Unravel the Secrets of Tanum's Rock Carvings: Bronze Age Mysteries Revealed
Were you aware that Sweden serves as a gateway to an era thousands of years ago? This is particularly true in Tanum, which boasts one of the biggest sets of prehistoric rock engravings in all of Northern Europe.
Situated approximately 90 minutes north of Göteborg, this intriguing location was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It provides an exclusive look into Scandinavian art during the Bronze Age (circa 1500-500 BC). These remarkable carvings were carefully etched onto the granite surface and illustrate various aspects of daily life such as hunting, agriculture, spiritual ceremonies, and mythical beings.
Begin your exploration at the Vitlycke Museum for an introductory guided tour which helps elucidate these ancient artistic wonders. Then proceed to examine the four accessible rock-art locations: Vitlycke, Aspeberget, Litsleby, and Fossum. Each spot reveals distinct elements; for instance, at Vitlycke, observe depictions of ships and dynamic human forms. In contrast, Aspeberget features intricate designs like bull imagery alongside sun symbols. Moving on to Litsleby, you'll find one of the biggest stone-carved humans holding a spear—possibly symbolizing a deity associated with warfare. Finally, head over to Fossum where panoramic engravings narrate age-old tales through their detailed artwork. Quite captivating indeed!
Vitlycke Museum Vitlycke 2
457 93 Tanumshede
+46 10 441 43 10
www.vitlyckemuseum.se