Skärplinge

Skärplinge offers a mix of cultural and historical development, river scenery and local activities. The medieval market town of Köpstaden, Österlövsta Church and the 1888 mill provide tangible points of reference for its history; today, Skärplinge is a commercial centre. If you are looking for a hotel in Skärplinge, you can consider whether these themes suit your travel plans.

River scenery and finding your way around

The Strömarån runs through the eastern part of the town. There, it widens into a dam and a weir with a drop. A flat agricultural landscape stretches out to the south and north of Skärplinge. This gives a clear picture of the landscape: a river running through the eastern part of town and open farmland in both directions.

The town’s history also has several distinct layers. Skärplinge has significant cultural and historical value and developed continuously from a medieval marketplace to a historic large village and then to today’s commercial centre. The Köpstaden marketplace was in the northern part of Skärplinge, east of the river. Today’s centre is concentrated around a square at the intersection of Tierpsvägen and Gävlevägen. These are distinct points of reference for understanding the town’s history and finding your way around it today.

Church and industrial history

Built of brick, Österlövsta Church was consecrated in 1451 and has a nave and chancel. Its history also includes destruction and reconstruction: the church was burned down by the Russians in 1719 and was not completed again until 1726. A burial chapel was built for Charles De Geer, the church’s patron, from 1731 to 1733. Its design and history give the church a special place in the town’s long history.

Another tangible part of the area’s industrial history is the mill on the Strömarån in Skärplinge. Built in 1888, it is made of brick and stands on a slag-stone foundation. The church and mill represent different chapters in the area’s history: the town’s ecclesiastical development and a building from the late 19th century.

Museum, burial ground and runic fragment

Gammelgården, the parish local heritage museum, lies in the northwest of Skärplinge. If you plan to visit, check in advance whether and when the museum is open. There is a burial ground beside the Hembygdsgården, outside the cultural heritage area; today, only three graves are visible. This is an important qualification when considering how much of the site can be seen today.

Nearby, in the area around Skärplinge, the fragment U 1137 is built into an inaccessible fireplace in a brew house. It is therefore not an accessible sightseeing spot. This is useful to bear in mind when planning: the history of the town and its surroundings can be explored through various surviving sites, but not every historical object is accessible.

Activities and local amenities

Skärplinge’s Sätravallen has an outdoor gym and training trails. It offers a specific option if you want to include exercise in your stay. Another seasonal activity is public skating at the PEK Hall. After its seasonal closure, the hall will reopen in autumn 2026. Everyone is welcome to skate for free during public skating sessions. Check the public skating schedule before visiting.

Nang Kitchen is a food truck in Skärplinge serving authentic Thai food. If you want to include it in your day’s plans, check its opening hours in advance, as they may change. Together with the historic sites and opportunities to exercise, it gives a picture of the destination that goes beyond its architectural history.

Skärplinge as a base for your trip

National Road 76 passes through Skärplinge and connects it with Gävle and Östhammar. If your travel plans include these places, this connection may be a factor in choosing your destination. The local attractions also offer different points of interest: church and local history, river scenery, outdoor exercise and seasonal ice skating. This lets you choose Skärplinge based on the things that matter to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Lövstabruk, Söderfors, Tierp, Karlholmsbruk

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