One of the largest grave fields in Bohuslän

The grave field at Västra Porten - Stora Smällen stands as a testament to enduring history. With at least 160 monuments, it is one of the largest grave fields in Bohuslän. These structures, comprising stone settings, ship settings, and mounds, were erected over a span of at least 1,500 years. The timeline stretches from 500 BC to 1000 AD, revealing a landscape where even the youngest grave material shows signs of Christian influence.

Positioned on the highest part of the eastern and southern slopes of the moraine hill, the site offers a wide view of the Ytterby valley. To the north, the Nordre river winds out toward the sea north of Hisingen. While many upright stones were likely taken by the local population for use in construction, several remain in their original positions. Nearby, a cellar still contains supporting roof beams of old bautastenar with a length of 4 m.

Research from the 1920s and modern inventories have uncovered diverse grave types, including a silver dress pin with gilding and two gold finger rings found after a lightning strike in 1865. As the area undergoes park work and fertilization to make the site more accessible, you can walk these grounds today. Step into the past to observe the intersection of ancient stone settings, ship settings, and the vibrant hillside vegetation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons