Alnö Gamla Kyrka

The large island just east of Sundsvall, Alnö, has the magnificent Alnö Gamla Kyrka, 2km north of the bridge (at Vi). The old church, below the road, is a mixture of 12th- and 15th-century styles. Whitewashing damaged the lower parts of the wall paintings in the 18th century, but the upper wall and ceiling paintings are nearly perfect. The painting was probably done by one of Albertus Pictor’s pupils. Even better is the late 11th-century carved wooden font in the new church across the road; the upper part combines Christian and Viking symbolism, while the lower part shows beasts that embody evil. Catch bus 1 to Vi (two or three hourly), then take a Plus bus to the churches (every one or two hours).