Fornsalen i Ödeborg
Local heritage museum in a listed National Romantic building from 1913 with almost 6,000 objects from Dalsland. Visits by arrangement.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Fornsalen i Ödeborg (the Ancient Hall in Ödeborg) lies on a hill with a view over the Valbodalen valley and the village of Ödeborg in south-western Dalsland. The museum building was completed in 1913 and built in Gothic style in the National Romantic spirit of the time. It was financed by people with roots in the area and by Ödeborgs Bruk (ironworks), and the building was inaugurated the same year.
The building was declared a listed building in 2006 for its unique and well-preserved exterior and interior, and in 2012–2013 it underwent a comprehensive external restoration. Södra Valbo hembygdsförening (Södra Valbo local heritage association) owns and manages the Fornsalen.
The Fornsalen is considered one of Dalsland’s best-stocked museums and holds almost 6,000 objects from Dalsland from the pre-industrial era. Among the objects is a 17th-century altarpiece that stood in the old church of Färgelanda until the church was demolished in 1870, and which had been bought from the old church of Uddevalla in the 1780s. There is also an axe said to have been used at the last execution in Valbo härad (Valbo hundred) in 1830, a doll’s house that the children at Stigens herrgård (Stigen manor) played with around 1900, and a dog pelt from the extinct Dalbo hound, the most recent addition to the collections.
Highlights
- Listed building from 1913 in National Romantic Gothic style
- Almost 6,000 objects from Dalsland from the pre-industrial era
- 17th-century altarpiece from the old church of Färgelanda
- Doll’s house from Stigens herrgård
- Dog pelt of the extinct Dalbo hound
Permanent exhibition
- Dalsländska föremål från den förindustriella tiden – Almost 6,000 objects, including a 17th-century altarpiece, a doll’s house and an axe from 1830.
- Founded
- 1913
- Operated by
- Södra Valbo hembygdsförening
Admission & discounts
A fee is charged for visits; the amount is not stated on the association’s website.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Car parking is available at the Fornsalen. Bus parking is available at Folkets Hus, about 250 metres from the Fornsalen.
The Fornsalen lies on a hill with a view over Valbodalen and the village of Ödeborg, and is suitable for coach trips.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits take place by arrangement with the caretaker. Information is also available in English (“We speak English”). |
