"Välkommen till Västra Götaland " a Västra Götalands län Travel Page by Elena77

Västra Götalands län is a county at the Western coast of Sweden. Its core is the historical province of Västergötland, but it also includes the historical provinces of Dalsland and Bohuslän.
In the North of Västra Götaland you will find lake Vänern which is, with 5.648 square km, the biggest in Sweden and the 3rd biggest in Europe. It is also the biggest reservoir of drinkingwater in Europe and... a wonderful place to visit!
Västra Götaland is often called "the cradle of Sweden" due to the many archaelogical findings that date back until the Stone Age. In many places all over the province the excavations have been very successful which gives visitors an insight into Sweden's exciting past.

www.vastergotland.com/templates/default____747.aspx

In all about 3.500 runic inscriptions are known from Swedish territory. Because of this unique wealth of material, they make an important contribution to our knowledge of early culture and society in Sweden. Rune stones are a natural element of the Swedish landscape. They are the country's oldest linguistic monuments and they provide much contemporary information of inestimable value.The inscriptions often permit us to draw significant conclusions relating to general cultural history.
The rune stone shown on the picture can be found close to Läckö at the island of Kallandsö. The inscription means:
Tólir raised this stone in memory of Thorkell, his kinsman-by-marriag

For more info on some Västergötland's rune stones have a look at my "things to do" tips.

You can also find vast areas of wilderness to explore. The unique law called "Every Man's Right" (Allemansrätten) enables everyone to experience the significant flora and fauna of Sweden. The law says:

You have the right:

* to take a walk, a bicycle, go horse riding, or to go skiing on all land not cultivated, and on such land that can not be damaged by your visit, this provided you do not cause any damage to crops, forest plantations and fences. However, you are not entitled to cross or stay on a private plot without permission. The plot, which is not always hedged or fenced in, is the area closest to a dwelling house.
* to take a walk, a bicycle, go horse riding, or to go skiing on private roads. Motor vehicles may be used if the owner has not forbidden such traffic.
* to pick wild flowers (excluding those protected by law), berries, mushrooms, fallen cones, acorns and beechnuts on land that is not a building site, a garden or a plantation, to bathe or go by boat on most natural watercourses.
* to take water from lakes and springs.
* to put up a tent, or park your caravan, or trailer, for twenty-four hours. For a longer stay You have to have the permission of the owner.
* You may make a fire, as long as you do not cause any damage, however there are restrictions during periods of drought when there is immediate liability for a forest fire. You may use fallen branches and or twigs as fire wood. Never light a fire on bare rocks as they will crack and split, resulting in ugly irreparable scars.
* to bring your dog and let it loose as long as you have full control. Restrictions are listed in local statutes and regulations.

You are prohibited:

* to cause damage to, and/or pollute the land.
* to ride on a motor vehicle on private property, so that damage may be caused, or on a private road, when the owner has forbidden such a state. Restricted areas are also gardens, cultivated sites, or constructions made by the owner.
* to breach branches and twigs, to take the birch, bark, leaves, bass, acorns, nuts or resin from growing trees and bushes.
* to pick wild flowers protected by law.
* to park a caravan or trailer in such a place where the land could be damaged.
* to make fire so that the environment could be damaged or endangered.
* to let dogs run freely on private hunting-grounds.