Discover Österhaninge

At Österhaninge Church, the Bielkenstiernska funerary chapel and Fredrika Bremer’s grave are two tangible historical landmarks. The surrounding area adds rune stones and open farmland to this picture. More cultural highlights can be found at the Årsta Castle Museum and along Fredrikaslingan; Jordbrogravfält focuses on prehistory and archaeology. You can tailor your stay to your interests in church art, biography, landscapes, or traces of early settlements.

Cultural history at Österhaninge Church

The Bielkenstiernska funerary chapel at Österhaninge Church dates from the 1660s. In 1683, a large sculptural group honoring the Bielkenstierna family was installed there. The two dates mark different milestones: the chapel’s construction and the later installation of the sculptures. Fredrika Bremer (1801–1865) is buried in the church cemetery. She was a writer and an advocate for peace and women’s rights. There are also several rune stones from the late 11th century around Österhaninge, often featuring cross motifs. The timeline thus spans from the rune stones to the church’s 17th-century memorials.

Årsta: Museum, cultural trail, and park

The Årsta Castle Museum includes a museum floor in the castle, where visitors can learn about the Bremer family’s life at Årsta. In 2026, Haninge Municipality is not offering any public drop-in tours of the museum, though bookable tours may occasionally be available. If a tour is important to your plans, check in advance whether a bookable option is available for your preferred date.

The signposted Fredrikaslingan cultural trail is near Årsta Castle. As you walk, you can learn more about Fredrika Bremer’s life at Årsta and circle her beloved home. The trail is adapted for travel on wheels. The focus differs: the museum floor provides information about the Bremer family’s life at Årsta, while Fredrikaslingan explores Fredrika Bremer’s life there. You can have a picnic in Årsta’s English Park.

Prehistory and landscapes

Three large information boards along a walking trail in the eastern part of Jordbrogravfältet describe life in the Haninge region throughout prehistory. Another 13 smaller boards offer insights into the Early Iron Age, when Jordbrogravfältet became a large burial and ceremonial site. The displays range from a broad overview of prehistory to a specific period and the burial ground’s significance at that time. There is also a signposted Stone Age settlement site east of Jordbrogravfältet and north of Gullringskärret Nature Reserve.

The area around Österhaninge Church is a gently rolling agricultural landscape of open fields and wooded heights. Gullringskärret Nature Reserve borders Jordbrogravfältet; around the Husbyån river, the reserve has numerous wetlands and ferns. The landscape differs between the open farmland near the church and the wetlands and ferns in the nature reserve.

Getting to Österhaninge Church

Bus route 845 from Västerhaninge commuter rail station and bus route 839 toward Dalarö stop at Österhaninge kyrka. Check the timetable for your travel date. There is a large parking lot at the church.

Discover more destinations: Vendelsö, Haninge, Tungelsta, Ornö, Dalarö, Muskö, Västerhaninge, Utö.

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