Birka and Hovgården

The complex spans across two islands in Lake Mälaren, containing numerous burial grounds, building foundations, and harbor structures from the Viking period.

Established around 800 AD, Birka functioned as a central trading port connecting Scandinavia with distant regions, including the Byzantine Empire and Arabic territories.

Excavations at the site have revealed over 3,000 graves containing artifacts that demonstrate the burial practices and social hierarchies of Viking society.

Visitors can reach the archaeological sites through regular boat services departing from Stockholm, with guided tours available from May through September.

Recent archaeological findings uncovered a Viking Age shipyard in Lake Mälaren, providing direct evidence of Nordic shipbuilding techniques.

Location: Ekerö Municipality

Inception: 8 century

Website: http://birkavikingastaden.se/en

GPS coordinates: 59.33500,17.54250

Latest update: March 3, 2025 18:21