Arnäs Old Church
Västernorrlands län
Arnäs Old Church, located in Västernorrlands län, Sweden, is a parish church with origins dating back to the early 14th century when a smaller stone church was first built on this site. The current church, constructed in empire style, was built between 1782 and 1784 after the original medieval church was demolished. Designed by Pehr Hagmansson, it is notable for being among the earliest Swedish churches equipped with a tower clock, sourced from the burnt-down town hall of Hudiksvall. Inside, the church houses valuable historical artifacts including a 1614 chasuble and two late 15th-century wooden sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Saint Olaf. The altarpiece, painted in 1927 by Professor Olle Hjortzberg, depicts Christ in dual aspects: triumphant and comforting. A statue of the Lamb of God with a victory banner, acquired in 1880, is positioned above the altar. The church organ, originally built in 1807 by Pehr Strand and restored in 1991, is one of Sweden's oldest operational organs. The church has undergone several restorations, most recently in 1998, which included modernizing utilities and installing artistic elements such as a stone artwork representing the Holy Trinity by Åke Lagerborg near the western entrance. Arnäs Old Church remains an active place of worship and cultural heritage, blending medieval relics with 18th-century design and 20th-century artistic contributions.
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Tip: Visitors should consider touring Arnäs Old Church during daylight hours to appreciate its brightened chancel and artistic details. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to fully explore its historical artifacts and organ. The church offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and occasional concerts, so checking the local event calendar may enhance your visit. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or pilgrims. Comfortable footwear is advised due to the church's rural setting and potential uneven ground.
Interesting facts
- •The church was one of the earliest in Sweden to have a tower clock, which came from Hudiksvall's burnt-down town hall.
- •The current organ is one of Sweden's oldest still in use, originally built in 1807 and restored to its original state in 1991.
- •A stone artwork representing the Holy Trinity by Åke Lagerborg was installed near the church's western entrance during the 1998 restoration.
- •The altarpiece painted by Olle Hjortzberg in 1927 features Christ in two contrasting aspects: triumphant and comforting.
- •The church owns three bells, with the smallest dating back to 1709, although it is no longer in use.
History
The original Arnäs Church was a small stone structure built in the early 1300s, remnants of which lie beneath the current building.
Much of the medieval interior and church archives were lost during a Russian raid in 1721.
The old church was demolished in 1782, and the new empire-style church was completed and consecrated in 1784.
Over the centuries, the church has been restored multiple times, with significant renovations in 1998 that modernized heating and utilities and enhanced interior lighting by replacing stained glass with clear panes.
Place Guide
The Empire Style Church Building1782-1784
Constructed between 1782 and 1784, the church is a fine example of empire style architecture designed by Pehr Hagmansson, featuring a distinctive tower with an early Swedish tower clock.
Medieval ArtifactsLate 15th century (sculptures), 1614 (chasuble)
Inside the church are two wooden sculptures from the late 15th century depicting the Virgin Mary and Saint Olaf, as well as a chasuble from 1614, representing the church's medieval heritage.
Altarpiece by Olle Hjortzberg1927
The 1927 altarpiece shows Christ in dual aspects - triumphant and comforting - and is a significant artistic feature of the church's interior.
Historic Organ1807 (original), 1991 (restoration)
Originally built in 1807 by Pehr Strand, the organ is one of Sweden's oldest functioning church organs. It was restored in 1991 to its original mechanical state and features a neoclassical facade from 1808.
Holy Trinity Stone Artwork1998
Installed during the 1998 renovation, this artwork by Åke Lagerborg consists of three tall, thin stone blocks in red Balmoral granite symbolizing the Holy Trinity. It is located near the western entrance of the church.
Contact
Phone: 0660-26 64 00
