Bjästa: Church Art, Archaeology and Skiing

Church art, archaeological traces and winter sports offer clear reasons to visit Bjästa. Nätra kyrka and its medieval ruin lead to different chapters of the town’s history; Bjästamon adds archaeological finds to the picture. Those planning more active days can explore the opportunities for downhill and alpine skiing.

Nätra kyrka and the church ruin

Nätra kyrka stands near Bjästa on a rise east of the Nätraån. Construction of the present-day church began in 1805; it was put into use in 1807. Its chancel wall decoration was designed and painted by Olof Hofrén in 1847–1848. G M Kjellström assisted him. These dates give the church a history of its own, distinct from that of the medieval place of worship in the area.

The medieval church ruin of Nätra is a single-nave church built of grey stone and preserved as a ruin. It lies about 700 metres southeast of today’s Nätra kyrka. At the initiative of Nätra Hembygdsförening, it was restored in 1937. Those interested in architectural history can place two very different periods in context here: the medieval church and today’s Nätra kyrka, whose construction began in the early 19th century.

Archaeological traces at Bjästamon

Bjästamon also offers a glimpse far back in time. A 4,700-year-old grave contained the burial of an adult; the only grave good was a slate spearhead. The archaeological investigation at Bjästamon in 2001–2002 was, at the time, the largest archaeological investigation carried out in Norrland to date.

Burnt bones and charred seeds point to food remains from winter and summer. This suggests that Bjästamon was inhabited year-round. Together with the grave, these finds show how different archaeological traces raise questions about life in the past: the grave tells of a burial, while the bone and seed remains offer clues about food.

Local history and art in the surrounding area

Nätra Hembygdsgård was moved from Näske to its present location at Prästbordet in Bjästa in 1940–1941. The site includes a traditional watermill of the Skvaltkvarn type. The carriage shed displays wagons, risslas and sleds. The mill and vehicles represent different aspects of local history and complement the church and grave finds with other topics.

In the area around Bjästa, on an open field by the E4, stands Arch: a group of five stone sculptures signed by artist Claes Hake. Arch is part of High Coast Art Valley. Unlike the churches and historic sites, Arch is contemporary art, offering another cultural perspective on the destination. When planning your trip, you can consider whether your interest lies more in older history or in art in the landscape.

Skiing and ice sports

Bjästabacken is located by the E4 in Bjästa and welcomes everyone who wants to go downhill skiing. Alpine skiing is also possible there. As opening conditions can vary seasonally, check them before planning a ski day. Bjästa ishall is used for ice hockey, figure skating and school sports. These different sporting activities sit side by side: Bjästabacken is associated with downhill and alpine skiing, while the ice rink is associated with ice hockey and figure skating. These distinctions can help you weigh your interests more precisely when planning a trip to Bjästa.

Discover more destinations: Husum, Domsjö, Ulvöhamn, Solberg, Örnsköldsvik, Skorped, Norum, Kantsjö.

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