Stigtomta: Discover nature and history

Forest trails and nature in Trollskogen

The natural woodland of Trollskogen consists of coniferous and deciduous trees. Well-trodden paths wind through the species-rich forest in every direction. Many of the pines are home to the wood-decay fungus *Tallticka*. If you want to include forest walks in your travel plans, you’ll find a dedicated nature destination right next to Stigtomta.

The nature reserve also contains traces of cultural history, including a stone setting thought to date from the Early Iron Age and the remains of old charcoal-burning sites. In Trollskogen, nature and history are not separate themes but are both part of the area.

A calcareous fen by Lake Yngaren

Bärstakärret Nature Reserve lies on the southeastern bay of Lake Yngaren. Its landscape took shape after the lake was lowered in the 1860s. The calcareous spring water created a fen of particular botanical interest. Several rare species grow in the area, including the orchids *Myggnycklar* and *Grönkulla*.

Both the formation of the fen and its plant life make Bärstakärret noteworthy: the lowering of the lake is part of the area’s history, while its rare species define its botanical character. This makes it a different kind of nature destination from the wooded Trollskogen.

Church art and traces of history

In Stigtomta Church, an altarpiece painted by Pehr Hörberg in 1812 depicts the washing of the feet. The pulpit also has its own story: it originally belonged to the church of the Svea Artillery Regiment in Stockholm. The church thus brings together a clearly dated work of art and furnishings linked to another place.

At the vicarage in Stigtomta, the Tiondeboden is considered the oldest surviving building. It mainly displays agricultural tools and equipment. Klockarbol has a museum with old artefacts and archival material from the four parishes of Bärbo, Halla, Nykyrka and Stigtomta. The collections offer different perspectives: here, church art and agricultural equipment; there, objects and archival material from several parishes.

At Goglunda Gård, a sign marks the former optical flight path beacon from Stigtomta. This adds an aviation theme to the area’s history. Together with the church and agricultural heritage, it reveals a broad range of historical subjects, each offering a different perspective on the past.

Route 52 and sporting events

The easiest way to reach Trollskogen is via Route 52, which runs directly through Stigtomta. When planning your trip, it helps to consider two things: the road as an access route to Trollskogen and the attractions of the wider cultural landscape along the route.

Sporting events can also help determine when to travel. The Stigtomtaloppet race has been held since 2012. The Stigtomtakavlen, by contrast, is an orienteering relay held every April, with categories for elite athletes, young people and recreational runners. You can join a training session with OK Hällen and give it a try. If you’re planning your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Södermanland.