Hönsäters kapell
Kinnekulle

From Worker Initiative to Chapel

The company initially planned to build a parish hall when a parish deacon was appointed. It was intended to be made available at a low cost for parish work in the Österplana and Medelplana parishes. This plan was approved in early 1910.

Shortly afterwards, workers at the Hönsäter cement factory requested a nearby burial ground. This led the company to change its decision and instead construct a chapel with an adjoining cemetery.

The chapel was designed by architect L. Kjellman from Borås and built by master builder J. Svensson from Skara. The portal, altar table, choir floor, and walkways are made of finely polished Kinnekulle limestone from Gössäters Stenhuggeri.

Altar Piece and Interior

The altar piece is composed of parts and sculptures from the former altar in Österplana Church. The reclining figures at the top and seated sculptures likely date from the mid-17th century, when General Harald Stake of Hönsäter restored the old church in Österplana.

The central painting is framed by classical column architecture, with a finely carved ivory crucifix in the centre. This is likely a Renaissance work, possibly from the 15th century. On either side of the altar hang two carved guardian saints, one of which—depicted in a nun’s habit—is believed to be the oldest.

The Baptismal Font

The wooden baptismal font and a bronze baptismal dish were donated by General Stake. The font lid features six carved herm figures. The dish includes a relief of the Annunciation and a surrounding inscription in Gothic script. Two engraved coats of arms on the rim are likely non-Swedish in origin.

The dish is believed to be a Nuremberg work from the 15th century and may have been a war trophy brought back from Germany.

The Pulpit

The pulpit, made of oak in 1661, is richly decorated in a style with Danish-Skåne influences and was also donated by General Stake.

Standards and Heraldry

Three principal banners and sixteen wooden coats of arms are displayed on the chapel walls. These belonged to the Stake family and were carried in procession during General Stake’s funeral in 1678 at Österplana Church.

The largest banner represents General Harald Stake. Surrounding coats of arms depict ancestral lineage on both paternal and maternal sides, including those of his first wife, Countess Magdalena Sparre of Lilla Bjurum.

Chandeliers

Three brass chandeliers hang from the ceiling. They were donated at the chapel’s inauguration in 1913 by leading figures of Hellekis Aktiebolag.

The chandelier closest to the altar was donated by Count Gilbert Hamilton of Hjelmsäter and his wife Amalia Röhss. The central chandelier was donated by Chamberlain Baron Carl Cederström of Fredrikslund and his wife Anna Skjöldebrand. The third chandelier, above the gallery, was donated by factory manager Otto Hillerfors of Hönsäter and his wife Ida Nordström.

Church Guide

The Church Guide app provides additional information about the churches in the region and can also be used as a guide during your visit. Download it here.

Getting Here by Public Transport

By Train (Västtågen/västtrafik)

You can reach Hönsäters Chapel by taking the Kinnekulle Line (Västtågen) and getting off at Hällekis Station. From there, it is about a 1.4 km walk to the destination.

Journey planning is available via the Västtrafik website or the Västtrafik To Go app.