Yttergran is a small village in what is today Håbo Municipality in Uppsala County. This was, however, once the center of its own parish in the historical province of Uppland. This small settlement, with a 12th-century church at its center, has today a population of around 140 inhabitants. Yttergran is just north of the locality of Bålsta, and next to the bay Lilla Ullfjärden, a part of the third largest lake in Sweden – Lake Mälaren.
A Short History of Yttergran
Yttergran Parish was established during the Middle Ages and its church was built in the 12th century. The parish existed until the Swedish municipal reforms of 1862 when its operations were split between the local government of Yttergran Municipality and the church congregation.
In 1952, the municipality became a part of Håbo Municipality. In regards to the congregation, it is since 2010 a part of Kalmar-Yttergran Congregation.
Things to Do and See
The church might be the most prominent building in the area, but it is probably the lake that attracts the most visitors.
Yttergran Church
Yttergran Church dates back to the end of the 12th century and is a small stone church. It has seen major alterations since its original construction. The church is today a part of Kalmar-Yttergran Congregation within the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Ekillaåsen Nature Reserve
Ekillaåsen Nature Reserve was established in 1970 and covers an area of 28 hectares. The reserve consists of a ridge with three distinct hills. It is a nature area along the shores of both Stora Ullfjärden and Lilla Ullfjärden. This is the ridge that separates the two parts of the bay and includes hiking trails and a few beaches.
Ekillabadet
Ekillabadet is the largest of three beaches within Ekillaåsen Nature Reserve. It is a popular beach during the summer months.
Granåsen Nature Reserve
Granåsen Nature Reserve is just south of Ekillaåsen and it was established in 2007. It covers an area of 33 hectares along the shores of the bay Lilla Ullfjärden. In addition to hiking trails, the reserve even includes a smaller ski center with one slope for alpine skiing.
How to Get to Yttergran
- Flights: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 37 kilometers to the east.
- Car: Yttergran is along countryside roads north of Bålsta.
- Bus: Buses from UL connect Yttergran with the surrounding region.
- Train: Commuter trains to Stockholm stop in nearby Bålsta.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 51 kilometers (36 min)
- Gothenburg – 436 kilometers (4 h 58 min)
- Malmö – 659 kilometers (7 h 5 min)
- Linköping – 246 kilometers (2 h 48 min)
- Kiruna – 1215 kilometers (14 h 23 min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
