Lödöse: Medieval History and Pilgrim Routes

Visitors to Lödöse encounter medieval history through archaeology, pilgrimages, and the story of a castle. In the Middle Ages, Lödöse was the first Swedish town on the Göta älv and an important hub for pilgrimages. The archaeological Lödöse Museum focuses on finds from medieval Lödöse; the Pilgrimsleden Göta älv leads here. These themes offer different ways to explore the place: you can learn about the museum’s finds and plant theme, or consider Lödöse in the context of a longer pilgrimage route.

Archaeology and plants at the Lödöse Museum

The Lödöse Museum is an archaeological museum focusing on finds from medieval Lödöse. This directs attention to the history of the place, rather than presenting the Middle Ages in general. Within the museum, Örtagården offers a different perspective: this living exhibition space is inspired by medieval herb gardens. Visitors can learn about plants used by people. Archaeological finds and the human use of plants are thus presented as distinct themes. If you are interested in both, a visit to the museum brings together these different perspectives on medieval life without suggesting that they tell the same story.

Lödöse and the pilgrimage tradition

Eleven pilgrim badges from important pilgrimage sites have been found in Lödöse. These finds provide a concrete example of the place’s historic role as a pilgrimage hub. The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv runs from Masthuggskyrkan in Gothenburg via Nylöse kyrka and Lärjeån, through Vättlefjäll, and across the forests and rural landscapes of Ale Municipality to Lödöse. The route thus takes in named churches and waterways as well as a range of landscapes. Lödöse is at the end of the sixth stage; from there, the pilgrimage can continue in almost any direction.

The Pilgrimsleden Göta älv 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 symbols, and is part of the European Cultural Routes. The route can therefore be understood both through its specific stops and landscapes and as part of a wider pilgrimage tradition. When choosing what to focus on during your visit, the distinction is clear: the museum focuses on finds from Lödöse and Örtagården on the use of plants, while the Pilgrimsleden places the town in the context of a longer pilgrimage.

Lödösehus and Skansen Hill

Another historical trace is Lödösehus, a medieval castle where royal weddings were held. It was built of stone and brick and covered the entire Skansen Hill. No visible remains of Lödösehus survive today; the known site of the castle is associated with Skansen Hill. If you are learning about the castle, it is therefore important to distinguish its historical role from its present condition: the weddings and the castle’s extent across the hill belong to the history of Lödösehus, while no visible castle remains survive at the site.

Visitor information

The Lödöse Museum is accessible and has parking. If step-free access or parking is important for your visit, check the latest visitor information before you travel. This lets you factor in the practical details as you decide whether to focus on the archaeological finds, Örtagården’s plant theme, the pilgrimage route, or the history of Lödösehus.

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