Huskvarna kyrka

Huskvarna Church is a red wooden church in Old Norse style, located in the heart of Huskvarna. The church was built between 1907 and 1908 on the initiative of industrialist Wilhelm Tham of the Husqvarna Weapons Factory. It was designed by the factory's architect, Birger Damstedt, and gifted to the local municipality on November 26, 1908.

Damstedt's design incorporated Old Norse architectural elements with horizontal timber construction, resembling a Norwegian stave church. However, many locals were initially disappointed, finding the church’s exposed beams and dragon-headed carvings reminiscent of a pagan temple.

The church has undergone three significant renovations - in 1930, 1955, and 1986 - with the 1930 renovation being the most extensive.

Church furnishings

The interior renovations and new furnishings introduced in 1930 were designed by Göran Pauli, Jönköping's city architect.

• The large triumphal crucifix was donated by the Husqvarna Weapons Factory in the early 1930s.
• The brass baptismal font, designed by Göran Pauli, was crafted by A. W. Borg in Jönköping in 1930.
• The chandelier in the central aisle beneath the organ loft was previously located in the chapel that preceded the current church.
• The large brass chandelier near the altar was donated by Wilhelm Tham.

Musical evenings

During the summer, Huskvarna Church hosts musical evenings.

Chapel at Huskvarna Cemetery

The chapel at Huskvarna Cemetery was inaugurated in 1909, designed by Birger Damstedt, who is buried near the chapel.
Historically, the chapel’s location was once the site of Garpa Skans, a medieval fortification that formed part of the Rumlaborg fortress's southern defence line.

Bell tower

The bell tower at Huskvarna Cemetery houses three bells:

• The smallest bell, cast in 1857, originally hung in the bell tower of the Husqvarna Weapons Factory chapel.
• The middle bell was cast in 1908.
• The largest bell was cast in 1950.

The large cross in the cemetery, crafted by artist Calle Örnemark from Visingsö oak, was erected in 2003.

Huskvarna cemetery

The cemetery was established in the late 19th century, on land that previously belonged to Husqvarna Weapons Factory Ltd. In 1914, the remains of those buried in the former cemetery were transferred to the new site, and near the bell tower stands a memorial stone dedicated to those whose remains were moved.

One remnant from the old cemetery is the gate, manufactured at the Weapons Factory, which now stands at the southern entrance of the cemetery.

Notable burials at Huskvarna cemetery

• Herman Hjorton, physician. Huskvarna’s first doctor, known for “Doctor Hjorton’s powder,” which was widely used in Huskvarna during the Spanish flu pandemic. Grave ID: 1 15 F 1
• Alf Henriksson, author. A leading public educator and popular science writer throughout much of the 20th century. Henriksson wrote over 100 books. Grave ID: 1 19 K 1–2
• Wilhelm Tham, industrialist. CEO of Husqvarna Weapons Factory Ltd. Grave ID: 1 03 L 7–9

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