The Stone Circles of Smålandsstenar

A Place Filled with History and Mystery

Just northeast of Smålandsstenar, beautifully situated beside the River Nissan and the ancient travel route Nissastigen, lies one of the area’s most fascinating ancient monuments – the stone circles at Skäppekullen. Here, on the sandy ground by the river’s double bend, you can wander among impressive stone formations that have stood in the landscape for more than a thousand years.

Magnificent Stone Circles from the Iron Age

The burial ground consists of several impressive stone circles with between six and twenty stones in each ring. The largest circle measures an impressive 20 metres in diameter. Some of the stones are still standing, while others have fallen over with time. One of the circles even features a large boulder in its centre, making the site especially unique.

The area is believed to once have been much larger. Many stones may have disappeared over the centuries and been reused in other constructions.

Despite the name, the stone circles were probably not mainly used as places of judgement or courts. Today, archaeologists believe they were most likely burial sites and ceremonial places from the Iron Age, where people gathered for rituals and memorial ceremonies.

A Perfect Excursion for the Whole Family

Today, the stone circles are a peaceful and fascinating destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Next to the burial ground you will also find Villstad Local Heritage Museum, making the area a perfect excursion for anyone wanting to experience the history of Småland up close.