Östergötland County

King's Grave is a Bronze Age burial mound near Kivik in southern Sweden. A circular structure about 76 meters across contains two burial chambers beneath stone slabs covered with ancient carvings of animals and symbols.

Two farmers discovered the site in 1748 while quarrying stones and faced arrest for disturbing the ancient structure. Over time, people understood its importance and the carved stones were protected from further damage.

The carved images inside show horses, birds, ships, and ritual scenes that reveal how Bronze Age people in Scandinavia understood their world and what mattered to them. These pictures on stone were their way of leaving messages about daily life and beliefs.

A concrete tunnel allows you to walk inside and see the carved stones up close. A museum at the site displays objects found during excavations, helping you understand what daily life was like for these ancient people.

Archaeologists found remains of an even older Stone Age settlement beneath the mound, with many flintstone pieces scattered around. These layers show that people lived at this spot across many thousands of years.

Location: Simrishamns kommun

Reference: E

Fee: Yes

Website: http://kiviksgraven.se

GPS coordinates: 58.35917,15.99351

Latest update: December 13, 2025 02:25