Stockholm to Sigtuna & Uppsala: Viking History Day Trip

Summary

Swedish countryside, ancient runes, and stories of Viking lives

You’ll step into Sweden’s Viking past as you touch ancient runestones near Stockholm, walk Sigtuna’s cobbled lanes with your guide, stand atop royal burial mounds at Old Uppsala, and catch sweeping views from Uppsala Castle — all while hearing stories that make history feel close enough to touch.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Stockholm just after sunrise — the city still half asleep — and the road north was all green fields and little red houses. Our guide, Erik (who looked like he could actually be descended from Vikings), started pointing out these old stone markers along the way. I’d seen photos of Viking runestones before but standing there in the cool morning air, tracing my fingers over those carved lines, it hit different. Erik told us about Estrid, a woman whose name is still there after a thousand years. The stone felt rough and cold under my hand — I tried to sound out some Old Norse words but mostly just made everyone laugh.

We stopped at Arkils Tingstad next — apparently one of the best preserved Viking assembly sites anywhere. It’s just this grassy circle by a lake now, quiet except for birds and the wind moving through reeds. Erik explained how people would gather here to argue or settle things; it made me think about how much drama must’ve played out right where we were standing. We wandered down to the water’s edge and he talked about ships heading off for places like England or even further. I kept imagining what it would’ve sounded like back then — shouting, laughter, maybe someone sulking after losing an argument.

Sigtuna was smaller than I expected but almost too perfect with its wooden houses and cobbled streets. We had lunch here (I went for gravlax — salty, sweet, dill everywhere) and wandered around a church ruin where you could still see marks from centuries ago. There was this odd moment when an older couple stopped to chat with Erik in Swedish; I only caught bits but they seemed proud that tourists were interested in their town’s history. After that we headed up to Old Uppsala — those burial mounds are massive up close, like grassy whales in the landscape. The air smelled faintly of earth and wildflowers.

The last bit was Uppsala itself: cathedral bells echoing off old university buildings, students zipping by on bikes. We climbed up to Uppsala Castle’s courtyard for a view over everything — rooftops stretching out under low clouds. By then my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these stories and half-imagined scenes from a thousand years ago. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Viking sites and historic towns

• See Viking runestones and learn history
• Walk on reconstructed Viking causeway bridge
• Visit Viking assembly site Arkils Tingstad
• Explore church ruins linked to King Olof
• Walk tour and lunch in Sigtuna town
• Visit Old Uppsala burial mounds
• Tour Uppsala historic district and cathedral
• View Uppsala Castle courtyard and history

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Stockholm to Sigtuna & Uppsala?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including transfers between sites.

Is hotel pickup included for this Viking history tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included within 3km of Stockholm Central Station.

What will I see on this day trip from Stockholm?

You’ll visit Viking runestones, Arkils Tingstad assembly site, Sigtuna town (with church ruins), Old Uppsala burial mounds, Uppsala Cathedral, and Uppsala Castle courtyard.

Is lunch included on the Sigtuna & Uppsala tour?

You’ll have lunch in Sigtuna during free time; lunch cost isn’t specified as included.

Are there walking tours during this day trip?

Yes, there are guided walks in Sigtuna and historic districts in Uppsala.

Can I book this tour if traveling with children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will we see real Viking artifacts or just reconstructions?

You’ll see authentic 1000-year-old runestones and gravefields plus reconstructed elements like the causeway bridge.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central Stockholm (or cruise port except Nynäshamn), all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, guided visits to Viking runestones near Stockholm, Arkils Tingstad assembly site, Sigtuna town (with free time for lunch), Old Uppsala royal mounds, Uppsala Cathedral (entry optional), and panoramic views from Uppsala Castle courtyard before returning in the evening.