This historic Swedish town by Lake Mälaren has Viking-era rune stones, a 13th-century church, and palace ruins from 1298. Just north of Stockholm, it's Sweden's oldest settlement.
Sigtuna, founded in 980 AD, sits along Lake Mälaren 40 kilometers north of Stockholm. As you walk down its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll pass the yellow 18th-century town hall and medieval church ruins. Stop at the Sigtuna Museum to see Viking-age coins and tools, or take a short drive to explore the baroque Skokloster Castle rising above the lake.
Walking Stora Gatan
The main street of Sigtuna, Stora Gatan, runs through the heart of the town following its original medieval layout. Small wooden houses from the 18th century line both sides of the street, where you'll find independent shops, cafes, and craft stores. The street sits three meters above the original Viking-era road, with centuries of history layered beneath. At the center stands the yellow town hall from 1744 - the smallest in Sweden.
Medieval Churches and Ruins
St. Mary's Church from the 13th century remains the oldest building still in use in Sigtuna. The brick church walls contain medieval paintings, and its architecture reflects both Romanesque and Gothic periods. Three medieval church ruins - St. Peter's, St. Lawrence's, and St. Olof's - remain from the early Middle Ages when Sigtuna was a Christian center.
Discovering Runestones
You can find more than 150 runestones in and around Sigtuna, including 15 stones in the town center. These 11th-century stones carry ancient Norse inscriptions about Viking-age inhabitants. Pick up a runic alphabet guide at the Sigtuna Museum to read the messages yourself. The museum exhibits also include Viking-era artifacts, coins, and tools that show how people lived in medieval Sigtuna.
Castles Near Sigtuna
Five castles lie within driving distance of Sigtuna. Skokloster Castle, built in the 1600s, stands on the shore of Lake Mälaren with its baroque architecture. At Rosersberg Palace, you can see Empire-style interiors from the early 1800s, maintained in their original condition. Wenngarn Castle dates back to medieval times, while Steninge Castle was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, the same architect behind Stockholm's Royal Palace.
Getting to Sigtuna
Take a train from Stockholm to Märsta station, then catch bus 575 or 570 to Sigtuna. The journey takes about an hour. In summer, you can travel by boat across Lake Mälaren. If you're flying into Arlanda Airport, Sigtuna is just 15 minutes away by car.
Seasonal Activities
During the four Sundays before Christmas, the Sigtuna Christmas Market fills the streets with craft and food stalls. Summer brings more activity to the lakeside promenade, with walking paths and boat trips. Try the 12-hole adventure golf course by the waterfront, where each hole includes miniature versions of Sigtuna's historic buildings.
