Hällristningarna i Hästholmen

Rock carvings are intriguing ancient remains that bear enigmatic symbols from a bygone era. In Hästholmen you can discover and study them up close!

Rock carvings consist of various symbols that have been carved, cut, sanded or tapped into rocks and cliffs. In Hästholmen, not far from Hästholmen harbor, there is a large rock carving with scenes, rites and events from the Bronze Age people of Östergötland. There are at least 207 symbols on the rock.

Some of the more difficult to interpret & controversial symbols consist of a pair of ships representing, among other things, two embracing people. Some archaeologists say that the image probably represents a bride and groom on a ship. In other words, on the shores of Lake Vättern we would see a rite of love and fertility practiced over 3,000 years ago.

There are also motifs of animals, hunting scenes, people and so-called bowl pits. Bowl pits are small pits in the rock that were probably important in sacrificial contexts to get close to the gods or other supernatural beings.

Source: Visit Ödeshög, 2022-02-14