Tanum: Rock Carvings, Archipelago and Nature Between Sea and Forest

The rock carvings of Tanum represent a unique artistic achievement through their artistic and detailed scenes of Bronze Age animals, people, ships, weapons and symbols. The World Heritage area encompasses more than 600 known sites with rock carvings; according to UNESCO, it has the highest density of such rock carvings in Northern Europe. Together with the landscape and archaeological traces, the rock carvings represent a continuity of settlement and agriculture spanning 8,000 years.

Culture

The Vitlycke Museum serves as the visitor centre for the World Heritage area of Tanum’s rock carvings. At the museum and the rock carvings, visitors can explore the carvings independently or take part in guided tours in Swedish and English. Vitlyckehällen is located 300 metres from the museum. This rock surface contains around 500 carved images dating from 1700 BC to 300 BC. A path approximately 500 metres long connects Vitlyckehällen with four smaller rock surfaces.

The reconstructed Bronze Age farm at the Vitlycke Museum includes two longhouses and craft buildings. During the summer season, visitors can try out various craft activities there. The rock carvings at Fossum form a cohesive composition depicting people, ships, soles of feet, animals and cup marks. A path leads from the main carving at Fossum to the unpainted Balken carving; a sun horse is carved on the right-hand side of the rock surface.

Nature

The municipality of Tanum combines deep marine areas, barren coastal stretches, forests and small-scale agricultural landscapes. The western archipelago includes bare outer skerries as well as larger islands in the inner archipelago with sparse vegetation and limestone-influenced flora. In the eastern part of the municipality, coniferous forests stretch between bogs, lakes and waterways.

Kosterhavet National Park is located in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum and covers almost 400 square kilometres. It contains one of Sweden’s two known living coral reefs. In the exposed outer archipelago, extensive algal beds grow, including some of Sweden’s best-developed kelp forests. Near the village of Grebbestad, the Falkeröds lindskog nature reserve is also located, an area of just over 1 hectare with mature lime trees and species-rich flora. A signposted walking trail runs through the reserve and connects to additional circular trails, including routes to the Greby burial ground and the training trails at Siljevi.

Hiking and Water

“Hiking in the World Heritage Site” is a 6-kilometre hiking trail in the Tanum World Heritage area that can be walked in full or in sections. In the Tjurpanneområdet, hikes of several different lengths are available. The area can be reached by bus from Grebbestad to Saltviks camping, adjacent to the nature reserve.

Information is available about experiences such as hiking, swimming and cycling in Tanum’s natural areas, as well as cycling maps. Hiking, paddling and cycling are offered as leisure activities in the municipality. In the Väderöarna nature reserve, visitors can hike, swim and observe seals and seabirds. Lotsutkik on Väderöarna is a monument to the islands’ era of pilotage and seafaring. Thanks to the association’s care, visitors can learn about this history free of charge and enjoy the view from the observation tower. Väderöarna can be reached by private boat or by boat services from Hamburgsund, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad.

Coast and Culinary Experiences

Various oyster-related experiences are offered in Tanum, including oyster harvesting, oyster courses and oyster tastings. Private individuals are permitted to collect algae for their own use along almost the entire coast of Tanum. Moderation and consideration for nature apply; some nature reserves have special rules.

Other Places

Fjällbacka, Kleva Västra, Grebbestad, Hamburgsund, Lur, Tänum, Tanumshede, Havstenssund, Resö, Flötenmarksen, Rabbalshede.

For the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.