Just outside Tidaholm, in the rural community of Suntak, the footpath cuts through a stone wall framed in purple lupine, and dips behind the trees to the ancient stone church standing on the hillside.

The Suntak Church was built originally in the late 1100's, and survives today in its 18th century form.

A huge iron-studded door with a crude lock and key leads to the dark interior, where services are still held in summertime.

Pews are gated and reserved for families. The bodies of two 18th-century patrons of the church are buried beneath the wooden planks of the floor; in earlier years they were occasionally disinterred to be viewed by parishioners.

Furnishings and religious objects have been expertly preserved, such as the painted decoration of the altar and communion rail.

Photos this page by Alice M. Ziemer