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Historic sites and attractions

Explore West Sweden's history and heritage

West Sweden is home to a wide range of historic attractions offering a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the stories from centuries past through fortresses, old towns, and unique buildings.

Museums that inspire and captivate

Visiting a museum is a journey through time. Discover the Bronze Age at Vitlycke Museum, learn about the Vikings at Västergötlands museum, and step straight into Sweden’s textile history at Rydals museum.

A guide to historic mills and industrial heritage sites

Visit some of West Sweden’s most beautiful and fascinating industrial heritage sites. Wander among weathered brick buildings and old factories, and pause for fika at a cosy mill café.

Castles you don’t want to miss

A great deal of money has been spent building fairytale castles and grand houses across West Sweden over the centuries — something we can all be grateful for today. Gunnebo House and Gardens, Läckö Slott, and Nääs Slott are just three of the many beautiful buildings you might visit. Why not set off on a castle safari to some of the region’s most popular sites?

Walk through history on a pilgrim trail

Pilgrimages were common throughout the Middle Ages until the mid-16th century, when Gustav Vasa banned them. Fortunately, pilgrim trails have seen a revival in modern times. Today, there are many pilgrim trails across West Sweden.

Göta Canal – one of the greatest engineering projects in Swedish history

Göta Canal was built between 1810 and 1832 and remains one of the largest construction projects in Swedish history. A total of 58,000 soldiers worked on excavating the 190-kilometre canal, which is connected by 58 locks. Experience the historic canal yourself by boat, bicycle, or on foot.

The Tanum rock carvings world heritage site

Rock Carvings in Tanum is West Sweden’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and features more than 3,000 Bronze Age carvings depicting everyday life, beliefs, and rituals from thousands of years ago. Located in northern Bohuslän, these remarkable rock carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the people who once lived here.

Platåbergens Geopark – 150 million years of history

Platåbergens Geopark was named Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark in 2022. The area is made up of 15 table mountains that together tell the story of 150 million years of geological history.