Rock carving sense – practical info

This information concerns the rock carvings that are accessible for visitors. If you wish to visit any other of the World Heritage site’s 600 rock carvings, you can find information at the bottom of the page.

When are the rock carvings open?

The rock carvings that are accessible for visitors are accessible 24/7, year-round.

Parking

All visitor destinations have free parking. Overnight parking is not allowed at the visitor destinations, and the applicable rules are signposted at the parking areas.

Is there an entrance fee?

There is no fee to visit the rock carvings of the World Heritage site.

Are the rock carvings accessible in winter?

Depending on the severity of the winter, the rock carvings may be covered with snow. Many of the carvings are located on panels where water flows, so they may also be covered with ice. Additionally, protective coverings may be placed over the rock carvings during winter to preserve them. Click here to find information on whether there are currently any covered sites in the World Heritage site.

Also, be aware that cold weather, rain, and snow can increase the risk of slippery surfaces on the paths that pass over the bedrock, in stairs and on platforms and boardwalks.

Tips for viewing unpainted carvings

Approximately half of the rock carvings accessible to visitors are not painted and can therefore be difficult to see. The best chance to view unpainted images is after rain when the rock is wet. Another tip is to visit the rock carvings in the morning or afternoon when the sunlight comes from the side, as the shadows in the carved grooves make the images more visible. The timing of this effect depends on how the panel is positioned in the landscape. It is also possible to visit in the evening or at night and shine a flashlight on them from the side to achieve the same effect.

Do not step on the rock carvings!

Many rock carvings are damaged by weathering, and the rock surfaces are delicate. Therefore, it is not allowed to step on the panels. We want future generations to experience the rock carvings of the World Heritage site as well!

Photography

Feel free to take photos! However, do so from the platforms in front of the panles. For sites without platforms (such as some of the panels at Aspeberget), stand on the ground rather than on the panel to avoid causing damage. Don’t forget to tag your photos with #tanumworldheritage on social media.

Use the paths and close gates

Most of the visitor areas are located on private property, so please use the designated paths. There are often domestic animals present at Aspeberget and Fossum during the summer, so remember to close gates behind you.

Documentation requires permission

Any form of documentation that involves cleaning, sweeping, or otherwise altering the rock surface, such as frottage, requires permission. It is also not allowed to step on the carvings while taking photographs. Applications for permission should be made to the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland.

Visiting panels not prepared for visitors

If you wish to visit any of the Tanum World Heritage site’s rock carvings that are not accessible for visitors, please note the following:

The Right of Public Access does not apply within the private sphere of a residential or vacation house. To view carvings within this area, you must seek permission from the person living in the house. Even when carvings are located near a plot of land, it is advisable to speak with the owner before visiting.

Many carvings are situated in agricultural land—do not enter areas with animals if you feel uncertain, and remember that it is prohibited to walk in fields with growing crops. It is not allowed to dig out or clean panels without permission from the County Administrative Board.