Skepplanda: Culture and Nature

Skepplanda combines tangible cultural heritage with a landscape that opens out across Grönådalen from the elevated burial ground. Skepplanda kyrka and the burial ground to the north represent different aspects of the area: artistic decoration and archaeological history. There is also a ship carving at Stugåsberget, paths through deciduous woodland, and other natural features.

Cultural Heritage in Skepplanda

The ceiling paintings in Skepplanda kyrka date from 1770 and were painted by Johan Burman. Skepplanda gravfält lies north of the church. With more than 60 graves, it is the largest burial ground in the Göta River Valley. The church and burial ground thus offer two different perspectives on cultural history: the design of a church interior on the one hand, and a burial ground whose size stands out in regional comparison on the other.

At Stugåsberget in Skepplanda, there is a three-metre-long ship carving. The rock carving is 0.6 metres high. Its length and height make the tangible scale of this cultural feature clear, without equating it with the ceiling paintings or the burial ground. Vadbackabron is also among the region’s cultural heritage: the old stone arch bridge is a symbol of the Starrkärr–Skepplanda route.

Landscape and Nature

The burial ground is on elevated ground and offers views across Grönådalen. Its surroundings have been used as grazing land for thousands of years and have a rich variety of flora, including typical meadow and pasture plants. Here, landscape and land-use history go hand in hand: alongside the view over the valley, open spaces and their plant life shape the character of the area.

A walking path leads for a few hundred metres through deciduous woodland to the few graves located there at Skepplanda gravfält. Iglekärr, with its comparatively old forest, is also near Skepplanda. The pine and oak trees there are up to around 200 years old. This adds a different natural environment to the open grazing landscape, with the description focusing primarily on the old trees.

The waterfalls in Forsån are another natural feature to consider when planning a visit: they are impressive when water levels are high. The water level is therefore an important part of the experience described. The waterfalls, the forest at Iglekärr, and the grazing land around the burial ground represent different landscapes and can be distinguished from one another as such.

Swimming and Getting There

Skepplanda simhall is an indoor swimming facility with a 25-metre pool and a sauna. It offers a distinct focus alongside the paths, cultural heritage, and natural features outdoors. When planning a stay, you can weigh up a visit to the landscape and a trip to an indoor pool as separate activities, rather than combining them into a single route.

Stage 6 of the Skepplanda–Lödöse route begins at Skepplanda kyrka. The directions provided are to take the train towards Älvängen station, then bus 434 to Skepplanda Albotorget, and continue to the church. Check the current timetable before travelling. The church is therefore both a cultural-history landmark and the starting point for this stage.

The walk through the deciduous woodland and Stage 6 of the Skepplanda–Lödöse route are different ways to shape your visit: one leads for a few hundred metres to the graves at the burial ground, while the other begins at the church. To choose a suitable starting point, first decide whether the short walk to the burial ground or the start of the route stage is your priority.

Discover more destinations: Nol, Surte, Älvängen, Ale, Verle.

Back to the regional travel overview: Ale.