Tuna: Cultural History and Nature in Småland

Tuna is located in a scenic natural region of Småland. At the same time, archaeological traces, places of cultural and historical significance, and railway history shape the character of the area. The road between Vimmerby and Oskarshamn runs through Tuna. Several different themes therefore come together here to help you understand the destination’s setting: early settlement traces, historic buildings and natural sites.

Archaeological Traces and Early Local History

Archaeological finds and burial grounds indicate that Tuna was already settled during the Bronze Age and the Late Iron Age. Three burial grounds west of Tuna Gård date from the Late Iron Age and contain about 170 graves in total. This figure refers to all three fields and is an approximate overall total. In this way, a broad timeframe for settlement is connected with a specific archaeological site.

Tuna was first mentioned in writing toward the end of the 13th century or at the beginning of the 14th century. The area is also mentioned as an independent parish from the mid-14th century. The two dates mark different aspects of local history: the early written mention and ecclesiastical independence. Taken together, these historical references span the period from archaeological evidence to the Middle Ages.

Tuna Gård and Its Built Heritage

Tuna Gård has been the Hammarskjöld family’s ancestral estate since 1610. The area around Tuna Gård and Lake Tuna (Tunasjön) is designated an area of national interest for its cultural and historical significance. This area designation and the protection of individual buildings describe different levels of cultural heritage: Tuna Gård, its associated wings, and the farm buildings east of the country road are protected as historic buildings. The area’s history is therefore represented both by a broader landscape and by specific buildings.

Railway and Church Architecture

The railway is also part of Tuna’s history. Tuna station, along with its buildings and garden, was established during the construction of the railway line between Jenny and Hultsfred in 1878–1879. At 126 metres above sea level, it is also the highest-altitude station on the Västervik–Hultsfred line.

Another architectural landmark is Tuna Church (Tuna kyrka), built in the Neo-Romanesque style. The term refers to an architectural style that revives Romanesque forms. Together with the station, the church represents a different chapter from the prehistoric burial grounds: here the focus is on building history and architecture, while the burial grounds tell of earlier settlement.

Parks, Lake and Local Amenities

Tuna Lövpark features the most common deciduous trees in Sweden and has information boards. Tuna Hembygdspark is located on the southern edge of Tuna, next to Tuna Lövpark. Tuna’s public bathing area is on Lake Gränssjön. The area thus offers several different places to visit: a park with deciduous trees and information boards, a neighbouring local heritage park, and a bathing area by the lake. If you are planning to shop, Tuna also has a well-stocked village shop. Check the current opening hours in advance, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Pelarne, Gullringen, Storebro, Södra Vi, Vimmerby, Solnehult.

Return to the main travel overview: Vimmerby.