Skogskyrkogården

Skogskyrkogården is beautifully located in a hilly coniferous forest near Gamla Råslätt in the southern parts of Jönköping. The burial plots are nestled into the terrain among tall pines and spruces. The gravestones are arranged either in straight rows or in curved lines that follow the natural contours.

Skogskyrkogården is Jönköping’s youngest and largest cemetery.

A couple of beautiful features include kettle holes and a ceremonial processional path lined with Siberian fir trees. This path leads to a ten-meter-high wooden cross.

The concept of cemeteries adapted to existing forest environments originated in Germany in the early 20th century and became widespread in Sweden’s rapidly growing cities during the interwar period.

The guidelines for Skogskyrkogården were drawn up by the Cooperative Union’s architect Olof Hult, who had worked on cemeteries in Stockholm. The detailed design was carried out by Ivar Andersson, Jönköping’s city gardener, who went on to design several cemeteries in Jönköping County.

Skogskyrkogården was established in 1938 and has been expanded over time. These expansions have given each section its own character. As a visitor, you can follow the development of urban cemetery ideals from the 1930s to the present day.

With its unique natural character and architecture, Skogskyrkogården is both peaceful and majestic.

Skogskapellet (The Forest Chapel)

Nestled beautifully in the greenery of Skogskyrkogården, the tall and austere Skogskapellet rises above the surrounding coniferous forest. Above the entrance is a high gable containing church bells.

The building houses two chapels: the large Skogskapellet with high ceilings and whitewashed walls, and the smaller chapel suitable for more intimate ceremonies.

Skogskapellet in Jönköping was designed in the 1940s by architect Lars Israel Wahlman, who also designed several churches, including Engelbrekt Church in Stockholm and Tranås Church.

Skogskapellet became one of his final works; he passed away in 1952. The final drawings were modified and completed by his son Jan. Due to the impact of World War II, the building permit was not granted until 1953, although the smaller chapel was constructed in 1947. The main chapel was inaugurated in 1958.

The interior of the large chapel is adorned by artist Sven X:et Erixson.

Notable Individuals Buried at Skogskyrkogården

Greta Bergholmen, author. Greta wrote two novels and six poetry collections. In 1942, her novel “Over Dark Waters” was published, portraying life in a mental hospital from the patient’s perspective. She converted to Catholicism later in life and moved to Vadstena. Her grave is in section 15, number 350.

Stig Cederholm, the spiritual father of Åsa-Nisse, is buried at Skogskyrkogården. He wrote several comic strips, novels, and film scripts about Åsa-Nisse and his adventures. His grave is in section 26, number 192.

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