Trapping pit exhibitions

The system of trapping pits in Glösa stretches for 5 kilometers and consists
of no less than 91 pits. The exhibition in Glösa focuses on the trapping pits
and how the elk was caught in the past. In addition, there is a path with four real pits that were actually used during the Viking era.

The main exhibition is an attempt to give a broader knowledge of the elk
but also set focus on the how the trapping systems were used. Here you
will also learn about other hunting methods and how elk hunting were
organized during the Iron Age and Middle Ages.

The trapping pits

In order for the trapping pits to be effective, many pits were dug in a row
with a distance of 40-50 meters apart. Sometimes the distances are shorter
or longer. The pits were camouflaged with branches and leaves. In addition,
some sort of barrier or fences were also constructed. These were designed
to “channel” the animals toward the pits.

These trapping pits were used 5000 years ago. At that time there were only
a few pits. From 3000 years ago until the 1800s many trapping pits were
dug. Approximately 15 000 pits are registered in Jämtland of about 35 000
pits registered throughout Sweden.



A typical trapping pit in cross section. Illustration: Göran Boström



A large elk trapping pit in Glösa. The mound of earth is clearly visible.
Photo: Curt Lofterud