A small Swedish town south of Malmö, with well-preserved 18th-century farmhouses and a medieval church. The surrounding fields are known for potato farming.
Bara, a village in southern Sweden’s Skåne County, lies 12 kilometers east of Malmö. Spend time at the 12th-century Bara Church, play a round at the PGA golf course designed by Annika Sörenstam, or visit the modern Kuben sports hall. The New Bara project continues to reshape the village center, adding housing, shops, and updated infrastructure alongside historical elements. You’ll find grocery stores, a library, and casual restaurants for everyday needs. Nearby villages such as Spångholm and Torup present preserved 18th-century farmsteads and watermills. The area, once Danish until 1658, keeps its past alive through parish archives and old farmsteads.
PGA Golf Course South of Bara
Annika Sörenstam, the Swedish golf legend, helped open the PGA golf course south of Bara in June 2009. You’ll find two 18-hole courses here, along with one of Europe’s largest practice areas complete with driving ranges and putting greens. The clubhouse holds conferences, formal dinners, and casual meals, all with views of the fairways. Book tee times any time of year. During winter, course availability depends on weather. The layout challenges players with strategic elements suitable for all skill levels.
Kuben Sports Hall
Kuben, a streamlined sports hall opened in December 2010, supports local sports and community gatherings. Basketball courts, badminton nets, and indoor soccer fields host league matches and drop-in games. After-school hours bring gymnastics classes, dance workshops, and other youth programs. The hall’s contemporary architecture differs from Bara’s traditional buildings, highlighting the village’s development. Check local schedules for open hours or upcoming tournaments.
Bara Church and Surrounding History
Bara Church, in the northern Bara Kyrka area, dates to the 12th century. Its Romanesque stone walls and medieval frescoes draw visitors. The surrounding cemetery holds gravestones marking local families across generations. Nearby, Skammarps Hus and Torups Hus display traditional Scanian architecture with red wooden walls and thatched roofs. Parish archives contain birth records, marriage certificates, and other documents for genealogy research. Walking paths link these locations, winding through farmland and patches of forest.
New Bara Development Updates
The New Bara project, active since 2009, has brought modern housing, walkable streets, and new businesses to the village center. Recent work updated preschools and continues renovating Spångholmsskolan primary school. Improved roads and bike paths better connect homes to shops and services. Future proposals mention expanded recreational spaces, but details remain unconfirmed. Development prioritizes growth without disturbing historical sites.
Genealogy Research in Bara Parish
Bara Parish holds detailed records for family history research, such as census lists, military rolls, and land deeds. Pre-1658 documents reveal Danish rule. Post-1658 materials track Sweden’s governance. Historical texts name hamlets like Lilla Mleleberga and Önsvala, helping pinpoint ancestral locations. Some records exist digitally, but visit the local library or regional archives for full access. Maps outline old property lines and farming areas.
Nearby Villages and Rural Routes
Villages near Bara, including Spångholm and Värby, hold 18th-century farmsteads and watermills. Gravel paths lead to Risemölla, where a restored mill grinds flour using traditional methods. Cyclists follow signposted routes across Skåne’s flat terrain, passing fields and lakes. Weekend seasonal markets in Torup and Flängevad offer locally grown food and handmade items. Outside market days, these areas stay peaceful for relaxed visits.
Shops, Services, and Transportation
Bara’s commercial center has an ICA supermarket, a bank, and real estate offices. Fast-food spots and a health center near the main crossroads operate weekdays with shorter weekend hours. The library provides free Wi-Fi and hosts book clubs or craft workshops. Buses run regularly to Malmö Central Station, taking about 25 minutes. Ample parking surrounds shops and public buildings.
