Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit Götaland

The walled village of Västergarn, 5 km south of Tofta Strand, was a major trading center in Viking times. The history is clearly expressed in the town walls, the medieval church and the ruins of the old church and castle. It is believed that the city wall was built around the year 1000 and that it originally surrounded Västergarn completely. Today it is about 1 km long. There is no similar site on Gotland, and in Sweden the most comparable site is probably the walled city of Birka.

For Sweden, the First World War meant great difficulties in keeping in touch with the outside world, especially over long distances. This radio station, which was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, is unique in the world. Built between 1922 and 1924, it houses the only working alternator transmitter. It was used for telegraphic communication with the American base on Long Island and ceased to be used in 1996.

One of the best glass factories in the region. Possibility to follow a guide for the visit. The site is on display, due to the success of the company. Here they blow pieces for the whole house, with very nice hand painted patterns. You can also visit the Kosta Art Gallery, which exhibits artists who work with glass. Here you can see famous Swedish and international artists, all of whom have a passion for crystal.

Behind the cathedral is a very old Viking burial stone dating back to the year 1000. Found in the east chapel, it has a rune text engraved in the shape of a snake. The translation can be found on a nearby descriptive panel: "Stone erected by Tyke the Viking in memory of Gunnar, son of Grim. May God protect his soul".

The runic alphabet is also detailed: the opportunity to write your first name with the letters of the ancient Scandinavian peoples.

Twenty kilometers south-east of Västervik (round trip), this village of red and yellow houses built on the waterfront is one of the prettiest in Sweden, so you should not miss it! When the sun goes down, the light is superb... The amateurs of photography will leave fulfilled! Small more: this small village forms a triangle with the fishing villages of Nävelsö and Marsö, which are thus also to be visited if one is in search of picturesque!