Österhaninge: Culture, Landscape and Fredrikaslingan

Österhaninge is a destination for anyone who wants to combine cultural history, walks and a varied landscape. Testimonies from different eras can be found among gently rolling agricultural landscapes, open fields and wooded heights. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can base their choice of accommodation on whether historical sites, museum visits, walking trails or archaeological discoveries are to be the main focus of the trip.

Cultural history at Österhaninge Church

Österhaninge Church is home to the Bielkenstiernska burial chapel, which dates from the 1660s. In 1683, a large sculptural group was installed in the burial chapel in honour of the Bielkenstierna family. The cemetery also commemorates Fredrika Bremer: the writer and peace and women's rights activist Fredrika Bremer (1801–1865) is buried there.

These places give the trip a historical focus without requiring you to limit yourself to a single museum. There are also several runestones from the late 11th century in the Österhaninge area, often featuring cross motifs. Those interested in medieval traces and the development of regional culture will find further concrete points of interest for planning their own day.

Årsta Castle Museum and Fredrikaslingan

The Årsta Castle Museum includes the museum floor in the castle. It provides information about the life of the Bremer family at Årsta. For a visit in 2026, an important detail should be noted: Haninge Municipality does not offer open public guided tours at the Årsta Castle Museum. However, bookable guided tours may occasionally be available. Therefore, check before your trip whether a suitable option is available if a guided tour is part of your plans.

The signposted Fredrikaslingan runs near Årsta Castle. Along this cultural trail, visitors can learn more about Fredrika Bremer's life at Årsta while walking around her beloved home. Fredrikaslingan is also adapted for travel by bicycle. Depending on the travel group, a visit to Årsta can therefore be viewed as a cultural walk or a cycling route. You can picnic in Årsta's English Park, providing a peaceful break between further discoveries.

Landscape and archaeological traces

The area around Österhaninge Church is characterised by open fields and wooded heights in a gently rolling agricultural landscape. Jordbro Burial Ground offers a different impression of the landscape: it borders the Gullringskärret Nature Reserve. There are numerous marsh areas and ferns around the Husbyån.

In the immediate vicinity of the destination, three large information boards along a walking trail in the eastern part of Jordbro Burial Ground provide information about life in the Haninge region throughout prehistory. In addition, 13 smaller boards offer insights into the Early Iron Age, when Jordbro Burial Ground became a major burial and ceremonial site. East of Jordbro Burial Ground and north of the Gullringskärret Nature Reserve, there is also a signposted Stone Age settlement site. This allows you to combine nature observation with exploring earlier ways of life.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

To reach the Österhaninge Church bus stop, take bus route 845 from Västerhaninge commuter train station or bus route 839 towards Dalarö. There is also a large car park at Österhaninge Church. This information will help you plan excursions by public transport or your own vehicle.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Österhaninge, it is worth deciding on your main interests in advance: the church tradition, Fredrika Bremer and the runestones point towards a cultural history itinerary. Årsta Castle Museum, Fredrikaslingan and the English Park offer different highlights, while Jordbro Burial Ground, Gullringskärret and the Stone Age settlement site focus on the landscape and prehistory. Choosing accommodation from which your preferred destinations fit easily into the itinerary can make planning more straightforward.

Discover more destinations

For further orientation, you can also view the location pages for Ornö, Handen, Vendelsö, Utö, Muskö, Västerhaninge, Haninge and Tungelsta.

For the main travel overview: Haninge.