Ålleberg is the highest of Västra Götaland’s plateau mountains, at approximately 335 metres above sea level. It forms part of Platåbergens Geopark, which is Sweden’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. You can hike through the picturesque landscape here, most of which is a nature reserve. Experience the distinctive flora, local springs and viewpoints offering spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside.
On Ålleberg plateau mountain there are three hiking trails which are 1.3 km, 1.9 km and one of 4.7 km. Two of them begin by the café and one of them goes from the rest area at the foot of Ålleberg mountain. They have varied terrain with hilly and steep parts. On parts of the mountain there are grazing animals at certain times of the year, generally this is from May to October. Dogs should not be allowed in grazing pastures! (There are no grazing animals on the red trail).
There are numerous legends linked to the mountain and you’ll get to discover some of them on this walk, including the tale of the Knights of Ålleberg. On the mountain plateau, you will also find Sweden’s only gliding museum, a seasonal café, a restaurant and a campsite.
The area around Ålleberg is home to a multitude of graves and settlements dating back to ancient times. Humans have lived in this area for more than 10,000 years. There are no ancient sites up on the mountain. However, the mountain has undoubtedly played a huge role in people’s imaginations. There are also a few mediaeval church ruins around the mountain, including the round church at Agnestad.
Perhaps the most notable ancient sites in Falbygden are the passage graves. A full 2/3 of all the sites in Sweden can be found here. The passage graves are monumental burial mounds from the Neolithic Period, constructed around 3300-3000 BC. They consist of a passage and a burial chamber covered by a mound.
Along the main road in Karleby there are a total of 11 passage graves. These include Sweden’s largest passage grave, known as Ragnvalds grav, with a chamber measuring 17 metres. Excavations in the area have also unearthed settlements from the same time period.
The Firse sten passage grave lies between Ålleberg and Falköping. When it was excavated in 2008, archaeologists found a Bronze Age grave. Below the south-western slopes of the mountain is Luttra passage grave, and its silhouette has become a landmark of Falköping.