Snottsta and Vreta stones

Snottsta and Vreta stones are four runestone monuments from the 11th century standing at Snottsta and Vreta homesteads in Uppland. They are marked with runic inscriptions documenting property rights and inheritance matters of a notable family.

These stones were raised between 1050 and 1080, belonging to a rare group of monuments from that era focused on documenting property matters. They were created during a period when such monuments served to record family wealth and inheritance.

The inscriptions tell stories of Gerlög and Inga, showing how women owned and controlled property during the Viking Age. These details carved in stone reveal the role women held in their family and community.

These stones are best visited in spring and summer when the paths are accessible and weather is stable. Reaching the homesteads from Stockholm requires combining train and bus transportation to this remote location.

A striking detail is that Ragnfast is named as the sole heir of Sigfast, revealing how inheritance rules worked in that family. The stones also mention a staff raised in memory of deceased children, pointing to personal loss and family bonds.