Bjästa – Church History, Archaeology and Skiing

Bjästa can be explored through several distinct themes: Nätra kyrka and the medieval church ruins represent architectural and church history, while finds at Bjästamon reveal traces of human activity dating far back. Other highlights include Nätra Hembygdsgård, art in the area around the town, and alpine skiing at Bjästabacken.

Churches and local history

Nätra kyrka is located near the town of Bjästa, on a rise east of the Nätraån. The present-day church was begun in 1805 and put into use in 1807. Its chancel wall decoration was designed and painted by Olof Hofrén in 1847–1848, with support from G M Kjellström. When you visit the church, you will encounter both an early 19th-century building and later interior decoration.

The medieval church ruins of Nätra lie about 700 metres southeast of the present-day Nätra kyrka. The ruins are those of a medieval hall church built of grey stone. In 1937, they were restored on the initiative of the Nätra Hembygdsförening. At Nätra kyrka, the focus is on architectural history and wall decoration; at the ruins, it is on the medieval building type and restoration. Bjästamon takes you further back in time, to archaeological finds and earlier human activity.

Archaeological traces at Bjästamon

At Bjästamon, a 4,700-year-old grave tells the story of a single burial: it contained the remains of an adult, and its only grave good was a slate spearhead. The archaeological investigation carried out in 2001–2002 was, at the time, the largest archaeological investigation conducted in Norrland to date. Bjästamon appears to have been inhabited year-round. Burnt bones and charred seeds point to food remains from winter and summer. The grave and the investigation thus shed light on different aspects: a single burial and evidence of activity in different seasons.

Local heritage centre and art in the area

Nätra Hembygdsgård is located at Prästbordet in Bjästa. It was moved from Näske to its present location in 1940–1941. The site includes a traditional watermill of the Skvaltkvarn type. The carriage shed displays wagons, Risslas and sledges. These objects and the mill offer further points of interest if you are interested in local history and traditional technology.

Outside the town, in the surrounding area of Bjästa, stands Arch: a group of five stone sculptures in an open field by the E4. The group is signed by the artist Claes Hake and is part of High Coast Art Valley. This adds a public art stop in the area around Bjästa to the historic sites and finds.

Alpine skiing in Bjästa

Bjästabacken is located by the E4 in Bjästa. Alpine skiing is available there, and Bjästabacken welcomes everyone who wants to go downhill skiing. Bjästabacken also lists a ski school, ski rental, food and drink, café service and a kiosk. Before your trip, check which of these services are available on your travel dates.

If you are looking for a hotel in Bjästa, setting a clear priority can help with your planning: would you like to focus your trip mainly on church history and archaeology, or is skiing your main interest? Your interests can help you decide on the focus of your stay and the right travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Skorped, Mellansel, Örnsköldsvik, Domsjö, Norum, Själevad, Ulvöhamn, Husum

Go to the main travel overview: Örnsköldsvik.