"Välkommen till Västra Götaland" Västra Götalands län by Elena77

Västra Götalands län Travel Guide: 1,716 reviews and 3,163 photos

The Cradle of Sweden

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

Rune stones

Läckö

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.

Allemansrätten

Halleberg nature reserve

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Untouched nature, rich history, great people,...
Cons:A bit expensive
In a nutshell:Going to Sweden always feels a bit like coming home

Last visit to Västra Götalands län: Sep 2007
Intro Updated Dec 5, 2008
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Reviews (19)

Isn't air travel wonderful? ; ) - Västra Götalands län

Göteborg City Airport Transportation (1)

There are 2 budget airlines that will take you to Västra Götaland. Ryanair and Wizz Air ply between Göteborg City... more travel advice

Sun bathing grass snake - Västra Götalands län

Crossed Adders Warnings Or Dangers (1)

In Sweden you can find 3 different kinds of snakes: grass snakes, crossed adders and smooth snakes. The only poisonous... more travel advice

Lake at Hunneberg - Västra Götalands län

Halle- & Hunneberg Sports & Outdoors (1)

Halle- & Hunneberg Ecopark is located at the Southern tip of lake Vänern in the Western Part of Götaland. The ecopark is... more travel advice

3000 years old bronze shield - Västra Götalands län

Västergötlands Museum Things to Do (16)

Västergötlands Museum mainly houses a fascinating exhibition dealing with the history of Skara and the surrounding area... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (10)

Jim_Eliason Jul 19, 2010 at 1:34 PM Report Abuse

Nice page!
850prc Nov 28, 2009 at 6:58 PM Report Abuse

Amazing page, Elena. The history and prehistory you chronical is of great interest to me. I'd love to visit this part of Sweden. And - I didn't know there were poisonous snakes in Sweden. We have a few here in Florida. :)
sprdak11 Apr 10, 2009 at 11:13 AM Report Abuse

Hello. Interesting page. I hope to visit Sweden soon. Greetings :)
Nemorino Feb 27, 2009 at 2:54 PM Report Abuse

Speaking of midsummer, I see from your Fornbyn Skara tip that they have celebrations every year at that time. Fine photos and interesting descriptions of the grave fields, cairns, mounds, rune stones and the ruined convent in your tips and travelogues!
Roadquill Dec 22, 2008 at 6:48 PM Report Abuse

Glad you enjoyed my Hghlands page, Skye is very cool to visit, nice rune info. Karl
joiwatani Nov 28, 2008 at 2:05 PM Report Abuse

Great tips! Thanks for sharing! I gave you great ratings! I will come back to check your pages!
hunterV Nov 27, 2008 at 6:29 AM Report Abuse

These are wonderful ancient places to explore! Vielen Dank!
janetanne Dec 9, 2007 at 9:40 AM Report Abuse

Amazing tips. With the new film about Beowulf, I wonder if that burial mound will soon be excavated? Fascinating place.
Watsoncomper Oct 8, 2007 at 12:34 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for your comments. I too am very interested in the Rune Stones. Particularly those with references to the UK. I most go and see these runes as not that far from Ulricehamn
sim1 Oct 7, 2007 at 11:21 AM Report Abuse

I really like your travelogues, those ancient churches and monastries of Husaby, Västerplana and Gudhem look wonderful! Great tips and I've add them to my wishlist for my next visit to this area!