Bro: Cultural Trails, Church History and Climbing

Church history and dated traces

Bro Church has medieval origins. An investigation in 1938 identified the foundations of a smaller Romanesque church. The paintings from 1709 reveal another layer of history: the roofs of the chancel and nave were decorated with polychrome paintings by Christian von Schönfeldt at that time.

Another dated reference point is Bro gamla prästgård, built in 1705. Together with the church findings and paintings, it offers a multifaceted way to explore the area's older architectural and local history, without reducing the different records to a single period.

Cultural trails: different lengths and points of interest

The cultural trail Södra stigen is a 0.5-kilometre circular trail and the shortest of the three cultural trails mentioned here. It passes Tingshögen and three Iron Age burial mounds. The cultural trail Norra stigen is 2.2 kilometres long, graded moderate, and leads to Störreberg. At 2.2 kilometres, Norra stigen is longer than the 0.5-kilometre Södra circular trail.

Along Norra stigen are Bronze Age rock carvings featuring horses. The style of the horse depictions is considered to occur exclusively in Störreberg. The trail also passes Rydstrandsgården. This cultural trail thus brings together archaeological traces and a named historic site.

The cultural trail Östra stigen is 3.5 kilometres long and is also graded moderate. It passes a castle ruin from the 12th century, the outline of a house from the 13th century, the natural formation Bropelaren, and a railway water crane from the steam locomotive era. It is longer than Norra stigen, although both trails are graded moderate. As route details can change, it is advisable to check the latest trail description before setting out.

Broälven and sea trout

The Broälven flows southwards towards Brofjorden. Bro Church stands in a central location in Brodalen, about 100 metres west of the river; the Broälven is accessible from Brodalen. Important spawning and breeding areas for sea trout are found in the river's upper reaches. The river is therefore not only a landmark in the landscape, but also important to the reproduction of these fish.

Climbing in Brodalen

Brodalen in northern Lysekil offers climbing opportunities of a high international standard. An indoor facility has supplemented the offering since 2017. Bro Boulder has around 200 square metres of bouldering walls with different angles. If you want to plan your stay around active pursuits, this is another specific highlight alongside the cultural trails.

For the wider travel overview: Brastad.