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Founded: 1565Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Sweden
Historical period: Early Vasa Era (Sweden)
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The Battle of Axtorna was fought October 20, 1565 at Axtorna, a little village today in Falkenberg. The Danish commander Daniel Rantzau had been forced to yield the fortress Varberghus to the Swedes on September 15, 1565, after they had taken Ny Varberg, then Halland's largest city. Rantzau received the news that a Swedish army of superior strength led by Jacob Henriksson Hästesko was approaching from the east forced him to move his forces toward Falkenberg. Rantzau had decided to commit to combat since the Swedish force had just arrived from its march and hadn't rearranged into a militarily cohesive unit.
The Danes won as a consequence of Rantzau's superior tactics and he became renowned as a great general after the battle. But despite the victory and the capture of the Swedish artillery, the Danish host had incurred great losses while large portions of the Swedish army had not been involved in the battle.
All-year-round, visitors are guided through the battle site with information boards and flags marking the armies starting points.
References:The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.