Stockholm is a city that perfectly combines the contemporary Scandinavian beauty with the history. However, to the people who have a particular interest in the mythical Viking Age, the capital of Sweden is a trip to the past that is hard to forget. Stockholm is one of the most ideal places to visit in the world to learn about Viking heritage, with museums full of artifacts, cobbled medieval alleyways and even a UNESCO World Heritage island.
When you are willing to be your inner Norse explorer, we have the ultimate guide to Viking-inspired Stockholm.
1. The Viking Museum – Step into the Viking Age
- Address: Djurgårdsstrand 15, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
- Phone: +46 8 400 229 90
- Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 am–5:00 pm | Sat–Sun 10:00 am–5:00 pm
- Website: thevikingmuseum.com
- Directions: Google Maps
The Viking Museum on the Djurgården Island is the ideal starting point of your adventure. This museum is interactive, has full-size ships, and immersive stories that bring the Viking Age to life to all ages. Tourists have the opportunity to visit recreated Viking towns, test weaponry and even ride on a Viking-themed indoor ride, the Saga of Ragnfrid, which tracks the story of a Viking family.
It is a must-see destination to anyone who desires to have an interactive, practical introduction to the Viking culture.
2. Birka Island – Sweden’s First Viking City
- Address: Björkö 5, 178 92 Adelsö, Sweden
- Phone: +46 8 120 040 00
- Website: birkavikingastaden.se
- Directions: Google Maps
Birka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the first Viking city in Sweden on Björkö Island in Lake Mälaren. Birka, a mere boat ride away in Stockholm, was once a bustling trading centre where merchants all over Europe and other parts of the world would meet to trade their goods.
Today, there are reconstructed Viking houses, burial sites and an archaeological museum that visitors can explore. Guided tours are a great way to get a good insight into the life of Vikings in the day to day activities, including farming and craftsmanship, seafaring and trade. Visiting Birka is a journey into the holy historical territory and is a real treat to Viking lovers.
3. Gamla Stan – Walk in the Footsteps of Vikings
- Directions: Google Maps
One of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe is Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm. Although a good part of its architecture is as old as the 17th and 18th centuries, its origins go much deeper into the Viking times. The cobblestone streets, the rainbow-colored facades and the secret courtyards are reminiscent of centuries of history and strolling these streets can provide you with an idea of how Stockholm expanded out of its Viking roots.
There are such attractions like Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and pubs that make you feel like you have travelled in time. Do not leave out the neighboring island of Riddarholmen, on which stands the ancient Riddarholmen Church. Gamla Stan is the ideal location to combine Viking reverberations with breathing, living Swedish culture.
4. Swedish History Museum – A Treasure Trove of Viking Artifacts
- Address: Narvavägen 13–17, 114 84 Stockholm, Sweden
- Phone: +46 8 519 556 00
- Hours: Tue, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm | Wed 11:00 am–8:00 pm | Mon Closed
- Website: historiska.se
- Directions: Google Maps
The Swedish History Museum is a must-visit destination to those who are interested in immersing themselves in the history of Vikings. It contains one of the largest collections of Viking artifacts in the world, such as weapons, tools, jewelry, and rune stones.
The exhibitions do not only display the art of the Viking Age but also illuminate the religion, mythology and the position of women in the Viking society. As a casual tourist or a history lover, the enormous array of items in the museum will make you feel a new respect towards the intricacy of the Viking culture.
Tips for Exploring Stockholm’s Viking Heritage
- Reserve in advance: Birka Island tours are seasonal, and therefore, reserve in advance before visiting.
- Wear comfortable shoes: There is a lot of walking to be done, particularly in Gamla Stan and Birka.
- Purchase a Stockholm Pass: It will allow you to access the most important museums and save money in case you are going to several attractions.
- Be curious: Every site has guided tours or audio-guides to enhance your experience.
Stockholm is not only breathtaking archipelagos and modern design, but also a living entry to the world of Vikings. Be it strolling through the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, staring at the rune stones or cruising to the historic island of Birka, you will find the remnants of the Norse past echoing around every turn.
Take this Viking trip in Stockholm and you will leave the city with a better understanding of not only the history of Sweden but also the legendary seafarers that contributed to its development.
