Uppland Runic Inscription 448, Norse runestone in Odensala socken, Sweden
The Uppland Runic Inscription 448 is a granite runestone standing about 1.9 meters tall with runic text contained within a serpent band that encircles figures of a man on horseback. The entire surface displays carved designs of human and animal forms that have remained visible across the centuries.
The stone was created in the mid-eleventh century by runemaster Fot to commemorate Þorsteinn, commissioned by his sons Ígull and Bjǫrn. This period marked Sweden's transition to Christianity, a shift reflected in the mixed symbols carved into the stone.
The stone blends Norse and early Christian symbols in its design, including a bird figure in the upper center section that shows how local beliefs mixed during the time it was made.
The stone is located about 4 kilometers north of Märsta in Södermanland County and remains in its original position. You can view it free of charge at any time without needing special permission or paying any fees.
The inscription features distinct punctuation marks between words, a characteristic detail of runemaster Fot's carving style. This careful design shows the craftsmanship skill that appears even in the small details of his work.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
