Tärnsjö is a locality in what was once Nora Parish in the province of Uppland. The area is today a part of Heby Municipality in Uppsala County. Tärnsjö is home to an old steam-engine locomotive as well as to around 1.200 inhabitants. With the exception of the quite stationary locomotive, most of the inhabitants are able to enjoy the many nature reserves in the surrounding region.
A Short History of Tärnsjö
The history of Tärnsjö begins with a few crofts close to the lake Tärnsjön. The settlement grew with the industrialisation, with a tannery opening in 1873 and a steam-powered sawmill in 1875. Both these businesses took their names from their nearby lake, something that also happened with the railway station when the railway through the area was opened in 1901. Additional services and businesses were established around the new railway station for some time increasing the development speed of what had become Tärnsjö. The passenger traffic along the railway continued until 1964. Today most of the railway has been removed.
A bit of curiosa. The Swedish Home Guard was founded in 1940. The first of several home guard forces that was established during the time of the Second World War was the one in Tärnsjö.
Things to Do and See
Tärnsjö has a small center with smaller stores and restaurants. The few historical sights are joined by the surrounding nature. There are several nature reserves in the area and a bit north is also the Färnebofjärden National Park.
Tärnsjö Station
Tärnsjö Station and the railway between Gysinge and Sala opened in 1901. The first station manager here was Axel Frimanson who entered service in 1900 and stayed on the position until 1933. The station building still stands here today and is still in good company as a steam-engine locomotive still stands on the short length of track that still exists of the railway. There is apparently an ongoing dispute regarding which locomotive it is that is actually standing here accompanied by the railway wagons.
Nora Church
Tärnsjö today houses the center of what was once Nora Parish. The locality has grown to include the former parish church. The white stone church, Nora Church, has its origins in the Middle Ages. The church did, however, see significant alterations during the 18th century. The church is still the main church in Nora Parish within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Naturrummet
Naturrummet, or the room of nature, is close to the church and is a forested area where Nora Congregation has set up a space for play and adventures. It is possible to head here for a short hike, to find space for a barbecue or just to let the kids enjoy the many sets for activities.
Nature Reserves
There are several nature reserves in the surrounding area. Östa Nature Reserve is a bit to the west, and that is also the case for Ingbokällorna Nature Reserve. To the south is Sörbo Södra Nature Reserve, Sörby Norra Nature Reserve, and Rotfallet Nature Reserve. To the north is Nordansjö Nature Reserve and Kerstinbomyrans Nature Reserve. There is also the much larger Färnebofjärden National Park to the north.
How to Get to Tärnsjö
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 98 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Tärnsjö is close to Road 56 between Gävle and Heby.
- Bus: Buses from UL connect Tärnsjö with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 132 kilometers (1 h 32 min)
- Gothenburg – 454 kilometers (5 h 24 min)
- Malmö – 673 kilometers (7 h 36 min)
- Linköping – 268 kilometers (3 h 23 min)
- Kiruna – 1131 kilometers (13 h 35 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
