Riala

Forest Parish Between Lakes

Riala parish is located southwest of Norrtälje, with Lake Largen to the south. It is an undulating, lake- and moss-rich forest landscape where cultivated land lies in narrow valleys — a different Roslagen than the coast.

The parish extends between E18 and regional road 276. Rumsättra is also located here, and in the southwest Sättra with holiday home areas by Lake Norrsjön. In the southeast Spersboda and Svensboda.

The Church

Riala Church is a whitewashed stone church from the 13th century. The church porch is believed to be from the same period, and the church bell tower's bell dates from the 16th century.

The Parish That Was Divided Twice

Riala parish has medieval origins and was originally larger. In 1631 Norra Ljusterö was separated as its own parish, and in the 1640s Kulla.

Archaeological Remains

From the Bronze Age there are scattered burial cairns and a rock carving — rock carvings are uncommon in Roslagen. From the Iron Age there are twelve burial grounds and two ancient fortifications, and several runestones have been found.

The Name

The name, documented in 1344 as Rial, has several interpretations. It may be composed of ri, "pole", and al. According to another interpretation, it contains re, "row" or "line", meaning plateau edge or terrace.

Getting Here

Riala is located between E18 and regional road 276, southwest of Norrtälje and north of the border with Österåkers and Vallentuna municipalities.