Vacation apartment in Månsarp – churches, ironworking and nature

Månsarp is characterized by its history of sacred architecture and a long tradition of ironworking. In addition, there is the nearby Taberg Nature Reserve, the lakes Vederydssjön and Månsarpasjön, trails along the Tabergsån, and open sandy habitats.

Culture and history

Månsarps kyrka was built in 1853–54 after a wooden church dating from 1714 was demolished; that church had itself replaced a medieval wooden church. Its exterior remains unchanged; unusual details include a cast-iron spire that was made and donated by five foundry teams from businesses in the surrounding area.

The long history of ironworking is also evident at Månsarps södra masugn. The site lies at the northern end of Vederydssjön, in the Tabergsån area, and preserves the lower part of the blast furnace, dam structures and slag heaps. As a blast-furnace ruin, it survives within a former ironworking complex that also includes stone arch bridges.

Månsarps ödekyrkogård preserves the remains of a church and a cemetery with medieval origins. The old church, dating from the 18th century, was demolished after the new church was built in 1853.

Nature

The nearby Taberg Nature Reserve protects a scenic hill, various forest and plant communities, rare species and a rich variety of wildlife. It has viewpoints and hiking trails, as well as guided tours of the mines.

Biparadis in Månsarp includes an open sandy habitat that is repeatedly managed to support sand lizards. The rare spider wasp blyvägstekeln is also found there; its presence indicates high natural values in sandy habitats. The protected sand lizard has established itself in Månsarp’s gravel extraction area.

Hiking and activities

The Tabergs-å-leden trail follows the Tabergsån through green, varied terrain with rippling water, winding paths and remnants of the early industry. There is a rest area along this trail on the northern shore of Månsarpasjön, while the start of the Tabergs-å-leden at Månsarpasjön offers a beautiful view.

Six loops in the Taberg-343 network run through Taberg, Månsarp, Norrahammar or Hovslätt and follow surfaced, accessibility-adapted trails. The network offers alternative starting points with parking at Månsarps Idrottsplats, Månsarp railway station and Månsarps kyrka. The Taberg-343 network also includes a wind shelter at Månsarps kyrka.

Fishing in Månsarpasjön is managed by the Tabergsåns fiskevårdsområdesförening.

On site

Månsarps ödekyrkogård is accessible via a partly worn final footpath. Parking is available at Månsarps kyrka, approximately 350 metres northeast of the site. Visitors to Månsarps kyrka may enter the church when possible and take a church brochure from the information rack.

Pärlängen’s outdoor church next to Månsarps kyrka is used during the summer season. Pärlängen’s barbecue area and pétanque court can be booked unless they are needed for activities of the parish. There is a barbecue area at Vederydssjön.

Further places

If you would like to explore further destinations, you can find Angerdshestra and Bondstorp here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Jönköping.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Nässjö, Eksjö, Sävsjö, Vaggeryd, Tranås, Vetlanda.