Västerfärnebo is a small locality in Sala Municipality in Västmanland County. The church in its center was once the center of the social and religious life of the whole Västerfärnebo Parish. Today around 520 people call this their home.
There are two places with Färnebo in their name, this is the “Western Färnebo” while the other one is in the east. There is one Österfärnebo in Sandviken Municipality in Gävleborg County.
A Short History of Västerfärnebo
Västerfärnebo Parish had its origins in the Middle Ages and its church was inaugurated in the 14th century. The parish was in operation until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when its responsibilities were split between the local government of Västerfärnebo Municipality and the church congregation. The municipality was in 1971 incorporated into Sala Municipality. In regards to the church congregation. It is since 2008 a part of the Västerfärnebo-Fläckebo Congregation.
Things to Do and See
This small community with a small grocery store and a small local restaurant. Yes, it is the mandatory small-town pizzeria. It is surrounded by farmland and the landscape along the river Svartån. Hiking or cycling along rural roads or paths is one of many activities available in the area.
Västerfärnebo Church
The parish church is a yellow and white stone church that dates back to the 14th century. The church has seen many large alterations since with major renovations being completed as late as 2019. The church is today a part of Västerfärnebo-Fläckebo Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Västerfärnebo Gammelgård
Västerfärnebo Hembygdsförening, the local heritage society, dates back to 1915. They started to build Västerfärnebo Gammelgård, the old farmstead. The first building was acquired in 1919 and many more would follow during the 1920s and the decades following. The society has created something similar to an open-air museum for the local heritage with buildings dating back as far as the 18th century.
Svartådalen
Svartådalen is the valley area along the river Svartån. The river runs both to the north and then to the east of the locality. The area is known for its rich natural environment. It is especially the many bird species that make it a gem for bird watchers.
How to Get to Västerfärnebo
- Flights: Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) is 37 kilometers to the southeast.
- Car: Ramnäs is along Road 256 roads between Norberg and Sala.
- Bus: Buses from VL connect Västerfärnebo with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 139 kilometers (1 h 44 min)
- Gothenburg – 410 kilometers (4 h 53 min)
- Malmö – 629 kilometers (6 h 52 min)
- Linköping – 232 kilometers (2 h 54 min)
- Kiruna – 1184 kilometers (14 h 36 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
