Dödskallehöjden

Burial Mound from the Early Bronze Age

  • Attraction
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  • Jönköping

Skull Hill - Large Bronze Age Grave

In a forest grove about 100 meters north of Råslätt sports field lies one of several large burial mounds from the Early Bronze Age (1800–1000 BCE) that once existed around Jönköping. Three of these remain today: Skull Hill in Råslätt, Domarkullen in Gräshagen, and Lustigkulle in Liljeholmen.

The burial mound at Skull Hill is about 16 meters in diameter and just over 1.5 meters high. It was built around 3,000 years ago, but it is unknown whether it was for a man or a woman.

At the time, the grave likely stood in an open landscape surrounded by marshland. In this wetland environment, sand ridges and islands rose above the water, and it was on these elevations that burial mounds were constructed. Thanks to the flat landscape, they were visible from afar.

The name " Dödskallehöjden" sparks curiosity, but its origin is unclear.

Looting and Restoration

The grave was first mentioned in the 1920s by local historian Algot Friberg in his study of the Bronze Age in Jönköping. As a result of his work, a preservation plan for the burial mounds was initiated. Like many other graves, Skull Hill has a looting pit dug into it. The mound was restored in 1929 by Friberg and his team, and it may have been then that the looting pit was filled in and the mound covered with turf.

Rich Bronze Age Region

The burial mounds testify to a wealthy Bronze Age region with connections to, among other places, Visingsö. Between 1932 and 1940, five burial mounds east of Lake Munksjön were excavated, as they were located where Jönköping Airport was to be built. Today, that area is the Ljungarum industrial zone.

The most famous burial mound is the Sagaholm Mound, just 1,000 meters east of Skull Hill. It became an archaeological sensation in 1971 due to the carved sandstone slabs found inside. These slabs are now part of the Jönköping County Museum’s collection.

Culture heritage sites

When visiting a cultural heritage site – such as a site with historic remains like burial mounds, runestones, ruins, or rock carvings – deserves both respect and care. There are several important things to keep in mind to honor both the cultural heritage and the surrounding nature.

Here, we’ve gathered some basic guidelines to help you make your visit thoughtful and responsible.

Things to keep in mind when visiting cultural heritage sites

Good to know

  • Accessibility: Not adapted for accessibility
  • Café/Restaurant: No
  • Parking: At ST1 gas station, Värnamovägen 50, about 100 meters south-southeast of Skull Hill
  • Toilet: No

How to get here

Drive south on the E4, exit at Råslätt, drive 600 meters on Värnamovägen, and park at the ST1 gas station (Röde påle). The burial mound is about 100 meters north-northwest of the station.

Take bus line 1 to the “Ljungarumsskolan” stop – about a 750-meter walk to Skull Hill.

Or take bus line 27 or 141 to the “Kraftgatan” stop – about a 900-meter walk.

For schedules and tickets, visit https://www.jlt.se External link, opens in new window.

From Jönköping, walk or cycle south on Barnarpsgatan, continue onto Norrahammarsvägen, and then onto Värnamovägen. After the underpass where Norrahammarleden crosses Värnamovägen, take the pedestrian and bicycle path to the right. Skull Hill is in the grove to the left.

Experience the city's pulse

Jönköping is one of Sweden’s oldest cities, beautifully located by the shores of three lakes. Discover magnificent nature, a long sandy beach right in the city, the fascinating history of the match industry, and the magical art of John Bauer! Stroll through charming alleys, visit museums and libraries, explore shops, dine at cosy restaurants, and stay at welcoming hotels. With a university that attracts students from all over the world, the city has a vibrant and international feel. Nature is always close—whether you’re into cycling, forest trails, or peaceful nature reserves.

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