Bettna: Yngaren, History and Special Discoveries

Bettna combines impressive traces of the past with experiences by the lake, regional craftsmanship and short excursions that can be combined to suit different days of travel. Yngaren is the fourth-largest lake in Södermanland. Yngarebadet has jetties and a fine sandy beach. In summer, you can take a nostalgic excursion on Yngaren aboard the renovated old steamship Munter. The ship sometimes passes Bettna on its way to or from Björkvik.

Water, Trails and Regional Delicacies

Those who enjoy switching between landscapes and activities during their holiday will find the Brunnstaåsen nature reserve in the vicinity of Bettna. Trails and footpaths lead across the ridge, making it a destination for exploring on foot. When choosing a holiday apartment, this means considering whether your trip should focus primarily on an excursion to Yngaren, a hike or Bettna’s cultural and historical heritage. The different interests can be combined when planning your trip without giving every activity the same emphasis.

Culinary impressions are also part of the region’s character. Ändebols gård is an organic small-scale farm with a farm shop, café and bakery. At Joker Keramik, stoneware and porcelain clays are processed; both functional art and sculptures are created there. Joker Keramik also offers introductory courses where you can learn about working with clay. This creates an appealing contrast between self-designed ceramics, regional food products and the historical traces in the landscape.

Archaeological Traces Around Bettna

There are several burial grounds in the vicinity. Near Valsta, around 25 graves can be found in the form of circular stone graves. The so-called Lötagravfälten comprise a total of around 60 graves in the form of burial mounds and stone graves; they were investigated in the 1880s. Near Solberga, there is a burial ground with stone mounds as well as circular and square burial structures. Near Lena lies the largest burial ground in the Bettna parish, with more than 120 graves, including burial mounds and circular stone graves.

A runestone stands near Bettna at Mälsundet, also known as Mälspången. Its location points to an old bridge site. Along Route 52 and excursion route 221, there are numerous prehistoric and early historic monuments, including runestones, hillforts, burial grounds and burial mounds. Along the fields from the former Löta Handel towards Vrena mekaniska lies a grave dating from AD 500–800. An object resembling a horse that was found in this grave later became known as Bettnasmycket.

Church, Local History and Active Breaks

Bettna Church originally dates from the 12th century. Its churchyard contains two gatehouses built in 1731. The area around Bettna’s former railway station also has cultural and historical value. These places give the trip a historical focus without requiring you to commit to a single theme. During the Viking Age, a navigable waterway ran through the Bettna area from Långhalsen via Nyköpingsån to the Baltic Sea. Bettna, Vadsbro and Blacksta are located along excursion route 221.

For an active change of pace, Bettna has a disc golf course next to the sports field, created by Bettna AIS. Bettna AIS has also set up a barbecue area next to the football pitch. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Bettna, you can therefore base your decision on which experiences you intend to include most often during your stay: water and a summer excursion, cultural history, ceramics or a sporting break.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

To compare other places in the surrounding area, you can also look at Flen, Hälleforsnäs, Sparreholm, Malmköping and Mellösa. With Yngaren, its archaeological sites, Bettna Church and the offerings of Joker Keramik, Bettna itself provides an unusually varied basis for searching for accommodation with a cultural and scenic focus.

To the higher-level travel overview: Flen.