Bronze Age Rock Carvings at Himmelstalund

The rock carvings at Himmelstalund, on the northwest edge of Norrköping, are among the most important Bronze Age sites in Sweden. Several large flat rock surfaces have been carved with hundreds of figures: ships with raised prows, warriors, footprints, wheels, and human figures in various postures. The carvings date from approximately 1000–500 BC, though some may be earlier.

The site is freely accessible and the carved surfaces have been painted red to make them visible (a controversial but practical decision). Guided tours are available in summer, and a small information display explains the imagery. The park around the carvings is pleasant for walking, with the river Motala Ström nearby. You can reach Himmelstalund by bus from the city centre or on a 30-minute walk along the river.

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A story
The Himmelstalund carvings are over 3,000 years old and include some of the most detailed ship images in Scandinavian rock art — boats with crews of up to 60 figures, carved at a time when the Norrköping area was a prosperous Bronze Age trading hub accessible from the sea. The site was used for ritual purposes over many centuries; scholars have counted images from multiple distinct time periods layered on the same rock surfaces.