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Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings)

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Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings) (Sweden)

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The Tanum rock carvings are a UNESCO World Heritage site and constitute one of Europe's most significant collections of Bronze Age art. The Vitlycke panel alone features hundreds of images, including ships, hunting parties, warriors, and animals, dating back over 3,000 years. One of the most famous motifs is the 'Lovers,' depicting a ritualistic or divine union. The carvings are often highlighted with red pigment to make them clearly visible against the grey granite, staying true to their original look. The Vitlycke Museum serves as an excellent gateway to the site, providing historical context and featuring a reconstructed Bronze Age farm. Interestingly, when these carvings were made, they were situated directly on the shoreline; due to post-glacial land uplift, they now sit about 25 meters above sea level. Several paths lead visitors to different panels, such as the impressive ships of Aspeberget and the giant archer of Litsleby. The site is accessible year-round, but the museum and guided tours are primarily available during the summer months. Tanum is located in the scenic Bohuslän province, about a 90-minute drive north of Gothenburg, making it a good stop for those traveling along Sweden's western coast toward Norway.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Rain mm8664555565758599851089990

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The rock carvings are accessible outdoors all year; the Vitlycke Museum features indoor exhibits and a reconstructed Bronze Age farmstead.
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Typical hours
The museum has seasonal hours: typically daily 10am-5pm May through September, weekends only in winter. The outdoor site is open during daylight hours.
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Photography
Photography is permitted; raking light in early morning or evening best reveals the carvings. Avoid flash and touching the rock surfaces.
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Time needed
Allow two to three hours for the museum and the main carving panel; if visiting additional sites like Aspeberget, plan for a half-day.
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Combine with
Combine with nearby rock-carving sites (Aspeberget, Litsleby) and the coastal village of Grebbestad for a seaside break.
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Getting there
Located right off the E6 highway; buses from Tanumshede stop at the museum. Free parking is available.
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Insider tip
Use the wooden walkway along the main panels - it protects the carvings and gives the best viewing angles. Binoculars help spot details higher up.

Geography

Population
1,774 (2023)
Coordinates
58.71667, 11.31667

Facts

  • UNESCO World Heritage since 1994
  • Over 600 rock panels discovered
  • Dates to the Bronze Age
  • Most famous motif: The Lovers
  • Vitlycke Museum and open-air farm
  • Carved into smooth granite rock
  • 25-meter post-glacial land uplift
  • Located in Bohuslän province

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tanum Rock CarvingsTanum Rock Carvings2 km · SEExplore →
GrebbestadGrebbestad5 km · SWExplore →
FjällbackaFjällbacka13 km · SExplore →
Kosterhavet National ParkKosterhavet National Park23 km · NWExplore →
SydkosterSydkoster26 km · NWExplore →
StrömstadStrömstad26 km · NExplore →
BovallstrandBovallstrand27 km · SExplore →
Nordens ArkNordens Ark31 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings) (2)

Greby gravfält🏺 historical

One of Sweden's largest burial fields, featuring numerous structures from the Iron Age.

Greby-Kleva naturreservat🌿 nature

A nature reserve near Tanum notable for its pristine coastal landscape.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Tanum rock carvings?
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of Bronze Age images.
Does it cost to visit the rock carvings?
Access to the outdoor rock panels is free of charge.
What is the Vitlycke Museum?
An information center with exhibitions and a reconstructed Bronze Age farmstead.
Can you see the carvings at night?
Yes, with flashlights and grazing light, they are often even more visible.
How much time should you plan for the tour?
About 2 to 3 hours to see the main sites and the museum.
Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings): where is it located?
Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings) is located in Sweden.
Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings): what is there to see?
Highlights include Greby gravfält, Greby-Kleva naturreservat.
Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tanum (Vitlycke rock carvings): why is it worth visiting?
The Tanum rock carvings are a UNESCO World Heritage site and constitute one of Europe's most significant collections of Bronze Age art.
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