Ales Stenar | Sunset at the Stone ship

The Swedish Stonehenge will impress not only with the massive stones but with the views surrounding them. Perfect for a sunrise or a sunset, the area has a specious view over the ocean and cliffs around.

The mystery of the place will surround you the moment you step onto the hills. Situated above the old fishing village of Kåseberga and east of Ystad, you will find one of the most mysterious spots in Sweden.

Theories and formation

The massive 59 boulders rise from the ground, arranged in a 67-meter-long outline in the shape of a ship. Each of the megaliths is just under 2 tones. Nobody knows exactly how or why those megalithic monuments had erected.

There are many theories around why, how, and what are the stones for.

Some people believe it is a burial monument, made by ancient civilizations. Of course, this can be true but somehow I believe more in the next theory.

The position of Ale Stenar is as interesting as their size. The 59 stones are placed in an impressive formation of a ship and they are 67 meters long and 19 meters wide at the widest point.

Their unique position creates the theory of an ancient astronomical clock. This theory is supported by the position of two of the stones. The sun goes down at the north-western corner in summer and rises exactly at the opposite corner in the winter.

The stones

Ale’s stones are dating back to 500-1000 AD, maybe 900 AD.

In 1956 after the restoration it is believed that valuable information was lost. The restoration helped to stabilize the monument.

From archeological research in the 80s’, we now know that the blocks on the sides consist of granite while the middle ones are sandstones. Ales Stenar keeps so many secrets that we probably will never know the truth about.

Cows and sunsets

The area around the monuments is a perfect place for a picnic. The grass is low and the sunsets are wonderful. After we parked the car we went straight up and when we arrived on top we were completely breathless. The mystery of the stones and the beauty of the sunset combines with the sparkling blue ocean indescribably.

The field right next to Ale’s Stones is home to a herd of cows. They are used to people walking in their “garden” but do not come too close to them as the male ones tend to be very protective.

We learned it the hard way after Vince tried to take some cool snaps from close by. It all ended well but he had a small rodeo with a young bull.

Please keep your dog on a leash and do not stress the animals.

The cows play a vital role for the land as they groom and enrich it daily. Be careful where you step, if not you might need a while to clean your shoes.

Closer to the ocean you will find a fence and stairs, on the other side of the fence the cows are not allowed so the grass is clean and perfect for an evening date.

The position of the rocks, right on top of the hill makes it a perfect spot for sunrises and sunsets. We spend two hours admiring the views of the cliffs, ocean, and the vivid colors of the sunset.