Västra Tunhem: Hiking through a Historic Cultural Landscape

Oak Pastures and Trails

The Västra Tunhem Trail passes through a cultural landscape of old houses, archaeological remains, oak pastures and lime kilns. Nature and human activity are not separate themes here: the trail takes you through a landscape where both are visible. If you’d like to combine a hike with an interest in history, this provides a clear focus for your visit.

The easiest way to reach Tunhem’s oak pastures is via the old Trollhättan–Vargön road. This guidance does not include a distance or walking time. The limestone quarries of Västra Tunhem preserve traces of the shale and limestone mining carried out at the foot of Hunneberg for many centuries.

Limestone Mining and Its Historical Traces

The history of mining can also be placed in a specific time frame: industrial lime production at Hunneberg continued from the late 18th century until the last lime firing in the 1950s. The quarries thus preserve traces of mining carried out over many centuries, while the last lime firing marks a specific turning point in time. Together with the lime kilns along the Västra Tunhem Trail, they reveal part of the region’s history of work and land use.

Church and Local History

Västra Tunhem Church dates back to the 12th century. Parts of the oldest section of the churchyard have also been in use since the 12th century. The Churchyard Walk follows twelve QR-code-marked stops at the church and in the churchyard. The tour brings the history of the church site and the churchyard together.

Västra Tunhem’s vicarage dates from the 1720s and still has many old outbuildings. It is privately owned. From May to autumn 2026, the façade of Västra Tunhem Church will be renovated. If you’re planning to visit the church during this period, check on the progress of the work beforehand.

Archaeological Traces and Planning Your Visit

The Forstena burial grounds lie in wooded areas on a ridge. They now comprise about 20 graves, mainly burial mounds and stone settings. A monument to military commander Lennart Torstensson, erected in 1903, stands on one of the largest burial mounds. At Rånnums oak grove, there are about 50 circular stone settings and five cup marks carved into stone. The different forms invite a closer look, rather than treating the sites as a single type of burial ground.

Please note that the Tunhem burial grounds are on private land; visitors should park in designated areas. Cattle graze there in summer. The car park at Västra Tunhem Church is a suitable starting point for the Västra Tunhem Trail. There are also charging stations for electric vehicles at the church.

Local Heritage Centre and Events

The Västra Tunhem Local Heritage Association took over the former South School as its local heritage centre. Most of its activities take place there. The association holds numerous events throughout the year; individual dates may change. If you’d like an event to fit into your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Frändefors, Vänersborg, Vargön, Brålanda, Ekenäs.

Go to the main travel overview: Vänersborg.