Sigtuna box, Runic copper box in Sigtuna, Sweden
The Sigtuna box is a small copper container with runic inscriptions from the Viking Age discovered in central Sweden. It held metal pieces that merchants used as weights during their trading transactions.
The box dates to the Viking Age and was discovered in 1911 near Lake Mälaren by a local worker. The find revealed practical tools and weights that provide insight into medieval trading methods.
The runic inscription combines prose mentioning a merchant named Diarfr with verse depicting a bird preying on a thief. This blend of everyday commerce and poetic expression shows how merchants honored their trade and its tools.
The artifact is displayed in a museum where you can examine it during regular hours. Take time to study the fine runic carvings closely, as the details are small but worth careful observation.
The inscription uses dróttkvætt, a Norse poetic form traditionally reserved for compositions honoring lords and kings. Finding this elevated literary style on a common merchant's tool reveals the owner's respect for his craft.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Sigtunastiftelsen
721 m
Sankt Olofs kyrkoruin
231 m
Sankt Perskyrkan, Sigtuna
519 m
Sigtuna rådhus
116 m
Sankt Lars kyrkoruin
181 m
Tant Bruns Kaffestuga
101 m
Sigtuna museum
294 m
Churchyard Runestones
180 m
Olov Hartmans studiokyrka
320 m
Lundströmska gården
161 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 385
236 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 388
237 m
Upplands runinskrifter 389
286 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 394
528 m
Runestone
240 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 399
524 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 382
287 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 393
403 m
Upplands runinskrifter 392
389 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 390
159 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 381
199 m
Uppland Runic Inscription 380
213 m
Sigtuna 7:1
268 m
S:t Olofs kyrkoruin
234 m
Sigtuna light
639 m
Maria kyrka
179 m
Sigtuna 36:1
252 m
Maria kyrka
198 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes