Tanum: Rock Carvings, Archipelago and Nature

The municipality of Tanum combines deep sea 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, coniferous forests stretch between bogs, lakes and waterways.

Culture and history

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

The Vitlycke Museum serves as the visitor centre for the Tanum rock-carving World Heritage Site. At the museum and the rock-carving sites, you can explore the depictions independently or take part in guided tours in Swedish and English. The reconstructed Bronze Age farmstead includes two longhouses and craft buildings; during the summer season, visitors can try out various craft activities there.

The Vitlyckehällen rock surface contains around 500 carved images dating from 1700 BC to 300 BC. The rock surface is located 300 metres from the Vitlycke Museum, and a path of approximately 500 metres connects it with four smaller rock surfaces. 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 carving Balken; on the right-hand side of the rock surface, a sun horse is carved.

Nature and trails

Kosterhavet National Park is located in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum and covers almost 400 square kilometres. One of Sweden’s two known living coral reefs is located within the park. Large stands of algae grow in the exposed outer archipelago, including some of Sweden’s most highly developed kelp forests.

In the Väderöarna Nature Reserve, you can hike, swim and observe seals and seabirds. Lotsutkik is a monument to the islands’ pilotage and seafaring era. Thanks to the care provided by the association, you can learn about the pilotage and seafaring history of Väderöarna there 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.

Activities and coast

In the Tjurpanneområdet area, hiking routes of several different lengths are available. The area can be reached by bus from Grebbestad to Saltviks camping, which borders the nature reserve. The Falkeröds lindskog Nature Reserve near Grebbestad covers just over 1 hectare and is characterised by large-leaved lime trees and species-rich flora. A signposted walking path leads through the reserve and connects to further circular trails, including routes to the Greby burial ground and the training trails at Siljevi.

Activities and coast

Hiking, paddling and cycling are available as leisure activities in the municipality of Tanum. Information is available about experiences such as hiking, swimming and cycling in Tanum’s natural areas, as well as cycling maps. Tanum also offers various oyster-related experiences, including oyster harvesting, oyster courses and oyster tastings.

For geographical orientation, Tanum also includes Havstenssund, Resö, Flötenmarksen, Rabbalshede, Tänum, Tanumshede, Grebbestad, Hamburgsund, Fjällbacka, Kleva Västra and Lur.

For the overarching travel overview: Västra Götaland.