Örsjö kyrka is a distinctive six-sided church in Örsjö, Kalmar län, built in the late nineteenth century and rebuilt after a devastating fire. Its unusual hexagonal form and striking modern interior make it one of the more unexpected church buildings in Småland.
The present church was constructed between 1889 and 1892 and consecrated in 1893. It was the last of twelve centralised churches designed by the architect Emil Langlet, who had developed a strong interest in Romanesque domed buildings during his studies in Italy. Langlet believed this centralised form, bringing altar, pulpit and font together as a single focal point, was particularly well suited to Protestant worship, since it allowed the congregation to see and hear the preacher clearly.
Architecturally, the church is built on a hexagonal plan rising in two stages, crowned by a large lantern tower with a spire at its centre, surrounded by smaller pinnacle-like turrets. This silhouette remains the building's most recognisable feature.
On Easter 1974, a fire destroyed the church almost entirely, leaving only the outer walls standing. The exterior was subsequently rebuilt to match its original appearance, but the interior was completely reimagined. The architect Jerk Alton oversaw the reconstruction, while the artist Sven-Bertil Svensson created an extensive and much-discussed scheme of decorative artwork throughout the church. The rebuilt church was reconsecrated in September 1976.
Among the furnishings from this rebuilding is an altar triptych by Svensson, along with a free-standing altar, a low pulpit decorated with sacred figures, and a triumphal crucifix. The font has a bowl of red limestone resting on gilded spherical feet, and the pews are arranged in a semicircle facing the altar, reflecting the centralised liturgical layout that Langlet originally intended.
The church's original organ, built in 1893 by E A Setterquist & Son of Örebro, was lost in the 1974 fire. A new mechanical organ was built in 1977 by A Mårtenssons Orgelfabrik of Lund and stands to the left of the choir.
Provider-listed schedule, applicable on 12 Oct 2026. All times are local to Sweden.
| Monday | 08:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Friday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Saturday | 08:00–18:00 |
| Sunday | 08:00–18:00 |
Check access with the parish before travelling. Services and seasonal changes can affect visits.
Listed by the provider; availability has not been independently checked. An unlisted facility is not necessarily unavailable.
Nybro pastorat
Nybro pastorat
Örsjö kyrka is a distinctive six-sided church in Örsjö, Kalmar län, built in the late nineteenth century and rebuilt after a devastating fire. Its unusual hexagonal form and striking modern interior make it one of the more unexpected church buildings in Småland.
Orrabäcksvägen 2, 382 90, Örsjö
Explore this church: Örsjö kyrkaChurch information: Svenska kyrkan, Platser · CC BY 4.0. Each church page includes its credits and visiting notes.
Järstorps kyrka is a parish church in the village of Järstorp, west of Jönköping, standing on foundations that date back to the medieval period. It belongs to the Church of Sweden and offers visitors a…
Järstorps kyrka, 555 94, Jönköping
View church details: Järstorps kyrkaPersnäs kyrka is a medieval church on the island of Öland, notable for its distinctive twin-tower construction and a carved stone slab, thought to bear a sundial or scratch-dial, beside the south entrance. Inside, visitors…
Persnäs bygata 11, 380 74, Löttorp
View church details: Persnäs kyrkaLocation and available visiting information. A fuller English guide is still to be added.
Göterydsvägen 10, 34397, Älmhult
View church details: Göteryds kyrkaAlmundsryds kyrka is a parish church of the Church of Sweden in Ryd, Tingsryds kommun, within Växjö stift. It replaced an earlier medieval timber church and was consecrated in 1832, serving the local Almundsryd congregation.
Smedjegatan 1, 36256, Ryd
View church details: Almundsryds kyrkaSources, credits and English adaptations are identified on each church page. Provider data: Svenska kyrkan, Platser · CC BY 4.0.
Provider catalogue data: Svenska kyrkan, Platser, CC BY 4.0. Separately credited descriptions retain their stated source and licence terms. Catalogue and visiting data reformatted from the provider. The English guide combines and abridges separately credited sources below.
Provider record updated: 28 Aug 2026. This is not an independent verification date.
Source record: c7b7c130-a631-416d-8674-90abf1192c0d
This English guide combines, abridges and translates the sources below with AI assistance, with editorial contributions by Churches in Sweden. It has not been independently verified. The adapted guide text is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photographs and map data have their own terms.