Swedish history is in abundance in the town of Sigtuna.  Viking history mixes with medieval Swedish history that lives on today.

Some historians and archeologists believe the Viking town of Birka was abandoned for Sigtuna.  Whether this is true or not, the history of the town can still be seen today.

Sigtuna is dotted with churches which were left to ruin during the time of Gustav Vasa who, during the Swedish reformation, decided there were too many in Sigtuna and that only one church be used.

Along with church ruins, a Viking burial ground can be explored.  Small burial mounds gently rise above the ground on a hill in the middle of the city.

The Viking history doesn’t end with the burial mounds as a number of Rune stones can be found throughout the city, and outside of town such as the one below from Orkesta, Sweden.  You will not find any in the Viking cemetery simply because Rune stones were not used as head stones.  However, Rune stones are built into ruins of the churches demonstrating an interesting dichotomy of Christianity and paganism.

After wandering through the city, stop off for some hot chocolate at Tant Bruns kaffestuga, Aunt Brown’s Cafe, a tiny little cafe in a 17^th century building.  The building is lovely, and the hot chocolate delicious.

You can get to Sigtuna from Stockholm using SL, Stockholm’s public transportation, it should only take you between half an hour to an hour to get there allowing you plenty of time to explore the town.

More Tips for Things to Do in Sweden

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