Övergran is a small village in the historical province of Uppland. It was once the center of its own parish but is today a part of Håbo Municipality in Uppsala County. This is a small settlement with around 150 inhabitants and its 12th-century church is in the center. It is at the bay Ryssviken, a part of Sweden’s third largest lake, Lake Mälaren.
A Short History of Övergran
Övergran Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages and the church was built in the 12th century. The parish existed until the Swedish municipal reform in 1862 when its operations were split between the new Övergran Municipality and the church congregation.
The municipality was independent until 1952 when it was incorporated into Håbo Municipality. The church congregation still exists and has since its establishment incorporated the congregations of Kalmar, Skokloster, and Häggeby.
Things to Do and See
The church might be the area’s most prominent building, but this is a land of rune stones and the stories from the past that the short texts try to tell.
Övergran Church
Övergran Church was originally built in the 12th century but has seen several alterations since. The church tower was probably built in the 13th century and the alterations continued up until the 19th century. The church is today a part of Övergran Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Rune Stone U647, U648, U649, & U651
There are four rune stones around the church. These are U648 which stands directly outside the church and tells the story of Gillög that raised the stone in memory of his father Sigdjärv.
Then there are also three stones directly outside of the church premises. These are U648 which tells of Sighlälm that raised the stone in memory of his brother Kus. U649 tells about the brothers Viking, Balse, and Häming who raised the stone in memory of their father Gudrik. Then there is the U651 with writings about Blek, Halvdan, and Si-igr who raised the stone in memory of their brother Ulv.
Rune Stone U654
Nearby at Varpsund, the short strait across the bay is Rune Stone U654. The stone tells of Andvätt, Kår, Kiti, Bläse, and Djärv who raised the stone in memory of their father Gunnlev. Gunnlev is supposed to have been killed by Ingvar in the lands to the east.
How to Get to Övergran
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 35 kilometers to the east.
- Car: Övergran is along Road 263 a short distance northwest of Bålsta.
- Bus: Buses from UL connect Övergran with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 54 kilometers (39 min)
- Gothenburg – 434 kilometers (5 h 1 min)
- Malmö – 654 kilometers (7 h 13 min)
- Linköping – 228 kilometers (2 h 55 min)
- Kiruna – 1215 kilometers (14 h 23 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
