Ytterjärna is a small settlement in the rural area at the outskirts of the locality of Järna. It is part of Södertälje Municipality in Stockholm County, but is within the borders of the historical province of Södermanland. The local church was once the center of the local parish, a parish that included a larger coastal area as well as the current locality of Nibble. The area has become a center in Sweden of Anthroposophy with a cultural center in Ytterjärna.
A Short History of Ytterjärna
Ytterjärna Parish has its origins in the Middle Ages and the church dates back to the 12th century. The parish acted as the local government up until the Swedish Municipal Reform of 1862. This was when the parish’s responsibilities were split between the church congregation and the new civic government of Ytterjärna Municipality. The municipality was in 1952 incorporated into neighbouring Järna Municipality, which in turn became a part of Södertälje Municipality in 1971.
Anthroposophy societies and organizations began operations in the area in the 1930s. Their presence has grown since then and the anthroposophy cultural center was established in 1964. Today the different organisations and businesses connected to the movement have become the main attraction for visitors to the area and some of the largest employers.
Things to Do and See
This is a former center of a parish that no longer has the church as its most prominent building. The oddly shaped cultural center a bit to the south of the church is what attracts many visitors.
Ytterjärna Church
Some parts of the local parish church probably date back to its construction in the 12th century. A large part of this earlier church was, however, demolished in the 14th century when the church was extended. The alterations to the church has continued since, especially during the 17th century. The church is today a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sweden.
Kulturhuset
Kulturhuset is a building that is hard to miss. It is a cultural center that was inaugurated in 1992. It is a part of the anthroposophy center that exists in the area. The center is famous for its architecture and artistic additions. Within its oddly shaped walls it has a theater, as well as space for conferences and offices. Not to mention that it also has a hotel.
In its vicinity there are more buildings belonging do different organizations and businesses within the anthroposophy community. There are also paths for walking in the nearby nature.
How to Get to Ytterjärna
- Flights: The nearest airport is Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) 61 kilometers to the southwest. Sweden’s largest airport, Stockholm Arlanda (ARN), is 87 kilometers to the north.
- Car: Ytterjärna lies along Road E4 between Södertälje and Vagnhärad.
- Bus: Buses from SL connect Hölö Kyrka with the surrounding area.
- Train: There are train stations in nearby Järna and Vagnhärad.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 49 kilometers (40 min)
- Gothenburg – 425 kilometers (4 h 20 min)
- Malmö – 568 kilometers (5 h 50 min)
- Linköping – 156 kilometers (1 h 40 min)
- Kiruna – 1280 kilometers (13 h 50 min)
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