Lunda is a small settlement and former parish in the historical province of Uppland in eastern Sweden. The area has a long history, something that the many runestones try to tell the story about. It is today a part of Sigtuna Municipality in Stockholm County, but it is still the countryside as this is a rural part of the region.
A Short History of Lunda
Lunda Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages. The parish church was built in the 15th century, but it is believed that an older church stood there before. During the Middle Ages, the parish was likely the location of Attunda Thing, the local assembly or council. This came to be an important market location that is believed to have been competing with the towns of Sigtuna and Stockholm.
The parish existed until 1862 when its operations were split between the local government of Lunda Municipality and the church congregation. The municipality was 1952 incorporated into Skepptuna Municipality, which in 1967 became a part of Märsta Municipality. Märsta Municipality was then finally 1971 added to Sigtuna Municipality. Since 1998, the church congregation has been a part of Skepptuna Congregation.
Things to Do and See
This is the countryside of the northern parts of Stockholm county and little is first noticeable about the large city in the south. Instead, you will see the surrounding farmland and nature and enjoy a tranquility that occasionally will be disturbed by the nearby road.
Lunda Church
Lunda Church was built in the 15th century and did probably replace an older church at the location. The church was the center of the local parish and is today a part of Skepptuna Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Runstones – U353 & U354
There are two rune inscriptions at the church. These are runestones U353 and U354. The first of these is actually a part of the church wall and tells of Sune who carved and raised the stone in memory of the good deeds of Sigbjörn and Tjägn who is said to have built a bridge. The second stone is much taller and includes a serpent and a cross and tells of Gudlög and Holma who raised the stone in memory of their brother Sven.
How to Get to Lunda
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 6 kilometers to the west.
- Car: Lunda is along countryside roads north of Stockholm.
- Bus: Buses from SL connect Lunda with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 50 kilometers (54 min)
- Gothenburg – 513 kilometers (5 h 24 min)
- Malmö – 657 kilometers (6 h 52 min)
- Linköping – 246 kilometers (2 h 47 min)
- Kiruna – 1207 kilometers (14 h 46 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
