Tanum Rock Carvings
Thousands of Bronze Age carvings on the smooth rocks of Bohuslan - a UNESCO site of ships, warriors and sun symbols pecked over three thousand years ago.
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Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
UNESCO World Heritage
Around Tanum in Bohuslan, thousands of Bronze Age figures were pecked into the smooth glacier-polished rock some three thousand years ago, a UNESCO site of ships, warriors, animals and sun symbols painted red for visibility. The Vitlycke panel and its museum are the heart of one of the richest rock-art landscapes in Europe.
What you actually see
- The Vitlycke panel - the great rock covered in ships, figures and the famous bridal couple.
- Ships and warriors - the recurring carved boats, fighters and animals.
- Sun symbols - the wheels and discs of the Bronze Age sun cult.
- The museum - the reconstructed Bronze Age farm and the story of the carvings.
When to go
The snow-free months, when the carvings are visible and the museum open; a dry, bright day makes the red-painted figures easiest to read. Several carved sites lie within a short drive.
Honest expectations
The carvings are subtle, picked out in red for visibility, so they reward the museum's context and a little patience more than a quick glance. Sites are spread across the countryside, so a car helps. It is a specialised prehistoric visit, fascinating for the interested.
Nearby
The Bohuslan coast and its fishing villages are close; the Koster islands lie to the north.
What to pack for Tanum Rock Carvings
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
