Karlevi Runestone, Norse runestone monument in Karlevi, Sweden

The Karlevi Runestone is a 1.3-metre block of grey quartz porphyry, probably brought from the area west of Oskarshamn, standing on its original site in the fields of Karlevi near the Kalmarsund strait. Its runic bands, classed as style RAK, are cut in plough-writing: the reading direction changes with each line, turning the runes upside down so the text reads as if written on a winding serpent. The reverse side carries a short medieval inscription, possibly 'In the name of Jesus', beside a small Christian cross and a Thor's hammer.

The stone was raised around the year 1000, probably in the late 10th century, in memory of the Danish chieftain Sibbe the Good or the Wise, son of Foldar. A 17th-century drawing shows it once stood between two burial mounds, one of which held the chieftain. Some scholars link its raising to Danes returning from the Battle of Fýrisvellir near Uppsala around 985.

The carved inscription references Norse deities and speaks to leadership in a time when religious beliefs mingled on Öland island. The way the text was carved shows how people expressed their devotion and connections to those who led them.

The stone stands year-round at its original location and is freely accessible to visitors since it is protected and marked. You can visit it at any time of day or season without needing to plan in advance or arrange anything beforehand.

The back of the stone displays both a Christian cross and Thor's hammer Mjolnir, reflecting the blending of two faiths. This mix of old and new religious symbols became visible across Scandinavia at the same time period.