Ale's Stones

Ystad, Sweden

Ale's Stones (Ales stenar) is a megalithic monument which consists of a stone ship 67 meters long formed by 59 large boulders of sandstone, weighing up to 1.8 tonnes each. According to Scanian folklore, a legendary king called King Ale lies buried there.

The carbon-14 dating system for organic remains has provided seven results at the site. One indicates that the material is around 5,500 years old whereas the remaining six indicate a date about 1,400 years ago. The latter is considered to be the most likely time for Ales Stenar to have been created. That would place its creation towards the end of the Nordic Iron Age.

In 1989, during the first archaeological excavations performed in order to scientifically investigate and date the monument, archaeologists found a decorated clay pot with burned human bones inside the ship setting. The bones are thought to come from a pyre and to have been placed in the pot at a later date. The pot's contents varied in age; some material was from 330-540 CE while a piece of charred food crust also found inside was determined to be from 540-650 CE. The archaeologists working on the project also found birch charcoal remains from 540-650 CE underneath an undisturbed boulder. According to the Swedish National Heritage Board, carbon-14 dating of the organic material from the site indicates that six of the samples are from around 600 CE, while one sample is from ca. 3500 BCE. The diverging sample came from soot-covered stones that are believed to be the remnants of an older hearth, found close to the ship setting. On the basis of these results, the Swedish National Heritage Board has set a suggested date of creation for Ales Stenar to 1,400 BP, which is the year 600 CE.

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Address

Killevägen 52, Ystad, Sweden
See all sites in Ystad

Details

Founded: 500-1000 AD
Category: Cemeteries, mausoleums and burial places in Sweden
Historical period: Migration Period (Sweden)

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

José Mendez (2 months ago)
In January month, I decided to spend the weekend leading up to my birthday at Ales Stenar, a couple of cold winter days with snow and freezing winds that turned out to be an exceptional experience for me and my son of six years old. The day we went uphill to see these ancient monoliths, we were blessed with a fantastic sunny weather, so we also explored the surrounding area that offered an array of stunning vistas and easy walking paths. I definitely recommend a visit to this site because it makes you wonder and admire the mysteries and incredible achievements of ancient civilisations on this part of the Planet.
K Vian (4 months ago)
It's beautiful! The view is just breathtaking! It's always windy over here, at least during the winter, so come well dressed.
Raif & Vy (5 months ago)
Amazing view overlooking the beach, nice place to look at historical stone while taking a walk.
Robby N (8 months ago)
A well maintained ancient 'monument' Quite popular so some might like to get there early It's all open and free, children enjoy climbing on the stones. All to the backdrop of lovely sea views to one side and rolling hills on the other sides. Well worth a visit. Inexpensive friendly 2hr bus service. Local village has all the services of a clean well run harbour holiday hotspot. And the unisex toilets ther are an exemplar.
Benjamin L (10 months ago)
Beautiful area facing the north sea with a clear view to the island of Bornholm. Much worth the walk. In the harbor a whole array of kiosks, restaurants and shops as well as again a great view. Parking is good and inexpensive.
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