Lödöse brings together archaeological finds from the Middle Ages and a significant history of pilgrimage. The Lödöse Museum, the Örtagården herb garden and the Pilgrimsleden Göta älv offer different ways to explore the area during a stay: you can learn about the history of the town, find out about plants used by people or consider Lödöse as the end of a stage on a pilgrimage hike.
Medieval Lödöse at the museum
The Lödöse Museum is an archaeological museum focusing on finds from medieval Lödöse. The history of the town is at its heart. In the Middle Ages, Lödöse was the first Swedish town on the Göta älv and an important hub for pilgrimages. Eleven pilgrim badges from major pilgrimage sites have been found in Lödöse. These finds give the subject of pilgrimage a tangible connection to the town. Together with the town’s historical role, they offer a way to explore archaeological objects and the history of medieval travel side by side.
The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv and its stages
The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv runs from Masthuggskyrkan in Gothenburg via Nylöse kyrka and Lärjeån, through Vättlefjäll and the forests and rural landscapes of Ale Municipality, to Lödöse. This makes it possible to see the town as part of a described route, rather than just a destination for history enthusiasts. The route connects the medieval pilgrimage sites of Santiago de Compostela in Spain and Nidaros in Trondheim, Norway. It is recognised as S:t Olofsleden, marked with S:t Olof signs and part of the European Cultural Routes.
Lödöse’s role is particularly clear when planning the stages: the town lies at the end of the sixth stage. From there, the pilgrimage hike can continue in almost any direction. You can therefore think of Lödöse as the destination for this stage or as a starting point for deciding where to walk next. The route here takes in named churches and places as well as varied landscapes; continuing from Lödöse poses a different planning question from arriving at the end of a stage.
Örtagården: a living exhibition space
The Örtagården at the Lödöse Museum is a living exhibition space inspired by medieval herb gardens. Visitors can learn about plants used by people. This knowledge about plants adds another theme to the archaeological perspective: alongside finds and pilgrimage history, the focus turns to how plants were used. If you are interested in these connections, the Örtagården offers a distinct area of focus within the museum.
Lödösehus and Skansen Hill
Lödösehus was a medieval castle where royal weddings were held. Built of stone and brick, it covered the whole of Skansen Hill. No visible remains of Lödösehus survive today; the castle’s known location is associated with Skansen Hill. Two distinct aspects therefore come together when picturing the castle: its former size and construction, and the fact that today it is identified by a site where no visible remains survive. This allows Lödösehus to be understood as part of the town’s history without mistaking it for a surviving castle building.
Practical information for your stay
The Lödöse Museum is wheelchair accessible and has parking. When looking for a holiday apartment, the reason for your trip can guide your plans: would you like to focus your stay on the museum and the town’s history, plan a stage of the Pilgrimsleden or explore both? This can help you think of Lödöse as a cultural destination, the end of a stage or a place that brings these interests together for your stay.
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