Kulturista - Cultural Experiences in West Sweden

C U LT U R E E X P E R I E N C E S I N W E S T S W E D E N 37 farther afield you will also find the rock carvings at Flyhov, with a combined total of over 450 figures etched into around ten dif- ferent stone slabs. In fact, the large number of symbols found here makes the Flyhov site Västergötland Province’s largest col- lection of Bronze-age rock carvings. V I E W S O V E R L A K E VÄ N E R N Returning to the main trail, the next feature on the tour is the Mar- torpsfallet waterfall, which, like most waterfalls, varies in size depending on how much rain or snow has fallen. While its flow is somewhat less during the summertime, the gushing waters rush in a frenzy over the fall’s limestone rock formations in the early springtime. Once you have returned to your starting point, we recommend a visit to the lookout tower at Högkullen. From this vantage point, you can take in views of Läckö Castle and Lake Vänern when the weather is clear – a worthy conclusion to an enjoyable hike! In its entirety, the Kinnekulle Hiking Trail stretches for 45 kilometres. The trail is well suited for a two-day hike and there are a number of places to eat and stay overnight in the area. More cultural-heritage hikes in West Sweden VA L L E , S K A R A The continental glacier left the beautiful area known as Valle in its wake by the western slope of the Billingen plateau; a cultural landscape characterised by gently rolling hills and a string of small lakes laid out like a band of glistening pearls. When snow- white cherry tree blossoms decorate the area during the early springtime, a visit to Valle is just like stepping into the famous author, Astrid Lindgren’s heavenly fantasy world of Nangijala. P I L G R I M S L E D E N H I K I N G T R A I L , VA R N H E M - F A L K Ö P I N G Steeped in history, the area around Varnhem provided the inspi- ration for Swedish author Jan Guillou’s popular books about the knight templar Arn. You will find that there is plenty of history to discover for yourself by following the classic pilgrims’ trails, including Gudhem’s ruined convent and Varnhem’s ruined mo- nastery. On the hill behind the Varnhems Klosterkyrka monas- tery church lies the former Viking-era farming estate now known as Kata Gård. Following that, the trail continues past the visitors’ centre (na- turum) at Lake Hornborga – one of Europe’s most important lakes for birdlife and the stage for captivating performances by thousands of “dancing” cranes each spring. P I L G R I M S L E D E N H I K I N G T R A I L , M E L L E R U D - E D S L E S K O G Following the age-old pilgrims’ trails through Dalsland Province means immersing yourself in expansive areas of pristine Nordic wilderness with a diverse range of woodland types and countless tiny lakes. Recreate a moment from Sweden’s cultural history as you hike in the direction of Nidaros (Trondheim), as so many medieval pilgrims did before you. Your trail will also lead you past many historically significant sites. Once in Upperud, you can take a well-earned break beside the Dalsland Canal, enjoy a tasty meal and stay the night in the old grain silo, which now houses a hotel with a modern-design theme. westsweden.com