Sigtuna sits beside Lake Mälaren, in the lush landscape of Uppland, north of Stockholm. It is Sweden’s first town and was founded in AD 980, the last century of the Viking era. Sigtuna’s wondrous history is depicted in the medieval churches, ruins, rune stones and buildings that stand to this day in and around the town. If, after visiting present day Sigtuna, you were to carve your own rune stone, we hope you would describe it as ‘charming’ and ‘idyllic’. Along Stora gatan, which has stood for one thousand years, are clusters of interesting little shops selling fashion, design and handicrafts. At Christmas time and the four weeks of Advent it is full of Christmas markets selling local handicrafts and delicacies. In spring, summer and autumn you can enjoy canoeing, golf (8 courses close to town) and many other outdoor activities. Don’t forget to visit Sigtuna Museum with its fascinating exhibitions of Sigtuna through the ages, or take the guided tour of Sigtuna accompanied by a local and round it off with a visit to one of the town’s many quality eateries. Sigtuna’s location makes it an ideal stop-off as it is only 45 minutes from Stockholm, 30 minutes from university town Uppsala and just 20 minutes from Arlanda airport.