Bollnäs Church
Gävleborgs län
Bollnäs Church is a historic medieval church located in Bollnäs, Gävleborgs län, Sweden. Constructed initially in the early 14th century, the church underwent significant reconstruction in the 15th century, notably receiving a new tower and being reconsecrated in 1468. A fire in 1590 damaged much of the structure, leaving only the nave and tower intact. The church was expanded to a cruciform plan between 1753 and 1755, with additional renovations in the late 19th and 20th centuries enhancing both its structure and accessibility. Architecturally, the church is distinguished by its robust tower, visible from the nearby highway, and the presence of a "little church" or Mariakapellet inside. It houses one of Sweden's largest collections of medieval church sculptures, including significant altarpieces such as the high altar cabinet, attributed to the Stockholm-based artist Jordan Painter around 1468, and the large altarpiece, likely crafted in Brussels circa 1500. The church's bells, some cast in the early 18th century, survived a fire and contribute to its auditory heritage. Modern updates include sound systems for radio and television broadcasts, as well as facilities to accommodate contemporary worship and community needs. Bollnäs Church remains a focal point of religious, cultural, and historical significance in the region.
Plan your trip to Sweden with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The church is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 15:00, but occasional closures may occur due to other events. Visitors are encouraged to check opening times in advance and consider joining guided tours or virtual tours available online. The best time to visit is during weekdays to avoid crowds. Audio recordings of the church bells can be enjoyed online for a preview of the church's atmosphere. Accessibility features, including facilities for families and handicapped visitors, are available.
Interesting facts
- •Bollnäs Church owns one of Sweden's largest collections of medieval church sculptures, second only to Vadstena Monastery Church.
- •The high altar cabinet depicting the Lamentation of Christ is attributed to Jordan Painter from Stockholm and dates back to the church's consecration in 1468.
- •The large altarpiece, a richly gilded and painted depiction of the Holy Kinship, was likely made in Brussels around 1500.
- •The church tower was rebuilt after a fire in 1711, which also led to the recasting of its bells by Catharina Meyer, one of the few known female bell founders of the time.
- •The church has a "little church" chapel named Mariakapellet inside, used for smaller services and gatherings.
History
Bollnäs Church was first mentioned in records from 1312 and was originally built in the early 1300s.
In the 1400s, it was rebuilt with a new tower and reconsecrated in 1468.
A devastating fire in 1590 destroyed much of the church except for the nave and tower.
The church was expanded to a cruciform shape in the mid-18th century, with subsequent renovations in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Its bells were recast in 1711 after the fire, and the tower's current appearance dates from the post-fire reconstruction.
Throughout its history, the church has been a central religious and cultural landmark in Bollnäs, reflecting the town's development and historical events such as the "Bollnäsbullret" uprising in 1529.
Place Guide
The Tower1711
The church's powerful tower is a distinctive landmark visible from highway 83, rebuilt after the 1590 fire and finalized in its current form in 1711. It houses three bells, including ones cast by Catharina Meyer.
High Altar Cabinetcirca 1468
This altarpiece depicts the Lamentation of Christ and is likely created by Jordan Painter from Stockholm around 1468, coinciding with the church's consecration.
Large Altarpiece (Holy Kinship)circa 1500
A richly gilded and painted altarpiece representing the Holy Kinship, probably made in Brussels around 1500, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and religious iconography.
Mariakapellet (Little Church)
A small chapel within the church used for intimate services and prayer, providing a more private worship space.
Contact
Phone: 0278-279 00
