Viking History Tours from Stockholm

The Vikings of Sweden are famed across the world as an unruly bunch of marauders and raiders that colonized great areas of the world between the 8th, and 11th centuries. However, by taking part in a Viking history tour from Stockholm, you’ll discover the local history of this time period and learn more about the people who lived through it.

From hand-carved runestones to crumbling religious monuments, there are plenty of remnants from this era to be discovered on one of these fascinating excursions.

Here's all you need to know about Viking History, one of the most captivating day tours in Stockholm.

What are the best Viking history tours from Stockholm?

Small group Sigtuna Viking history tour from Stockholm

The first destination you’ll visit on this small group Viking history tour from Stockholm is Broby Bro where you’ll discover a cluster of runestones, which are associated with an 11th-century clan, led by a local chief, Jarlabanke. Moving on, you’ll head to Täby where you’ll explore another collection — the Jarlabanke Runestones, of which there are approximately 20, all inscribed in ancient script.

Learn about how Viking parliaments were formed and the order of their meetings at Arkils tingstad before visiting Sweden’s crowning jewel — Sigtuna.

This 10th-century city is the oldest in Sweden, built during the transition between the Viking period and Middle Ages. Enjoy a local lunch before traveling back to Stockholm where you can spend the rest of your day relaxing or sightseeing.

Private half-day Viking history tour from Stockholm

Those who are looking for a more personal experience than a group tour provides should consider booking a private Viking day trip from Stockholm. While you’ll visit many of the same destinations as on group tours, you’ll benefit from being able to talk through their history one-on-one with an expert guide.

Ask any burning questions you have related to this time period and discover the legends of Sweden’s most notorious Vikings that have lasted over 1,000 years. Instead of visiting Sigtuna, you’ll end this tour in Valletuna, where you’ll wander its 12th-century church, learning a little more about the Medieval era, which directly followed the Viking period.

Full-day Viking history tour from Stockholm

By opting for a full-day Viking history experience, you’ll be able to dive deeper into this fascinating time period and visit additional sites. Alongside Broby Bro, Jarlabanke Runestones and Arkils tingstad, you’ll also visit Sigtuna where you’ll participate in a walking tour of its most notable monuments, which include the ruins of St. Olof’s Church, as well as St. Per’s Kyrkoruin, and the 13th-century Lutheran church of St. Mary’s.

Before returning to Stockholm, you’ll visit Gamla Uppsala, a small village just outside the city of Uppsala, once a significant destination, which seated the Swedish royal family and was home to a Norse temple. Travel into the main city itself where you’ll see the towering inky spires of its 13th-century cathedral and discover the roots of its prestigious university, which stretch back over 500 years.

As you roam this intriguing city, you’ll listen to an insightful commentary from your guide, filling you in on the sites you pass and offering you an insight into Sweden through the centuries.

Which places are visited?

Sigtuna

Sigtuna offers a window to the past as one of Sweden’s oldest towns, dating back to the second half of the Viking era during the 10th century. The destination is filled with historic churches, as well as a plethora of runestones. While some of these have been removed from their original locations and are now on display in the Sigtuna Museum, others have been left where they were first erected, and list the participants of various expeditions during the Viking period.

Gamla Uppsala

While today, Gamla Uppsala is a small village often overshadowed by the neighboring city of Uppsala, it was once a prominent destination in Southeastern Sweden.

Among the various attractions of the village, there is a cemetery, which features the burial mounds of more than 300 individuals from between the 6th and 12th centuries. While the identity of those buried has not been verified, legend has it the cemetery is the resting ground of several Swedish kings. The village also contained a temple dedicated to the Norse gods, Thor, Odin and Freyr, which was demolished by King Inge the Elder in the 11th century.

How much do Viking history tours from Stockholm cost?

A half-day private Viking history tour from Stockholm costs just US$140 per adult while children aged 10 to 15 cost just under US$90 each. Those under 10 can participate for US$40 each and there is a minimum booking requirement of two people.

Small group tours are limited to 25 travelers and cost between US$160, and US$170 per adult. Children between the ages of 11 and 15 cost US$100 each while those aged 10, and under pay just over US$40.

Full-day Stockholm Viking history tours have a maximum of 19 guests and cost just over US$200 per adult. Children from 13 and 17 cost between US$130, and US$170 depending on the destinations selected, while children under 13 cost just over US$60 each, regardless of the itinerary. You can choose between a standard public Viking history tour, which lasts 8 hours, or one which includes Uppsala and Sigtuna.

What is included?

You can expect Viking history tours from Stockholm to include the services of a professional guide who will lead you to various destinations and help you to step back in time through their engaging commentary. All entrance fees are typically covered, however, lunch is usually at your own expense.

Where do the tours start?

Viking tours from Stockholm include a convenient accommodation pickup service. You’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown menu and, on the day of the excursion, await collection from a friendly guide in the lobby at a predetermined time.

How long do they last?

Typically, Viking history tours from Stockholm last between 3 and 5 hours. This gives you the opportunity to visit a handful of sites within a stone’s throw of Sweden’s capital and discover the background behind each monument.

However, if you’re serious about educating yourself on the Viking era, you should consider selecting one of the offered full–day tours, which transport you to more destinations, and delve deeper into the history of each site.

When is the best time for a Viking history tour from Stockholm?

While you can visit Stockholm year-round, some Viking sites may have limited hours or be less accessible during the colder winter months.

Travel tips

• Check local calendars for events: viking reenactments, markets, and festivals can offer a hands-on experience of Viking culture.
• Many Viking sites are ancient and should be treated with respect. Avoid touching or climbing on fragile structures.
• Engage with local historians or enthusiasts. They can often provide unique stories or direct you to lesser-known sites.