Birka and Hovgården

Birka and Hovgården spread across two islands in Lake Mälaren and contain burial grounds, building foundations, and harbor structures from the Viking era. The site reveals the layout of a medieval trading settlement with distinct areas for living, commerce, and ritual practices.

The settlement emerged around 800 AD as a key trading hub connecting Scandinavia with the Byzantine Empire and Arab territories. Its importance faded over time, but abandonment of the islands preserved the remains for future understanding.

The graves here reflect how Vikings organized their community and marked differences in status through burial practices. Walking through the site, you notice how artifacts were carefully placed with the dead, showing what mattered to these people.

Boat services from Stockholm provide the main access to the islands, with regular departures during the warmer months. Guided tours help visitors interpret the scattered remains and explore the uneven terrain safely.

Recent excavations uncovered a Viking shipyard where boats were built and maintained. These discoveries reveal the actual methods and tools Scandinavians used to construct their seafaring vessels.