Öresten

Öresten, outside Skene, was once an important castle in the war against the Danes, and is now a beautiful place to walk.

Öresten Castle was mentioned for the first time in Swedish history in 1366, when it was the most important fort in Västergötland. During the course of a battle in the same year it fell into Danish hands.

There have been many battles in the area, and the fort was razed to the ground on two occasions, but was rebuilt. The peasants in the area were not happy about this. They believed that Öresten Castle was the basic cause of the regular visits by troops, who mercilessly burnt and pillaged wherever they went. By agreement with the military forces, the peasants managed to gather 100 oxen in payment for the castle, which they then demolished. It was 1521, and Öresten was razed to the ground for the third and final time.

Today, we can see the remains of the moat around the hill. From the top of the hill, there is a panoramic view far into the distance.