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Europe Sweden Västervik Do & See St Gertrud's Church

Overview

St Gertrud's Church

The guide was updated: 2024-01-22

When Västervik was founded at its current location in 1433 by Eric of Pomerania, the inhabitants were granted four tax-free years, the first of which was to build a church. Services were held here for nearly 500 years, with the last high mass on the Feast of Christ the King (Domssöndagen) in 1905. The new church, St Peter's, was consecrated on the first Advent of the same year. Since then, St Gertrud's was used for various purposes, including for grain storage during the First World War. Eventually, the idea to restore the church as a place of worship emerged, and St Gertrud's was re-consecrated on 18th June 1933. The church's original tower, destroyed by lightning during a service in 1762, was replaced in the 1780s by the current one, designed by the renowned architect Carl-Fredrik Adelcratz. Among the church's many valuable artefacts is a Wistenius organ from 1743, considered one of Sweden's most precious organs.

Useful Information

Address: Sankta Gertrud Kyrka, Västra Kyrkogatan 11, Västervik
Website: www.vastervik.com/produkt/sta-gertruds-kyrka
Phone: +46 490 842 00

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Casimirsborg Country House

Casimirsborg Country House

Casimirsborg, a historic estate dating back to 1380, features parts of its original castle in the cellar vaults. The current building, from 1829, boasts period details like the grand salon, the largest private hall in Tjust and northern Småland, and a unique neo-Gothic chapel. It houses a cultural museum in the old granary, showcasing exhibitions on agricultural history, the Bronze Age, and painted floors. The estate also holds significant Bronze Age remains, indicating its past as a regional power centre. With untouched Bronze Age environments, Casimirsborg offers popular guided tours combining lectures with visits to ancient graves and rock carvings.

Smultronboda Sheep Farm

Smultronboda Sheep Farm

Smultronboda, a sheep farm north of Västervik, offers a unique experience of rural life. Here, visitors can stay in a charming 17th-century country house and enjoy tranquil nature walks. The farm shop features award-winning lamb sausages, festive fillets, cumin pork, and other delicacies, along with local cheese, vegetables, and eggs. Enjoy warm hospitality, rustic accommodation, and delightful treats like coffee and homemade cakes.

Västerviks Museum

Västerviks Museum

A visit to Västerviks Museum offers new insights into the long history of the Tjust region. Explore the exhibitions, stroll through the picturesque park area, view the old crofts, or perhaps peek into the blacksmith's shop or quarry. Outside the museum, there's also a collection of traditional local boats, known as 'tjustökor'. For those who enjoy heights, the city view from the Unos Torn observation deck is a must-see.

Gladhammar Mines

Gladhammar Mines

Gladhammar Mines, among Sweden's oldest, reveal a rich history of metal extraction dating back to the 12th century. The site, once pivotal in cobalt and copper mining, now offers a glimpse into its industrious past with informative displays and scenic spots for visitors to enjoy. A short trail leads past the mines to a serene lake, perfect for a reflective stroll. Although the deep shafts are safely cordoned off, the area remains a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Almviks Brickworks Museum

Almviks Brickworks Museum

Come and witness the traditional methods of brickmaking from the olden days. Observe the time-honoured techniques and simple tools used in brick production. The manufacturing in Almvik started in the beginning of the 17th century. Since the mill was shut down in 1971, the brickworks transformed into a fascinating and popular museum, preserved exactly as it was when the factory shut down.

Båtsmansgränd — the Boatman's Alley

Båtsmansgränd — the Boatman's Alley

Båtsmansgränd is a narrow alley located in Gamla Öster, the area above the harbour. Here, you'll find eight quaint, timber-framed boatmen's cottages, constructed in the 1740s. Their simple yet traditional design reflects the era's architectural style. Originally, they served as homes for the boatmen and their families, whom Västervik town was obliged to equip on behalf of the Crown. In the first half of the 20th century, the cottages housed members of the citizens' fire brigade. In the 1970s, these now heritage-listed cottages were converted into a hostel, available for rent in the summer.

Garpedansberget Nature Preserve & Gamleby Trollskogen

Garpedansberget Nature Preserve & Gamleby Trollskogen

Take a stroll up the 80-metre-high Garpedansberget. At the top, you'll discover an intriguing sculpture park set in an enchanting natural environment. The park features 87 sculptures of trolls, gnomes, goblins, nymphs, elves, snakes, fairies, dragons and other mythical creatures, ensuring a delightful family experience complemented by a spectacular view over Gamlebyviken.

Gränsö Castle Candle Factory

Gränsö Castle Candle Factory

Discover the traditional art of candlemaking at Gränsö Castle Candle Factory. The candles are distinguished by their high-quality stearin blend, fine wicks and unique craftsmanship. Each candle is handcrafted with the utmost care.

Hjorted Moped Museum

Hjorted Moped Museum

Explore the history of motorised two-wheelers during the early to late 20th century, with a focus on the moped's evolution in the 1950s and 60s. Among the hundred or so vehicles, many unusual and rare gems share space with classic and well-known models.

Naturum Västervik

Naturum Västervik

Welcome to Naturum Västervik, where it's all about the sea and the archipelago. This theme is showcased through permanent and temporary exhibitions, films and exciting activities. Unique to Västervik's Naturum is the Water School, where you can explore the archipelago's underwater world with a mask and snorkel, or waders and a hand net.

Psychiatric Museum Västervik

Psychiatric Museum Västervik

Västervik's hospital, opened in 1912, was established due to the acute need for psychiatric care facilities. The hospital functioned as a self-contained community, housing approximately 1,400 patients and 900 staff at its peak. It was a closed world, now revealed at the Psychiatric Museum. The museum is housed in a former ward restored to its original condition. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the care practices during the hospital's operational days. The museum also features photographs from that era. In addition to the permanent exhibition, there are several smaller events organized each year.

St Gertrud's Church

St Gertrud's Church

When Västervik was founded at its current location in 1433 by Eric of Pomerania, the inhabitants were granted four tax-free years, the first of which was to build a church. Services were held here for nearly 500 years, with the last high mass on the Feast of Christ the King (Domssöndagen) in 1905. The new church, St Peter's, was consecrated on the first Advent of the same year. Since then, St Gertrud's was used for various purposes, including for grain storage during the First World War. Eventually, the idea to restore the church as a place of worship emerged, and St Gertrud's was re-consecrated on 18th June 1933. The church's original tower, destroyed by lightning during a service in 1762, was replaced in the 1780s by the current one, designed by the renowned architect Carl-Fredrik Adelcratz. Among the church's many valuable artefacts is a Wistenius organ from 1743, considered one of Sweden's most precious organs.

Narrow-gauge Railway Hultsfred–Västervik

Narrow-gauge Railway Hultsfred–Västervik

Welcome to the Nordic region's longest narrow-gauge railway between Hultsfred and Västervik. Smalspåret is a living museum showcasing the railway journey some 40–50 years ago. In the summer, both steam trains and railbuses roll along the tracks, with booked tours for groups available year-round. Designated by the Swedish National Heritage Board as one of the country's most interesting industrial monuments, the railway traverses scenic landscapes, alongside lakes and past steep mountains.

Unos Torn Observation Deck

Unos Torn Observation Deck

The Unos Torn observation deck, Designed by local architect Tommy Lyberg, offers a magnificent view over the city and Gamlebyviken. Initially, the tower stood at 15 metres, but after an additional donation in 1998, the structure grew 3 metres. Today, it stands 18 metres tall, with the viewing platform situated 34 metres above sea level.

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