Sparrsätra is a church village a bit north of Enköping in the province of Uppland. Its long history, stretching back to the Middle Ages, has played a role in the forming of what is today Sweden. With the stone church at its center and surrounded by fields, the houses of this small village are able to look out over a big part of the old parish.
A Short History of Sparrsätra
Sparrsätra is the center of the local parish, a parish that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was also early on that Sparrsätra entered the Swedish history books as the Battle at Sparrsätra took place in 1247. This was the final battle between the Swedish King Erik XI and the rebels led by Holmger Knutsson. The result was that Sweden got a stronger foundation for a centralized government and additional taxes for the nobility of Uppland.
The battle took place close to the church. The church itself was built in the early 14th century. It most likely replaced an even older church and has itself been modified and extended during the centuries since. It has been the center for the small village that has grown up around it, as well as for the whole parish. The district that today has replaced the parish has today a population of around 380 inhabitants.
My ancestor Olof Johan Erlandsson (1854-1933) probably visited the church back in the day, as he lived within the parish in the small village of Benala during his last years in life.
Things to Do and See
There are many small villages and ancient remains to explore in the area. In and around Sparrsätra itself it is mainly the church that attracts attention.
Sparrsätra Church
The 13th century stone church and its wooden clock tower are what greets visitors to Sparrsätra. Its current appearance dates back to the restorations of the 1910s and 1980s. The inventory includes objects dating back as far as the 12th century and paintings from the 15th century.
How to Get to Sparrsätra
Flights: The closest airport is Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST), 29 kilometers away, which has mostly low-cost carriers. In addition, there is Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN), 83 kilometers away with both domestic and international flights.
Car: Sparrsätra is along road 70 between Enköping and Sala.
Bus: Local and regional buses from UL are available at nearby Lådö and connect Sparrsätra with the surrounding region.
Train: The closest train station is in nearby Enköping to where there are trains between Gothenburg and Stockholm.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 84 kilometers (56min)
- Gothenburg – 409 kilometers (4h 34min)
- Malmö – 634 kilometers (6h 23min)
- Linköping – 212 kilometers (2h 36min)
- Kiruna – 1189 kilometers (13h 14min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
