Falks Grav – Baskarp, Sweden - Atlas Obscura

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Falks Grav

Baskarp, Sweden

The final resting place of a young stagecoach robber who refused mercy.  

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Deep in a sparse pine forest stands a lonely iron cross with the inscription FALK 1855. This is the final resting place of Jonas Falk, a poor tailor who together with his stepfather robbed a postal stagecoach over 160 years ago. The robbery went south, and ended with the coachman shot to death. 

The two robbers were caught not long after and brought to justice. Falk’s stepdad, Anders Frid, was jailed for life. Falk on the other hand refused to ask for mercy and was sentenced to death by beheading. On November 21, 1855, Falk was publicly executed in the pine woods at age 27 and then buried there in unconsecrated ground.

Lore has it that shortly after the burial, fresh flowers inexplicably started appearing on the grave every morning. No one knew how they got there. The mystery has continued to the present day. 

The forest, which is believed to be haunted, has for decades attracted adventurous nighttime visitors hoping to solve the enigma of the flowers. While most grave visitors behave respectfully, there are also those who don’t. The iron cross has for example been replaced a couple of times due to theft.

Know Before You Go

Falk's grave is located in the municipality of Habo, 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Jönköping. The most convenient way to get there is by car. There is a small parking space a few steps from the grave.

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July 20, 2022

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