Birka

On the island of Björkö, located on Lake Mälaren, you will find a Viking village. Birka , because that's what it's all about, is one of the Swedish attractions on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List . It is considered the first official city in Sweden. The settlement was founded in the Middle Ages and quickly became an important center of trade.

Birka, Sweden - © Brate

However, over time, its importance began to decline, and a large part of the inhabitants (of whom, at the peak of Birka's popularity, may have been up to 1,000) began to move to other parts of the country. Currently, there is an archaeological site , which includes, among others 2000 burial mounds, reconstructed Viking houses and a museum. There is a restaurant, a cafe on site, there is also a port and even a swimming pool with a beach. The area of Birka can be visited independently or under the supervision of a guide.

Who is Birka for?

Birka should be visited first of all by people fascinated by the history and culture of the Vikings . If you like exploring archaeological sites, you'll also like it.