This tour takes you though medieval Skaraborg, where you will get an insight into what society looked like in the Middle Ages. In some places, you can use Augmented Reality to see 3D models of archaeological objects. You need to be at the location to be able to see these.
The Middle Ages. Light and dark side by side.
When King Olof Skötkonung is baptised at Husaby Källa in Västergötland Province, it ushers in a new era in the history of our country – Sweden is Christianised. And it is from here Christianity slowly spreads across the country.
Yet the Middle Ages are a time of bitter conflict, between families, between provinces, between brothers. The peaceful years are few and the uprisings are many.
For a long time the struggle for power in Sweden takes place on the fields of Västergötland. Two families struggle for Royal power – the House of Sverker and the House of Erik.
The House of Erik, with its base in Västergötland, could count on support from the region of Svealand, while the House of Sverker had support in Östergötland and Denmark. Many battles were fought here in Västergötland.
The Church, with the bishops and monasteries represented a new power factor. The House of Erik favoured Varnhem monastery – that is why so many members are buried there. The last ruler from the House of Erik? was Erik the Lisp and Lame, who died childless in 1250. His nephew Valdemar Birgersson – son of Birger Jarl – then inherited the throne, becoming the first king from the House of Folkung (or Bjelbo). And so new conflicts begin …
In this guide we take you to the places where it happened; where the churches were built, the monasteries created and the battles fought. Remember - the events take place in a time of conflict where the future of those involved and their families – indeed the future of Sweden as a whole – can hang in the balance. People put their faith in the sword, the family and God.
Return with us to the Middle Ages.