Hakarps kyrka

In the rural landscape outside Huskvarna lies Hakarps parish, with the small pink Greek cross-style church as its centrepiece. Built in the 1690s, Hakarps Church is a popular venue for weddings and baptisms.

History

The church and cemetery are located on the heights east of Huskvarna's center, surrounded by forest and farmland. The current stone church was built in 1693–1694 on the same site as a medieval wooden church. Construction of the new church began adjacent to the old one, allowing services to continue during the build. Some of the medieval timber was repurposed in the new church's tower, roof, and floor.

In 1694, the dilapidated medieval wooden church was demolished to make way for the new stone church. The project was financed through national collections and a generous donation from Nils Arvidsson Hägerflycht, owner of Hakarps manor and a general and customs inspector. Hägerflycht also purchased an altarpiece and pulpit from Eksjö City Church in 1699, as well as a five-stop organ. In gratitude for his contributions, the Hägerflycht family was granted a burial site under the choir and the patronage rights associated with the manor, including the right to appoint clergy.

Design and decorations

The stone church was constructed in the form of a Greek cross, with a sacristy in the northeast corner. The roof, tower, and gables are clad in wooden shingles, and the smooth plastered exterior is painted pink. The church’s Baroque design sets it apart from typical rural churches in its layout and construction.

In 1994, the church was extended westward to provide additional space for gatherings and storage. Until 1747, the church bells hung in the tower, but due to structural limitations, they were relocated to a new bell tower that year.

Visitors cannot miss the elaborate and imaginative ceiling paintings, which were created in 1729 by Edvard Orm from Jönköping.

Hakarp's Church today

Hakarps Church is open daily, but it’s advisable to contact the parish office to confirm opening hours before visiting. The church can accommodate approximately 300 people.

How to get here