Kinne-Vedums kyrka
Kinnekulle

History of the Church

The church was most likely built during the latter half of the 12th century. Constructed from sandstone, it is believed to have been designed by the master builder Othelric. As at many other medieval church sites, archaeological remains have been discovered that may indicate the presence of an earlier wooden stave church or even a pre-Christian place of worship. Today, Kinne-Vedum is regarded as one of the best-preserved 12th-century churches in the Kinnekulle area.

The tower was added during the 13th century, while the sacristy was built in the 17th century. Inside the porch, leading into the nave, the original medieval iron door has been preserved.

The altar is carved from finely dressed sandstone and contains a relic chamber beneath the altar slab. In the Middle Ages, relics were widely believed to possess special powers, a tradition that continues in some parts of the world today.

Three medieval sculptures remain in the church. The oldest is a seated Madonna carved from birch wood in the 13th century, alongside a 14th-century crucifix and a Madonna and Child dating from the 16th century. The church also houses an impressive collection of textiles from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The richly decorated Baroque pulpit dates from 1591 and was carved by the sculptor Nils Bratt. During the 18th century, the interior was embellished with wall paintings by C-G Hoijst and Johan Laurell.

Until 1702, grain was stored in the base of the tower for distribution to the local poor. A large gallery was built inside the nave in 1736, although it was unfortunately removed during a restoration carried out in 1964.

The Churchyard

Outside the church, on a small mound, stand two upright lily stones built back-to-back. Nearby are also two cross slabs bearing rune-like symbols that have yet to be deciphered. Throughout the churchyard, visitors can see several more lily stones, reflecting the fact that the Kinnekulle area has one of the highest concentrations of these distinctive medieval monuments in Sweden.

Kinne-Vedum Church is one of the many beautiful and historically significant medieval churches around Kinnekulle. If you are exploring the area, it is well worth stopping to experience this remarkable building and its centuries of history.

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 Bus (Västtrafik)

You can reach Kinne-Vedum Church by taking Västtrafik bus route 221 between Götene and Hällekis. Get off at the Kinne-Vedum Church bus stop.

For timetables and journey planning, visit the Västtrafik website or use the Västtrafik To Go app.

By Demand-Responsive Transport (Närtrafik)

Närtrafik, operated by Västtrafik, is an on-demand transport service designed for rural areas. It collects passengers from any address within a designated service area and transports them to a bus stop within the same municipality.

How it works:

• Book by calling +46 (0)771 91 90 90 at least one hour before departure, within the scheduled operating hours.
• The fare is the same as a regular single public transport ticket.
• Payment can be made via the Västtrafik app, by card, or in cash.
• Senior travel cards are accepted (subject to inspection), while Västtrafik period passes are not valid on Närtrafik services.

Maps, timetables, and further information are available from Västtrafik.