Vitlycke

Vitlycke is a locality in Tanum Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden. It is situated on the Bohuslän coast near Tanumshede and is best known for the Vitlycke rock carvings, a Bronze Age petroglyph field that draws researchers and visitors from around the world.

The carvings at Vitlycke date from roughly 1800 to 500 BCE and constitute one of the most well-preserved and extensive rock art ensembles in Scandinavia. The panels feature ships, human figures, animals, weapons, and geometric symbols, often arranged in groups that suggest ceremonial or communal activities. The site has yielded important insights into Bronze Age social structure, trade, and beliefs in western Sweden.

Vitlycke is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock Art of Bohuslän, associated with the Tanum World Heritage area inscribed in 1994. The nearby Vitlycke Museum provides exhibitions on Bronze Age artifacts from the region and interpretation of the petroglyphs. Visitors can access marked paths that lead to the carvings and learn about the techniques and contexts of the ancient art. The site remains a major cultural landmark in Bohuslän and a popular destination for those interested in archaeology and outdoor heritage.