Silverdals Griftegård

“A cemetery with a royal connection?” you might ask. Indeed, Silverdals Griftegård has a unique history. Established in 1914, Silverdals Griftegård wasn’t originally a community cemetery. It began as a garrison cemetery for the Stockholm Garrison. The Swedish military used this tranquil space for burials. The garrison cemetery saw 120 burials between 1914 and 1922. After that period, activity slowed considerably. The last military burial took place in 1951. In 1960, Silverdals Griftegård transitioned to the care of Sollentuna Parish. The parish expanded the cemetery to accommodate the growing needs of the community. They added a crematorium and the striking Silverdalskapellet chapel. Today, the original garrison section still accepts burials. The head of the Life Guards can request burial here. This is reserved for those with strong ties to the Stockholm Garrison. The cemetery also features a poignant military chapel, Garnisonskapellet, built in 1923. Designed by architect Erik Josephson, it embodies the national romantic style with medieval church influences. Originally used for funerals, today it serves as a space for memorial services. Silverdals Griftegård holds the graves of notable figures. Among them are author Harry Martinson, opera singer Folke Jonsson, and musician Ted Gärdestad. His brother, Kenneth Gärdestad, also rests here. The cemetery expanded again in 2023, adding 700 new burial plots. It also added 500 urn burial plots and an ash burial ground with space for at least 2,000 urns. A children’s burial ground was also included in this expansion. The new section embraces a more open design. It features low trees and bushes, stone features, meadow flowers, and grasses. Even the insect life is encouraged, with “insect hotels” built into tree trunks to attract bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Outside the Silverdalskapellet chapel stands the striking sculpture, “Skeppet,” or “The Ship.” Created by Sollentuna blacksmith Gunnar Bengtsson from a design by city architect Lars Knape, it represents a homecoming from a turbulent voyage on the sea of life. Silverdals Griftegård is more than just a resting place. It’s a place of history, remembrance, and natural beauty. It stands as a testament to the passage of time and the enduring power of memory.