Ingatorp

Ingatorp is located in northern Småland between Eksjö and Vimmerby. The village’s history extends back to 800 years when farmers from the Småland Uplands would gather in the valley carved out by the roaring Bruzaån River to attend church and pay their taxes – or “tithes” as they were known. Each farmer would store their tithes in the Tiondeboden, the ancient, rather plain-looking and windowless building situated by the lake next to the church.
 

One of the oldest wooden buildings in Sweden

Ingatorp’s tithe barn is one of the oldest wooden buildings in Sweden. There is only one other wooden building that can claim to be older than the Tiondeboden. A wood analysis proved that the trees used in the construction of the barn had been felled between 1219 and 1239.

In addition, the way the trunks and beams have been carved is characteristic of the style used by Scandinavian carpenters in the early Middle Ages. The original floor planks and the roof truss are still in place inside the building and the wooden shingles that cover the entire structure are also very old. The oldest shingles have been protecting the outer surfaces of the barn since the 16th century. The historical significance of this rather plain-looking building in the corner of the cemetery by the lake only became known in 2011. You can find out more about the Tiondeboden tithe barn and the story of how its age was discovered at the Jönköpings Läns Museum in Jönköping. And if you are wondering what the oldest wooden building in Sweden could be... Well, it is actually Granhults Church near Lenhovda, a village in the south of Småland not too far from Ingatorp. This little church was built in 1217.

A beacon in the distance

The spire of Ingatorp Church is visible from miles around. This pretty building is situated right next to the plain-looking Tiondeboden and dates back to 1914. It was built in the Nordic Art Nouveau style after the church that stood there before had burned down completely.
 

Between Eksjö and Mariannelund

The village of Ingatorp is part of the Eksjö municipality and is the home of a few hundred people. Eksjö is famous for its historic town centre which boasts many well-preserved wooden buildings. The town has been recognised many times over for its conservation work. Eksjö lies 28 kilometres to the west of Ingatorp.

 If you drive east on road 40 from Ingatorp, you will arrive in Mariannelund. Lovers of Astrid Lindgren's stories will know that this melodic-sounding place name is associated with her series of novels Emil of Lönneberga. The films based on the books were shot around the village of Mariannelund. The interactive exhibition centre at Film Village Småland offers visitors the chance to enjoy a range of experiences based on the stories and film locations. And there are also many wonderful bike trails that will take you through the countryside where the films were made.
 

Ski slopes and viewing point

Ingatorp is known across the region for its ski slopes. The Valbacken ski resort offers four downhill runs. Valbacken Hill also provides a popular viewing point when there is no snow on the ground. From the summer café on the Valbacken, you can enjoy a wonderful view over Ingatorp and the forests of the Småland Uplands.