Unravel the Secrets of Tanum's Rock Carvings: Bronze Age Mysteries Revealed
Were you aware that Sweden serves as a gateway to an ancient era spanning millennia? This is particularly true in Tanum, which boasts one of the biggest sets of prehistoric rock carvings 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). Intricate petroglyphs etched carefully onto the granitic bedrock here showcase various aspects of daily life such as hunting, agriculture, spiritual ceremonies, and mythical characters.
Begin your exploration at the Vitlycke Museum for insights through guided tours before delving deeper into these puzzling historical artifacts. From there, venture out to examine four accessible rock-art locations: Vitlycke, Aspeberget, Litsleby, and Fossum. Each spot reveals distinct elements; for instance, Vitlycke features depictions of ships and dynamic human forms. Meanwhile, Aspeberget impresses with its array of carved bulls alongside sun symbols. In Litsleby stands one of the biggest anthropomorphic figures holding a spear—likely symbolizing a deity associated with warfare. Lastly, Fossum presents elaborate designs that narrate age-old tales inscribed within stone surfaces. Quite captivating indeed!
Vitlycke Museum Vitlycke 2
457 93 Tanumshede
+46 10 441 43 10
www.vitlyckemuseum.se
