Lasse of the mountain's cave
Kinnekulle

Sweden’s Last Caveman

Lasse in the mountain's cave is one of Kinnekulle’s most peculiar attractions. Here lived what is called “Sweden’s last caveman” – Lars Eriksson, together with his wife Inga. Not even the counts and barons could control him. When visiting the cave, it's hard to imagine how anyone could have voluntarily lived there. It’s cramped, and the damp from the rock walls could not even be countered by the fire from the stove.

But the fact remains that Lasse and his wife Inga lived here for nearly 30 years. He was a remarkable man, this Lasse.

He was driven by an enormous longing for freedom, a sense of adventure, and an almost manic passion for hunting. No hares or foxes were safe when Lasse was in a hunting mood, and that was almost constantly. Lasse was a legendary hunter even during his lifetime.

He easily tracked his prey and took it down with one hundred percent accuracy. He made his own rifles. Bought buckshot wasn’t good enough so Lasse made his own from nails and other scrap metal.

It wasn’t only animals that ended up in the line of fire. The rifle was quickly taken down from the wall when unwelcome guests approached the cave. Lasse had a fierce temper, and many visitors turned around at the sight of the gun barrel. Lasse didn’t back down from anyone. Not even the counts of Kinnekulle managed to rise above the eccentric man in the forest. And if anyone said something to Lasse that he found insulting, a cutting reply would follow instantly. His quick wit and sharp tongue were beyond question.

He had a couple of real friends whom he liked to visit; otherwise, he mostly kept to himself. He only went in to Lidköping to buy his liquor.

Lars Eriksson was born on in Skälvum, November 17, 1828. In his youth, he worked as a farmhand, but he was unhappy and his longing for hunting and freedom eventually took over. He only worked periodically. Occasionally, he disappeared completely from Husaby. What he did during these times is not entirely clear. But it is said that he worked in other parts of the country, including the northern forests. That’s supposedly when he learned to endure harsh conditions, a skill he would definitely need during winters in the cave.

Vivid Imagination

At one point, Lasse served in an artillery regiment in Stockholm. He liked to talk about that time, especially his meetings with King Karl XV. His imagination was vivid, so whether he actually met the king or not, no one will ever know.

But the story of Lasse in the mountain truly begins in the 1800s. Lasse and Inga had no home of their own and rented a cottage in Husaby from a relative in a neighboring village. When the relative moved back, they were left homeless. Lasse was already known for his stubborn nature. That’s why no one wanted him as a tenant. The only option left was the poorhouse.

Lasse himself didn’t seem worried, if anyone asked, he simply said it would work out. Every morning he took his rifle and headed toward the meadows. Inga, who was used to letting Lasse do as he pleased, didn’t ask what he was up to. But when he one day carried off her dearest possession, the loom, that was too much for her. She secretly followed Lasse and what she saw nearly broke her. Lasse had built a small house under a large protruding rock. The rock formed the roof and walls. There were windows and chimneys. But the loom was no more, Lasse had used it to make the door frame.

Settled in the Cave

As usual, Inga gave in, and they moved into the cave. The interior was spartan. Against the rock wall, Lasse had placed some boards, covered with newspaper to protect against the worst of the damp. During autumn and winter, however, the paper turned black from moisture.

Against the wall stood a bed and a simple sofa. Under the window was a rough table and a couple of chairs. That was Lasse’s work table when he made rifles or wove baskets. This is where Lasse and Inga lived for nearly 30 years.

Inga passed away on June 2, 1908. Two years later, Lasse’s strength began to fade. He deteriorated rapidly and was more or less forcibly taken to the poorhouse in 1910. He died there on April 4 of the same year.

Just days after Lasse’s death, the people of Husaby began plundering the cave. The plundering turned into outright vandalism. Those whom Lasse had angered over the years took revenge this way when he was no longer able to stop them. The cave was almost completely destroyed but has since been restored several times.

Most of the information comes from Einar Björe’s book "Lasse i berget".

Getting here by public transport

With Västtrafik bus line 116 Lidköping–Husaby–Götene, you can visit this destination by getting off at the Sannebo stop. Search for the bus line number at www.vasttrafik.se, in the Västtrafik To Go app, or in the trip planner.

With Närtrafik (on-demand service via Västtrafik)

Närtrafik is perfect for traveling in rural areas during the time the buss wont go. It picks you up at any address within a designated area and takes you to a stop within the same municipality. 

Here’s how it works:

• Call 0771-91 90 90 at least 1 hour before you want to travel. Within fixed time windows. 

• Costs the same as a regular single ticket

• Pay via the app, cash or by card

• Senior cards are accepted (with card inspection receipt) but Västtrafik’s period cards are not.

• Map & times for Närtrafik can be found on Local Services Götene | Västtrafik