Stora Mellösa between Lake Hjälmaren, history and rural life

Stora Mellösa combines a rural landscape, traces of a long history and excursions around Lake Hjälmaren. The area in Östernärke lies just south of Lake Hjälmaren and is characterised by a typical agricultural landscape. For families and other travellers, this creates a varied mix: you can explore runes and historic burial sites, choose a cycling route through the surrounding countryside or spend a day by the water and kayaking in Katrinelund.

Agricultural landscape by Lake Hjälmaren

The proximity to Lake Hjälmaren was of great importance to the residents of Stora Mellösa. For many farmers, fishing was an important supplementary source of income. At the same time, the major lowering of Lake Hjälmaren in the late 19th century changed the landscape: large areas that had previously been underwater or marshland were brought into cultivation. Agriculture is also part of the region's history. For a time, Stora Mellösa was one of Sweden's largest carrot-growing areas.

Those who want to combine nature and exercise can choose the Katrinelundsturen as a specific option. The cycling route runs for 28 kilometres from Örebro to Katrinelund. It follows scenic roads, passing meadows and impressive farmsteads. Katrinelund also has a bathing area managed by Örebro Municipality. It is suitable as a starting and finishing point for paddling trips; kayaks are rented nearby.

Church, runes and Göksholm

Stora Mellösa Church is open when staff are present. For the opening hours during the current week, visitors are asked to call by telephone. Inside is the Göksholm chapel, which was added in the mid-17th century. It contains funeral coats of arms and memorial plaques associated with the Göksholm families.

The runic inscriptions at the church also give the area a distinctive historical character. Inscription Nä 12 reports that Inga had the stone erected in memory of Ásl or Ǫsl, her stepson. Inscription Nä 13 mentions Spjallboði. Göksholm Castle lies north of Stora Mellösa on a peninsula in Lake Hjälmaren. Today, remains of a fortification dating from the 13th century can be found there.

Hjälmarsnäs and traces of earlier times

Another historical focal point is the burial ground at Hjälmarsnäs. It contains 55 graves that are approximately 1,000 to 1,600 years old. A damaged burial mound examined in 1918 contained cremated human bones, fragments from at least two earthenware vessels, a comb, jewellery and numerous hazelnuts.

Farm shops and regional products

Regional food products are also part of the rural character of Stora Mellösa. From Midsummer, Råsta Bär Jordgubbsodling offers strawberry picking for about a month. Bittinge Gårdsbutik specialises in smoked meat and smoked fish; its selection depends on the season and availability. Jonssons Gårdsbutik is located just outside Stora Mellösa in Åkerby and sells home-grown potatoes.

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Stora Mellösa, you can therefore consider which pace of travel suits you: historical discoveries around the church and runes, a longer cycling trip to Katrinelund, time by the water or a stay surrounded by regional products and the countryside. The Stora Mellösa local history association organises various activities throughout the year, including a celebration of Sweden's National Day on 6 June.

Other places in the area

For your further search, you can also include Gunnarsökna, Hampetorp, Glanshammar, Vintrosa, Blacksta, Kilsmo, Örebro and Ervalla in your travel plans.

Back to the main travel overview: Örebro.