Ales Stenar

Ship-shaped Burial MonumentStone ships are stone circles in the shape of a ship, erected in Scandinavia primarily during the Iron Age as burial monuments. Ales Stenar is the largest preserved complex of this type in Sweden. Radiocarbon dating of remains found around the stones points to an origin in the 7th century, during the Vendel Period before the Viking Age. Most of the 59 stones, each weighing around five tons, are granite from the surrounding area; the two 'steven' (end stones) made of Hardeberga sandstone originate from the region south of Simrishamn. In 1916, around 40 fallen stones were re-erected, though not always in their original positions.Interpretations and NameArchaeology predominantly views Ales Stenar as a burial monument; however, no grave has been found to date. A popular theory interprets the site as a solar calendar because its central axis points to the sunrise and sunset points at Midsummer and the winter solstice. Most experts consider this interpretation speculative. The name "Als Stene" is attested only once in 1624; for a long time, the site was known as Heds Stenar. It was the archaeologist Nils G. Bruzelius who, in 1873, revitalized the name Ales Stenar.

The starting point is the fishing village of Kåseberga; from there you continue on foot.Car: From Ystad, the coastal road leads east towards Simrishamn; the turn-off to Kåseberga is signposted. Parking is available in the village.Bus: Skånetrafiken line 322 connects Ystad via Kåseberga with Skillinge. Timetables and tickets can be found in the Skånetrafiken App.On Foot: From the harbor, stairs and a steep path lead up to the stones in about 10 to 15 minutes. Longer hikes are possible along the cliff.