Prostatallen

Do you want to combine a piece of Swedish history with a scenic outing? Prostatallen, located along road 40 just outside Bottnaryd, is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. This impressive pine, over 600 years old, is not only a landmark but also a gateway to Sweden's history.

Prostatallen, also known as Ullebotallen and Sagotallen, has been an important gathering point since the Middle Ages. Standing 27 meters tall with a circumference of 4.4 meters, it serves as a proud reminder of the passage of time. It has been mentioned in old records and served as a meeting place at the border between Småland and Västergötland.

The pine is surrounded by a gently rolling agricultural landscape, which, together with the rushing Älgån, contributes to an idyllic atmosphere.

A pine that has survived 22 monarchs

Sometime in the late 1400s, during the medieval period in Sweden when Sten Sture ruled, a small pine began to sprout in the borderlands between Småland and Västergötland.

By the 1600s, at 200 years old, it was already large and well-known. With its strategic position by the old stone arch bridge, near a crossroads called "Skvallertorget," the pine served as a gathering point for the area's youth through the centuries. This is evidenced by a record from the parish court on October 2, 1670, mentioning "the large pine tree east of the river by Elgåsa church road."

The perfect place to stretch your legs

Prostatallen is not only for history lovers but also an excellent spot for a short outing with the family. Children can be fascinated by the impressive size of the pine and learn about its history through information signs on site. It is also a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

The area around Prostatallen offers more than just a majestic pine. The surrounding nature is rich in flora, with everything from knapweed and meadow oat to pigroot and bridewort.

Combine with nearby activities

If you want to make your visit to Prostatallen a larger outing, there are several attractions and activities in the nearby area to combine your visit with.

A short drive from the pine lies Bottnaryd. Here you will find Bottnaryd Church, inaugurated in 1667, after the old medieval church on the site was demolished the previous year. The church is beautifully situated by lake Gårdsjön. In recent years, the church has become widely known through Colin Nutley's TV series "Wedding, Funeral, and Baptism."

In Bottnaryd, there are also several hiking trails. Kolarleden is a circular trail of about 3.5 km. The trail runs along paths and slightly hilly terrain in the forest and beautiful glades, as well as along lake Stråken, which offers an idyllic outdoor swimming area at the southern end of the lake.

Pärlstigen is a circular trail around lake Gårdsjön in central Bottnaryd. It is a wide path with several seating areas and the possibility of swimming.

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