Blomsholm
Strömstad

Here you will find impressive grave fields and burial mounds, one of Sweden’s largest stone circles, and the country’s third-largest stone ship. A walking trail runs through the area, with information boards that explain life and the landscape during the Iron Age.

The Stone Ship (Stenskeppet) 

The monumental stone ship in the burial ground is Blomsholm’s most famous ancient monument. Measuring 41 metres long and 9 metres wide, it is the third largest stone ship in Sweden. The stones amidships rise about one metre high, while those at the bow and stern reach more than four metres. In total, the ship consists of 49 stones.

When the stones were raised around 2,000 years ago, the shoreline was much closer, and waves could crash against the ship. Where today’s E6 motorway runs, merchant vessels once sailed between Oslo and Copenhagen. The monuments at Blomsholm symbolised power and wealth. This was a thriving centre of trade and activity, from which many trading journeys began. Blomsholm’s importance declined during the 7th century.

The Stone Circle (Domarringen)

This impressive stone circle is unique in several ways. Unlike other Swedish stone circles, which always have an odd number of stones, this one consists of ten large boulders surrounding a central stone. The circle has a striking diameter of 38 metres.

Researchers today agree that it was used as a burial site – or more precisely, a place for repeatedly reused graves. These were so-called cremation graves, where the deceased were burned.

Workers' accommodation and café (Statarlängan)

The former workers’ accommodation from 1899 now houses the exhibition “Blomsholm – Ancient Remains and Country Estate”, which tells the story of Blomsholm’s history and its remarkable prehistoric monuments.

In the 18th century, during King Charles XII’s war with Norway, Blomsholm Manor was used as a field hospital. Until 1938, the building contained four apartments, each with one room and a kitchen, housing four families. One apartment is authentically furnished to show everyday life around a hundred years ago.

A cosy café is located in the former carpenter’s shed, where books and locally made crafts are also sold.

Blomsholm Estate (Blomsholm säteri)

The estate was founded in 1620 by Anders Blome, a North German nobleman, at a time when Bohuslän was part of Norway. Over the centuries, it has had many owners, often high-ranking military officers and officials, usually for short periods.

The Swedish King Carl XIV Johan (1763–1844) used the estate as accommodation during his travels around the kingdom. Today, the estate is owned and managed by GLG, a property company. The main building was rebuilt after a fire in 1710, and the two wings were added six years later. All buildings have been carefully renovated to a high standard while preserving the character of a traditional manor.

Blomsholm is now the largest pig and grain producer of its kind in the province. Due to veterinary regulations, public access to the animal stables and the nearby courtyard is restricted. Parking is available just north of the estate buildings.

The Forest of Catharina (Catharinaskogen)

In the 18th century, the influential Catharina Björnskjöld created a landscaped park on both sides of the stream facing the settlement. She planted noble deciduous trees, built carp ponds, stone bridges, and an open veranda for social gatherings, all connected by winding paths. Her vision was to create a harmonious natural element within Blomsholm’s rich cultural environment.

Today, the forest is a protected ecosystem of approximately five acres. It is intentionally left untouched, with fallen and decaying trees providing habitats for mosses, lichens, insects, and birds. What may appear unkempt is in fact an educational example of natural ecology.

Catharinaskogen complements the Ecopark in Österröd, just outside Strömstad. Walking beneath centuries-old trees on a summer day, listening to the gentle stream and birdsong, is a peaceful experience to savour. We hope many visitors will discover this tranquil retreat, just a short distance from the nearby road traffic.