Stora Salen, Naturreservat

Up on Kinnekulle, one kilometer southwest of the viewing tower, is a place called Stora Salen. Today, Stora Salen is a well-visited place both in summer and winter, the scenic surroundings and wonderful views towards Kålland over Lake Vänern are what attract people to visit this place.

Stora Salen all year round

Stora Salen is a popular destination all year round and is also a beautiful nature reserve with great variety. Here you can take a break in nature, enjoy food and coffee, or let the children play freely in the open environment. Along the area there are several barbecue areas with tables and benches that make it easy to stay for a longer time.

The open hay meadow is one of the highlights of the site. During late summer, the meadow is mowed and raked, which contributes to a rich flora. Here, you can find species such as night violet, brideweed and field gentian. From the meadow you also get a wide view of Lake Vänern and its archipelago.

The nature reserve contains more than just open spaces. In the western parts, a lush deciduous forest spreads out with ash, elm and old oaks and oxen. In the east, the landscape changes to a steep and rocky slope with large boulders that were once brought here by the ice sheet. An older coniferous forest also grows here and is allowed to develop freely.

During the winter, the place is transformed into a real winter paradise. The slopes attract both those looking for speed and those who want to take it easy in the sled. When the snow is thick enough, Kinnekulle's ski tracks also pass through here, making the area a natural meeting point for winter activities.

In early summer, the place comes alive during the popular Night Walk around Kinnekulle. Many people stop at Stora Salen to rest, have a coffee and socialize before continuing the walk towards Stenbrottet.

History

Stora Salen also bears traces of an older history. The site may have been important as a place of worship for ancient peoples such as Vanir or Goths. There are signs of a possible ceremonial road, marked by stones lying in a row. One of the stones, a rocky outcrop, is thought to have served as a sacrificial altar in a long-lost temple.

In the area south of the site, there is a grove of mature trees that may have been a sacrificial grove where ceremonies took place. According to legend, animal sacrifices may have taken place here as part of the religious rituals of the time.

There are also theories that the site had a connection with midwinter blots. The movement of the sun between Billingen and Hunneberg and Halleberg may have served as a natural calendar to determine the timing of ceremonies.