Tanum’s rock carvings: unravel the mysteries of the Bronze Age

Did you know Sweden is a portal to thousands of years in the past? Well it is in Tanum, known for having one of the largest collections of prehistoric rock carvings in northern Europe.

Located around 90 minutes north of Göteborg, this mysterious site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994, offers unique insight into Scandinavian art from the Bronze Age (around 1500–500 BC). The extraordinary carvings, meticulously chiselled into the granite bedrock, depict a variety of everyday scenes, from hunting and farming to religious rituals and mythological figures. Get a taster by starting your visit at the Vitlycke Museum, where you can go on a guided tour to gain a better understanding of these enigmatic ancient artworks. Next, explore the four rock art sites open to visitors – Vitlycke, Aspeberget, Litsleby and Fossum – to see these prehistoric souvenirs in situ. At Vitlycke, the carvings show images of boats and figures in action, while Aspeberget will wow you with its carved bulls and solar motifs. Litsleby is where you can see the largest human figure bearing a spear, most likely the representation of a god of war. Over in Fossum, scenic compositions tell us about ancient myths and legends engraved in the rock. Fascinating!

Vitlycke 2

457 93 Tanumshede

+46 10 441 43 10

www.vitlyckemuseum.se