In between Skara and Skövde you find Varnhem which is a popular destination. The location is part of an ancient cultural area that has been cultivated and inhabited for thousands of years. In the scenic environment around the church and monastery ruins, you can take advantage of a great story. The surrounding area a fairytale meadow flora thrives, and in the garden next to the church, you can find medicinal plants from the medieval times. Close to the monestary church, archeologists have found the ruins from one of Sweden’s oldest churches – built already during the Viking era! The exciting findings that have been made have led to the history of Västergötland being partially rewritten.
Axevalla hed is a large moorland that was created during the ice age when the edge of the ice cap was located above the mountain Billingen for around 800 years. Large quantities of sand and gravel were transported there via the water flow of the glacial rivers. In the area you will find traces of early settlements, such as passage graves dating back more than 4,000 years. You can also see Sweden’s northernmost megalithic tomb, which is located here.
The most famous grave that you will find on Axevalla hed is Oden’s grave, excavated by Captain A. Lindgren in the beginning of the 19th century. This captain, who was given the mission by the armed forces, was a novice when the excavation started. Despite this, Captain Lindgren carried out a very precise work and wrote down the rocks’ and skeletons’ forms and positions. Since then, his work has been required reading for future archaeologists.
During the 18th century until the beginning of the year 1900, Axevalla hed was used as a training ground for the armed forces stationed in Skaraborg and Västergötland. Västgöta camp lay on the land where Axevalla Adult Education Centre now lies, while the Skaraborg Regiment used the area around the avenue up towards the Military Tank Museum.
On the moorland, which is kept open by grazing animals, you will find common heather, wild thyme and juniper. From the plains you have a lovely view towards Billingen and the Valle area. The moor is nowadays used for hiking and horse-riding.