Helgarö is a small settlement, a church, and a former parish in what is today Strängnäs Municipality in Södermanland County. Also known as Helgaröby this settlement is located on the peninsula of Fogdön in Lake Mälaren, the third largest lake in Sweden.
A Short History of Helgarö
Helgarö Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages and the parish church dates back to the 12th century. The parish was the governing body here for centuries until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when the parish’s responsibilities were split between the local government of Helgarö Municipality and the church congregation. In 1952, the municipality was incorporated into Vårfruberga Municipality, which in turn became a part of Strängnäs Municipality in 1971. Since 2006, the church congregation is a part of the Vårfruberga-Härad Congregation.
Things to Do and See
The parish church is right next to the waterfront. This offers some nice views, but also the possibility of other activities. The town of Ströngnäs is also nearby in case a more urban environment is on the wish list.
Helgarö Church
Helgarö Church is a church with medieval origins being inaugurated already in the 12th century. The church has seen many alterations and additions since then before gaining its current appearance at the end of the 19th century. The church is today one of four churches making up the Vårfruberga-Härad Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden. The other three churches are the ones of Fogdö, Härad, and Vansö.
Helgarö Kläpp
Helgarö Kläpp is a small peninsula to the west of the church. It has a rest area and easy access to the water for anyone who wishes to swim. For the non-swimmers, there is still a nice view to enjoy.
How to Get to Helgarö
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 121 to the east and Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is 107 kilometers to the south.
- Car: Helgarö is along countryside roads between Eskilstuna and Strängnäs.
- Bus: Buses from Sörmlandstrafiken connect Helgarö with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 101 kilometers (1 h 26 min)
- Gothenburg – 390 kilometers (4 h 39 min)
- Malmö – 589 kilometers (6 h 23 min)
- Linköping – 178 kilometers (2 h 22 min)
- Kiruna – 1259 kilometers (15 h 41 min)
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