Birka – Sweden’s first city
Founded in the 8th century, in its heyday it boasted over one thousand inhabitants and was a bustling trade centre connecting Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea.
 |
|
The Ansgar Monument, Birka |
|
Photo: Beppe Arvidsson |
From excavations, we know that visitors came from as far away as the Middle East. Today Birka is an important Viking heritage site.
You can get to it by ferry from Stockholm. The journey takes about 1 1/2 hours and takes you through the inner archipelago of Lake Mälaren.
Excavations are still going on - though there is nothing left of Birka but remains, the life and history of this once bustling city are brought vividly to life through guided tours by archaeologists, a museum displaying all the findings and a whole range of interesting temporary exhibitions.
You learn about the warriors who were paid to protect the city and what was found in the ”warriors hall”, the biggest building in the settlement. You learn about the king who founded Birka and lived in Hovgården at Adelsö on the island next door and about Ansgar, the monk who came to the city in 830 AD to try to convert the Vikings to Christianity.
One of the ferry companies has English-speaking guides on the boats during high season. Once on the island, there is a guided tour of the most recent excavations and what they have found during the day. Find out if there are special activities planned for children during the day - such as trying out different crafts or tasting food that was eaten during the Viking era.