Discover Bjästa: Churches, History and Winter Experiences

Bjästa combines impressive church history with archaeological traces, regional handicraft traditions and opportunities for active winter days. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can combine different travel ideas here: historic sites around Nätra, discoveries at Bjästamon, art in the open landscape and winter sports at Bjästabacken.

Church History Around Nätra

Near Bjästa, Nätra kyrka stands on a hill east of the Nätraån. The present church was begun in 1805 and taken into use in 1807. Particularly noteworthy is the chancel wall decoration: Olof Hofrén designed and painted it in 1847–1848, with the support of G M Kjellström. This gives the church a tangible connection to the region’s art and architectural history, even if you do not want to devote your entire stay to cultural topics.

The history of the area also includes the medieval church ruin of Nätra. It is a medieval single-nave church built of grey stone, preserved as a ruin. The ruin was restored in 1937 on the initiative of Nätra Hembygdsförening and lies about 700 metres southeast of the present Nätra kyrka.

Bjästamon: Archaeology and Landscape Experiences

At Bjästamon, a 4,700-year-old grave is a reminder of the region’s long history. It contained the burial of an adult; the only grave offering was a slate spearhead. The archaeological investigation at Bjästamon in 2001–2002 was also of significance beyond the region: at the time, it was Norrland’s largest archaeological investigation to date. The finds also suggest that Bjästamon may have been inhabited year-round. Burnt bones and charred seeds indicate food remains from winter and summer.

Fröstdalssjön is also located at Bjästamon. It lies about 3 kilometres from the ski slope in Bjästa in the direction of Sidensjö. This contrast may be interesting for your travel planning: you can take historical and landscape impressions into account while choosing a stay that suits your preferred combination of peaceful exploration and sporting activity.

Local Tradition at Nätra Hembygdsgård

Nätra Hembygdsgård is now located at Prästbordet in Bjästa. It was moved from Näske to its present location in 1940–1941. The grounds include a traditional water mill of the Skvaltkvarn type. The carriage shed displays wagons, Risslas and sledges, making the area’s farming and everyday past tangible through specific objects.

A special addition is the Bagarstuga. It is rented to interested parties for courses and for traditional baking of Tunnbröd in a wood-fired oven. Those who want to experience regional traditions not only through exhibitions but also through a typical baking culture will find a distinct focus for their travel planning here.

Art, Ice Rink and Skiing

In the surroundings of Bjästa stands Arch, a group of five stone sculptures in an open field by the E4. The works are signed by the artist Claes Hake and belong to the High Coast Art Valley. Arch can be reached via a car park at Bjästahallen and a path across the meadow. This allows a stay in Bjästa to be complemented by contemporary outdoor art.

Bjästabacken on the E4 in Bjästa offers sporting variety. Alpine skiing is available there; Bjästabacken welcomes everyone who wants to go downhill skiing. The ski area’s facilities include a ski school, ski rental, food and drink options, café service and a kiosk. Ice hockey, figure skating and school sports take place at Bjästa ishall. Depending on the time of year and your interests, you can therefore choose between different focuses such as culture, winter sports and ice sports.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Trip

Bjästa’s many facets call for a considered choice of holiday focus. If you want to prioritise churches, Hembygdsgård and archaeological history, these topics should shape your search for accommodation in Bjästa. For a winter-active trip, on the other hand, Bjästabacken and the activities related to skiing take centre stage.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to include additional destinations in your search alongside Bjästa, you can find further places here: Mellansel, Solberg, Skorped, Norum, Örnsköldsvik, Själevad, Kantsjö and Ulvöhamn.

To the higher-level travel overview: Örnsköldsvik.