Broaryd: Church, History and Trails

Three distinct interests may shape your trip to Broaryd: local and architectural history, the history of technology surrounding the mechanical stone-picking machines, and outdoor activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Broaryd, it helps to organise these priorities around the days of your stay. This lets you consider whether historical landmarks or activities on the trails should take up more of your itinerary.

Local history and Södra Hestra Church

Broaryd came into being when the railway was built in 1903. Södra Hestra Church is in Broaryd; it was built between 1827 and 1830, replacing a medieval church. A stone sundial, commissioned by Provost Samuel Elmgren in 1741, stands on the lawn by the vicarage. These landmarks span an object from the 18th century, the construction of a new church in the 19th century, and the founding of the village in the early 20th century. Their subjects differ: the sundial is associated with a specific year and its creator, while the church’s construction period and predecessor building are the focus. For those interested in cultural history, this offers a chronological comparison of different aspects of local history.

Visiting hours for Södra Hestra Church are listed as Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00, and Saturday and Sunday, 10:00–14:00. Check these times before setting out so you can plan your church visit accordingly.

The Hembygdsmuseet is located in the school premises in Broaryd. If the museum is of interest to you, check visiting arrangements in advance and plan it into your day accordingly.

The history of technology and outdoor activities

The mechanical stone-picking machine “Jätten” was invented in the early 20th century. Today, there are two examples in Broaryd: one in the market square and the other in the park by the community centre. Compared with Södra Hestra Church, the focus here shifts from construction phases and a medieval predecessor to a technological invention and examples of the machine. Broaryd thus brings two different histories side by side: the development of a church building and the history of a machine represented in two places in the village.

Broaryd has a lit jogging trail. An asphalt footpath also runs along the shore of Lake Hestra. Lighting is a notable feature of the jogging trail, while the asphalt surface and lakeside location are the main features of the footpath. The choice depends on the activity you have in mind: a jog or a walk along the shore. This lets you plan outdoor activities according to the features that matter to you during your stay.

Bus connections when planning your trip

Bus services run from Broaryd to other parts of Gislaved Municipality and to neighbouring municipalities. This makes the bus a planning option for trips beyond the village. Check the relevant connection before travelling, as services may change. If you are planning to visit several places, decide on the order based on the routes that suit your trip.

Discover more destinations: Anderstorp, Gislaved, Burseryd, Smålandsstenar, Bosebo, Skeppshult, Reftele, Hestra

Return to the main travel overview: Gislaved.