railway station is in nearby Västervik.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 287 kilometers (3 h 17 min)
- Gothenburg – 303 kilometers (3 h 38 min)
- Malmö – 365 kilometers (4 h 35 min)
- Linköping – 111 kilometers (1 h 30 min)
- Kiruna – 1518 kilometers (17 h 23 min)
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