The Grand Quarry (Stora Stenbrottet) on Kinnekulle is one of the most popular attractions. In addition to its breathtaking views and unique natural surroundings, the quarry also features a small fishing lake at its center.
400 million years of history
The grand quarry, Stora Stenbrottet in swedish on Kinnekulle is a 40-metre-deep former limestone quarry. The lower layers of limestone date back 400 million years, and the hues of the stone layers and the beautiful setting have made the quarry one of the most popular places to visit on Kinnekulle.
Awards
In August 2024, the Great Quarry on Kinnekulle was designated as one of the world’s most important geological sites. It is one of 100 geological heritage sites globally recognized for their significance to the development of geological science and our understanding of Earth’s history. The designation was made by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). The site is also an important part of the Platåbergens Geopark and Vänerskärgården with Kinnekulle Biosphere Reserve, both of which are recognized by UNESCO.
The Limestone Layer
The limestone strata in the quarry consist of Middle Ordovician limestone, formed approximately 400 million years ago. These rocks contain fossils of cephalopods and crustaceans, offering a glimpse into ancient marine life. The limestone was deposited over about 50 million years, with each millimetre of rock representing 1000 years of sedimentation. The distinct layers display different colours, including grey, green-grey, and reddish-brown, each varying in quality and suitability for different purposes.
Cement Production
Between 1882 and the closure in 1978, 25 million tons of limestone were extracted from the mountain, creating the quarry we see today. According to rough estimates, this would correspond to about 1% of the total amount of limestone found on Kinnekulle. When cement production ceased and the extraction area was restored, there was a risk that groundwater flows supplying the lower-lying Munkängarna would be cut off. To address this, a dam was constructed at the bottom of the quarry to supply the meadows with water.
Fishing
The dam is stocked with rainbow trout. A Fishing permits can be purchased from:
- Hällekis båtklubb (in Swedish!)
- Coop i Hällekis, in the in the store.
- Handlarn i Källby, in the store.
Food and accommodation
If you are planning to stay overnight, read more about accommodations on Kinnekulle. There are also several cafés and restaurants in the area worth visiting.
How to get here
The quarry offers scenic views from many different angles and locations. To reach the main parking area located at the bottom of the quarry, drive towards Hällekis Säter and turn onto the old truck road that connects Hällekis with the quarry.
Public transportation
You can take Västtågen train, known as the Kinnekulle train, and get off at Råbäck station. From there, it is about a two kilometer walk to the quarry. Use the travel planner on the Västtrafik website or the Västtrafik To Go app to plan your trip.
For more information, visit www.vasttrafik.se
