Having seen multiple rock art sites by now I am always stuck how similar early human art is. You find the same forms and patterns. On the other hand I am wondering why they couldn’t do any better. Most kids nowadays have a broader artistic range using more shapes than the adult creators of rock art back then. It goes to show how far mankind has come.

In the case of Tanum, it’s worthwhile pointing out that this is relatively recent rock art dating from 1000 BCE to 500 BCE, a time period where other European civilizations were starting to rise. Still, it’s a fascinating look back.

The sites are dispersed in the country side. I managed to see three: Vitlykckehälllen, Aspeberget and Litsleby. While small, Litsleby felt the most precious to me. The picture is from Aspeberget.

Regarding the use of paint to highlight the rock art I think it helps. I remember staring at stones in Valcamonica trying to spot something. But the choice of red as color felt too invasive. In Litsleby one site is painted in white and this works way better for me. Finally, they didn’t actually paint the icons in Falun Red, did they?

Getting There

Tanum is connected by train to Gothenburg and it is also a stop for busses connecting Gothenburg and Oslo. Both options will drop you off outside town. The busses will drop you off at the highway. There is a shopping center. The train station is further out than the shopping center, but there seem to be local busses being timed with the train’s rare arrival and departure.

Personally, I would opt for the busses. They are faster, more frequent and offer wifi. Both options start at Gothenburg main station. Schedules are available in google maps, but you may have to move the destination to either the train station or the shopping center, as google maps is not that smart. For the busses, buy your tickets online in advance.

Getting Around

If you make it to Tanum, you are stuck with walking. The museum is outside of town and the individual sites dispersed across the country side. In total I walked 15km that day.

Be advised that you may have to walk on the side of the road as side walks are rather rare in the Swedish country side. However, there are paths to the shopping mall and the train station.

While you are there

I have been to the area before. A school friend of mine has a vacation home in the area and we went there twice. The coast around Fjällbacka and Hamburgsund is just very nice and I would encourage you to spend a few days here looking at the islands dotting the sea.