There is wilderness; and there are areas where wild things have happened. Stage 15 of the North Sea Trail passes though an area with a bloody history of war and violence.

Lake Övre Trästickeln and its surroundings was (despite the Roskilde Treaty in 1658) a conflict borderland between Sweden and Norway up until the 18th century. The last encounter was during the »Lingonberry War« in 1788–89.

Today, it is only the countryside that is dramatic. It is quite demanding and hilly in places, but with outstanding beauty.

This was the border between Sweden and Norway until 1658. Now it is the border between the counties of Bohuslän and Dalsland. It is also the border between Uddevalla and Munkedal municipalities.

Lake Övre Trästickeln.

On the shores of lake Viksjön you will find an almost pastoral idyll, which is a designated nature reserve. There is a grave-field from the Iron Age (500 BC–1300 AD) and a private burial ground from the 19th century. A detour of approximately 500 metres to the south of the North Sea Trail/Bohusleden reveals the ruins of Vågsäter manor house. Only the foundations and an avenue remain.

Here the trail crosses the old country border between Sweden and Norway, as it was before 1658. This is also the parish border between Foss in Bohuslän and Valboryr in Dalsland. Both are located in Munkedal municipality.

Feldspar was once used for making porcelain. Here is an old feldspar mine where you can still see the shimmering mineral, also known as fake gold.

The overnight cottage Modalen consists of two sections: the small section is always open; the large section can be rented.
See www.frilufts.se/munkedal

Here the trail divides and you can walk on either side of the river Munkedalsälven.

Fingal’s Cave consists of two linked giant’s cauldrons.

One of the cauldrons is a hole in the rock, created as running water caused stones to roll around in a depression over a long period. Many giant’s cauldrons were created during the ice ages as large stones »bored« their way into the rock when the glaciers moved.

The author Pontus Wikner grew up at Kaserna, now a community centre.

For canoe hire, contact the Association for the Promotion of Outdoor Life, tel. 0524-122 22 or visit their website www.frilufts.se/munkedal