Ekehagens forntidsby

About the museum

Ekehagens forntidsby (Ekehagen Prehistoric Village) is an archaeological open-air museum just north of Åsarp, between Falköping and Ulricehamn, and counts as one of the largest prehistoric villages in Northern Europe. The village is run by Falköping Municipality and lies in the Falbygden area, which is rich in remains of prehistoric people, including about 250 passage graves (gånggrifter) from the Neolithic.

Ekehagen is the only prehistoric village in Sweden where all the main periods of prehistory are represented. Along a natural gravel path of about 800 metres, the visitor passes simple Mesolithic hunters' huts (jägarstenålder), large longhouses from the Neolithic (bondestenålder) and the Bronze Age, and an Iron Age house that was lived in during winter. The houses and settings are reconstructions that show how people may have lived, worked and cooked over the millennia.

In the area there is also a herb garden with plants that are cultivated and grow wild, fields where people sow and dig as in the Stone Age, and enclosures with wild boar and Linderöd pigs (Linderödssvin), while cows and sheep roam freely in parts of the area. During the season visitors can try, among other things, archery, baking bread over the fire and dugout canoe paddling (stockbåtspaddling), and an archaeology school lets children and adults try an archaeologist's work. Guided tours, theme days, school programmes and bookable activities for groups complement the independent walk. The village also has a museum shop, a café and a restaurant.

Highlights

• Settlements from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age
• Longhouses and an Iron Age farm as reconstructions
• Archaeology school, archery and dugout canoe paddling
• Animals in enclosures: wild boar and Linderöd pigs, cows and sheep roaming freely
• Guided tours and theme days during the summer

Permanent exhibition

• Forntidsbyn: boplatser och tidsepoker – Reconstructed settlements from the Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age along a walking loop.

Founded

1983

Operated by

Falköpings kommun

Admission & discounts

Prices vary between seasons: adult SEK 85–175, child SEK 45–90. During the summer season 2026 an adult ticket cost SEK 135, a child ticket SEK 65 and a family ticket SEK 370; on theme days SEK 175, SEK 90 and SEK 485 respectively. Outside the season, admission is SEK 50 per person. Payment by card, Swish or cash.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The circular route of about 800 metres is a natural gravel path, 1–1.5 metres wide, and access with a wheelchair or pushchair is generally good, but the path sometimes rises. Individual houses can be difficult to enter because of thresholds and narrow doors. There are ramps to the reception building and out to the village, and there is a rest room. The car park is about 25 metres from the reception building, and you can drive up to the entrance to drop off passengers. Accessible toilets with a changing table are at the reception building and the serving area. The conference room Olsbrosalen has an induction loop. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome indoors.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Visitors explore the village on their own with a map and unstaffed activities, for example prehistoric hunting, an archaeology school, a Stone Age field, games and dugout canoe paddling. In summer you can try archery and bake bread over the fire. The activity prehistoric family life suits children aged 6 to 13.

Getting there & parking

Ekehagen lies just north of Åsarp by road 46, almost midway between Falköping and Ulricehamn, and is signposted with a brown sign.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Ekehagen's café and restaurant serve lunch (12:00–15:00), sandwiches, fika, ice cream and drinks, with gluten-free and lactose-free food on request. Your own packed lunch may be eaten in the village and at the fika spots by the car park, and food brought from home may be grilled on designated fireplaces if there is no fire ban. The museum shop sells, among other things, jewellery, souvenirs and books. Pitches for motorhomes, caravans and tents are at Lake Alvared (closed outside the season).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Larger groups can book tailor-made activities such as prehistoric pentathlon, prehistoric family life and guided tours, preferably two weeks in advance. The conference room Olsbrosalen is available, and the café accepts booked groups for meals and fika.

Plan your visit